COMPARATIVE CHARACTERIZATION OF VITIS VINIFERA L. GENOTYPES BASED ON MORPHOLOGICAL, AGROBIOLOGICAL, AND PHENOLOGICAL TRAITS

Abstract

The phenological and morphological diversity of grapevine in Romania provides opportunities for conservation and breeding. This study characterized five Vitis vinifera L. accessions (‘Radames’, ‘Leana’, ‘Rodi’, ‘Triumf’, and ‘Syrah’) from the germplasm collection of INCDBH Ștefănești–Argeș. Characterization followed OIV (2023) descriptors, focusing on varietal traits and accessions' phenology. The main stages (budburst, flowering, veraison, ripening) were recorded, and earliness was analyzed. Morphological and phenological data allowed cultivar differentiation and highlighted adaptation patterns. Cluster analysis (UPGMA), based on Euclidean distances, identified three distinct groups, demonstrating morphological and phenological diversity. The results support documentation and conservation of grapevine genetic resources and sustainable viticulture and breeding programs.