Research

Autochthonous populations of grapevines in Dalmatia are very old, and as a result of that genetic changes occur. A splitting phenomenon is expressed inside individual populations and a phenomenon of natural mutations. Concerning the mentioned changes, the populations of determined sorts are permanently watched and certain types are separated - the clones that exhibited determined phenotypical and genetic changes. The practical results of the selection, particularly the clone kind, are the enlarging of the nature of the grape with better quality and the eradication of degenerate changes in the grapevine.

Separated clones:

• the clone (plavac mali) little blue, in relation to the original population the sugar content and the quantity of total acids in the must is significantly greater,
• the clone nincusa, the grape bunch is more loose than in the original population and it is more fertile,
• the clone kujundzusa, has a greater content of total acids and is more resistant to yeast infection than the original population,
• the clone marastina, greater fertility and resistance to yeast infection,
• the clone plavina, greater fertility and sugar content in the must than in the must of the original population.

Some of the mentioned clones are turned over to the practice for elevating contemporary viticulture objects (Vrgorsko polje, Petrovo polje, etc).

Besides hybridization and clone selection, the significance of scientific research in the problematics of enriching the assortment of grape vine was actually the introduction of the best sorts in the world assortment. The activity concerning the research of the introduced sorts was carried out in many phases.

After many years of research on the introduction of the grapevine sorts a few sorts are turned over to practice:

• Uqni blanc, a very fertile white wine sort of French descent. More resistant to the Gary rot than any of the domesticated wine sorts, with a greater sugar content and acid in the grape.
• Rkaciteli, white wine sort that is suitable for the rocky fields, is resistant to low temperatures, is of adequate fertility and quality of grape.
• Saperavi, a black Georgian sort suitable for the production of qualitative red wine.
• Merlot, a black French sort, in the ambient of the agrotechnical conditions of "Petrovo polje" and "Vrgorsko jezero" gives very satisfactory results.

Separated are few table sorts with an early and late maturation periods suitable for freezing and transport: Primiera, Kalily, Alphanse Lovalee, Olivette and others.