Fercal
| Variety Passport | |
| Country of origin: | France |
| Breeder: | INRA |
| Variety number VIVC: | 4087 |
| Prime name: | Fercal |
| Year of obtaining / registration: | obtained in 1959 |
| Pedigree given by breeder: | Berlandieri Colombard 1 A x EM 333 |
| Pedigree confirmed by markers: | Berlandieri Colombard Number 1 B × 31 Richter |
| Rootstock type: | Phylloxera-resistant, Lime-tolerant |
| Data Sources: | Vitis International Variety Catalogue (VIVC), INRAE (France) |
| Agrobiology | |
| Vigor: | semi-vigorous |
| Lateral shoot formation: | strong |
| Flower type: | female |
| Active lime tolerance: | 40% |
| Drought tolerance: | tolerant |
| Waterlogging tolerance: | medium |
| Nematode susceptibility: | 3 points (low resistance) |
| Root phylloxera susceptibility: | 2 points (resistant) |
| Rooting ability: | high |
| Graft compatibility with Vitis vinifera: | medium |
| Recommended soil types: | Limestone soils, with high active limestone content, and soils with humid spring conditions |
| Ampelographic overview |
Origin history and economic significance
The rootstock variety Fercal was obtained in 1959 by the INRA organization in France. The variety Fercal was bred from the genetic crossbreeding of parent forms Berlandieri Colombard number 1 B and 31 Richter. The main economic significance of the grape rootstock Fercal lies in its exceptionally high adaptation to limestone soils and outstanding resistance to chlorosis.
The rootstock Fercal demonstrates a good affinity with grape graft varieties, ensuring balanced fertility and stable yields. The vigor conferred by the variety Fercal to grafts is rated from moderate to high, with good quality of the resulting products. The rootstock variety Fercal is particularly well suited to the Syrah variety. Specific interaction features include difficulties in absorbing magnesium from the soil, which can lead to symptoms of magnesium deficiency in grafts, especially against the background of excessive potassium fertilization.
Ampelographic description of the rootstock variety Fercal
Morphological features of the variety Fercal are described by the following key elements:
- Young shoot (tip): The tip of the young shoot is half open, characterized by a piping anthocyanin coloration. A very high density of prostrate hairs is observed.
- Young leaves: Characterized by a very high density of prostrate hairs.
- Shoots: Feature a ribbed surface, a circular or slightly elliptic section. The shoots have a high density of both erect and prostrate hairs.
- Adult leaf: Adult leaves are wedge- or kidney-shaped, entire. The leaf blade is involute. The petiole sinus is an open U-shape. The teeth are short compared to their width.
- Flower type: Female flower type.
- Berries: Small size, round shape, with blue-black skin coloration.
- Woody shoot: Woody shoots are characterized by a medium density of erect hairs.
Features of agricultural technology in nursery management
On rootstock mother vines in nurseries, the variety Fercal demonstrates medium length and diameter of internodes, with a significant growth of lateral shoot buds. Wood production of the rootstock Fercal is moderate, ranging from 30 000 to 60 000 meters per hectare. Harvested canes require strict compliance with storage conditions to avoid dehydration. Before use, the canes of the rootstock Fercal must be well rehydrated.
The variety Fercal has a very good cutting capacity for rooting, while its grafting aptitude is rated as moderate, which is associated with a substantial wood pith in the canes. The stratification time for this rootstock is relatively short. The use of hormones during the propagation of the rootstock Fercal is not necessary and must be moderate if performed.