Azerbaijan to plant grape variety from Germany

Azerbaijan will begin growing the Calardis Blanc grape variety, developed by the Institute for Grapevine Breeding Geilweilerhof (Germany), Vugar Salimov, director of the Scientific Research Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking of Azerbaijan's Agriculture Ministry, told Report.

He noted that 100 seedlings of this grape variety have already been sent to the Shamakhi district under the agreement.

Specialists will study their cultivation in dryland farming conditions, adaptation, resistance to diseases, pests, drought and high temperatures.

If the results are successful, Calardis Blanc will be recommended for cultivation on farms. This variety, obtained by crossing Calardis Musque and Seyve Villard, is distinguished by white berries, high resistance to diseases and sunburn, and also reduces the need for fungicides by 80%. It is suitable for the production of table and champagne wines.

Vugar Salimov noted that due to global warming and climate change, the world is seeing a decrease in precipitation and an increase in droughts. This leads to a loss of up to 50% of the harvest in the driest years. In this regard, Azerbaijani specialists are conducting research on the development of resistant grape varieties, the creation of new irrigation systems and the use of water-saving technologies.

Methods for optimal cultivation, protection from stress factors and agrochemical means of combating drought are also being developed. According to Salimov, work is underway around the world to develop grape varieties that can withstand adverse environmental factors, including drought, diseases and pests.