Mincho Kondarev

Professor Mincho Genchev Kondarev, a corresponding member of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAN) and Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, entered the history of European agrarian science as an outstanding scientist, breeder-ampelographer, and prominent organizer of higher education. Serving as the Rector of the Higher Agricultural Institute in Plovdiv (now the Agricultural University) from 1961 to 1966, he elevated the national school of viticulture to an international level. Professor Kondarev's scientific endeavors focused primarily on intraspecific hybridization and the enhancement of quality traits within the Vitis vinifera species.

Scientific and Organizational Activity and School Development

The life and scientific path of Professor Kondarev (1903–1997) were inextricably linked with the establishment of Bulgarian ampelography. Over his career, he published more than 250 scientific works, becoming the founder and long-term head of the Department of Viticulture in Plovdiv from 1947 to 1969.

The main contributions of Mincho Kondarev to the development of science include:

• Modernization of Educational and Experimental Infrastructure: Under his leadership, the unique live collection of grapevine varieties at the Agricultural University was formed, serving as a fundamental genetic repository for breeding work in Southern Bulgaria.
• Foundational Textbooks: Kondarev co-authored academic textbooks that became classics in Bulgaria, such as "Lozarstvo" (Viticulture) and "Narachnik po lozarstvo" (Handbook of Viticulture), written in collaboration with Academician Nedelcho Nedelchev. Generations of European agronomists were trained using these publications.
• Pruning and Agrotechnical Research: The professor conducted fundamental studies on the impact of pruning systems on crop quantity and quality, publishing landmark works including "The Influence of Pruning on the Quantity and Quality of Grapes" (1951) and "Pruning of Valuable Wine Grape Varieties" (1969).

Breeding Achievements and Signature Varieties

In his breeding practice, Mincho Kondarev combined classical intraspecific hybridization methods with a deep analysis of both the winemaking and consumer potential of the grapevine. For his achievements, he was awarded the title of Honored Scientist of Bulgaria and twice became a laureate of the Dimitrov Prize.

The professor's key breeding achievements include:

• Development of the Kondarev 6 Variety: An outstanding original seedless white table grape variety bred by the professor in 1972 in Plovdiv (experimental plot in the village of Markovo). Obtained by crossing the Asiatic variety Rizamat × Seedless Hybrid VI-4, it was officially approved in 1992. It is highly valued for its very large clusters (average weight 587 g), elongated crisp berries weighing around 6 g, and a harmonious sweet flavor with a complete absence of seeds.
• Development of the Kondarev 10 Variety: A prominent high-quality seedless black table grape variety officially approved in 1991. This hybrid was created through the genetic cross of Rizamat × Seedless Hybrid VI-4. It is classified as a mid-season ripening variety, reaching maturity in the first half of September (requiring a growing period of approximately 138–140 days). It is widely appreciated by viticulturists for its large clusters, crisp flesh texture, and excellent transportability characteristics.
• Viticultural Zoning: Kondarev was a key co-author of the large-scale state project "Zoning of Viticulture in Bulgaria" (1960), which scientifically determined the optimal territorial zones for the industrial cultivation of both table and wine grape varieties across the country.

Scientific Legacy

Professor Mincho Kondarev demonstrated that academic science must serve commercial production and possess a practical application. Elected as a member of the Italian Academy of Viticulture and Enology in 1968, he solidified the authority of the Bulgarian ampelographic school on a global level. The principles of pruning valuable varieties developed under his guidance and the seedless hybrids he created remain essential elements of modern viticulture in the Balkans.