AZOS-4
| Variety Passport | |
| Country of origin: | Russia |
| Breeder: | AZOS ViV |
| Patent: | №2896, Russia |
| Pedigree given by breeder: | Fillokseroustoychivyy Dzhemete × (paternal form is not specified by the breeder) |
| Rootstock type: | Phylloxera-resistant, Lime-tolerant |
| Agrobiology | |
| Vigor: | weak |
| Lateral shoot formation: | weak |
| Shoot ripening: | 95-98% |
| Resistance to fungal diseases: | resistant |
| Leaf phylloxera susceptibility: | 1 point (highly resistant) |
| Graft compatibility with Vitis vinifera: | high |
| Ampelographic overview |
Origin and Viticultural Significance
The rootstock grape variety AZOS-4 was bred at the Anapa Zonal Experimental Station of Viticulture and Winemaking through the targeted hybridization of the variety Fillokseroustoychivyy Dzhemete with the rootstocks CO4, Creciunel-2, Chasselas × Berlandieri 41-B, or Richter-44. The variety has successfully undergone production trials under the environmental conditions of the Kuban region, has been officially zoned, and is recommended for practical application as a rootstock across all viticultural zones of the Russian Federation.
The commercial value of this rootstock lies in its short vegetative period, early and complete maturation of cane tissues, and its unique compact vine habit. The variety is highly technological, ensuring excellent callus formation and graft healing with many European grape varieties (Vitis vinifera), guaranteeing a high output of first-grade planting material. The development of lime-induced chlorosis and typical vine diseases has not been observed on this rootstock.
Ampelographic Description
- Leaf: Medium-sized, orbicular, five-lobed, almost entire. The margins of the leaf blade are undulating, and the blade itself is weakly funnel-shaped. The upper surface is characterized by a slightly reticulate structure and a dark green color with a distinct metallic luster. The main veins on the upper side are colored green, while on the lower side, they acquire a pinkish-cherry tint. The upper sinuses are barely defined and are shaped as an incoming angle. The teeth at the tips of the leaf blade are triangular, with a slightly elongated apex. The petiole is shorter in length than the central leaf vein. Sparse, bristly pubescence is fixed on the main veins on the lower side of the leaf.
- Petiolar Sinus: Open, orbicular in shape, with a sharp base.
- Shoot and Cane: The growth vigor of the vines is weak, and the vine training form is compact, which significantly facilitates management operations within the vineyard. The internode length ranges between 12 and 13 cm. The mature cane features a distinct brown color and a round cross-section. Developed lateral shoots are weak, possessing a negligible length. Cane lignification is early and complete.
Nursery Management and Agrotechnical Features
In nursery environments, the AZOS-4 rootstock is valued for its low growth vigor and compact vine structure, making mother blocks highly suitable for mechanized and manual operations. The variety is characterized by low lateral shoot formation capacity, practically eliminating manual labor costs for disbudding and lateral removal. The rootstock provides a stable high yield of standard rootstock cuttings with a length of 0.5 m, averaging 150,000–155,000 cuttings per hectare. The canes feature early and complete maturation by the end of the vegetative season. The variety exhibits 100% immunity to lime-induced chlorosis, and absolute resistance to the foliar form of phylloxera (infestation by the pathogen is not observed). The vines are not affected by fungal diseases. High affinity indicators with Vitis vinifera scions guarantee superior graft healing and an excellent output of standard vines from the nursery block.