Fertilization Biology Of Ancient Grape ‘Ekşi Kara’ (Vitis Vinifera L.)

Abstract

In some institutions in Turkey, grape breeding programs such as hybridization breeding between superior genotypes of Vitis vinifera L. varieties or clonal selection of local genotypes are carried out. Antique and autochthone grape varieties are grown since ancient times in the 'Ekşi Kara' (Vitis vinifera L.), Konya-Karaman provinces and middle Taurus Mountains. Economic value is high in the production area. Well adapted in region. Indispensable in location than many other varieties. It is also promising for similar ecologies. The development requirements of the this very productive variety has been identified as a need. The flower type of the variety is functional female. A pollinator is a requirement for a good fruit set. Another ancient and autochthone grape variety, 'Gök Üzüm', is used as a pollen source in the region. Clusters and berry sizes in the 'Ekşi Kara' variety in the producer vineyards are closely related to hens and chicken berry development percentage, berry growth, weather conditions (precipitation) during flowering and / or pollination period due to the honey bee activity.

This research was carried out under the conditions of the producer vineyards in which selected in the head clone candidates were identified by the 'Ekşi Kara' grape variety clone selection project of the Selçuk University Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Horticulture and the laboratory conditions. Fertilization biology of 220 selected head clone candidates were examined. The purpose of the study was to question the existence of self-fertile clones among the head clone candidates. For this purpose, the clone head candidates were self-pollinated in covered clusters, freely pollinated with ‘Gök Üzüm’ grape variety and pollens were tested for viability, pollen germination and tube growth of the germinated pollens.

All of the head clone candidates did not have any seeded fruit set in the covered flower clusters. Pollen grains were alive in different percentage but in laboratory conditions in all of the tested pollens were not germinate practically (less than 3%). A self-fertile clone candidate has not been identified. Honey bees and some other pollinator insects were the main elements of pollen transport from 'Gök Üzüm' to ‘Ekşi Kara’. The development of ampelographic and genetic databases will greatly contribute to genetic stocks that have not yet been evaluated in culturally diverse cultures or collections throughout the country, so that the correct identification of genotypes in general will be increased.