Lydia
| Variety Passport | |
| Country of origin: | North America |
| Variety number VIVC: | 7009 |
| Prime name: | Lydia |
| Principal Synonyms: | Lydia Blanche, Isabella Krasnaia, Isabella Rosovaia, Lac Erie |
| Pedigree given by breeder: | Selected from Isabella seedlings |
| Pedigree confirmed by markers: | Isabella x ? |
| Species: | Interspecific hybrid |
| Ripening period: | Medium-late |
| Classification and Use: | Dual-purpose |
| Resistance group: | Complex resistant |
| Data Sources: | Vitis International Variety Catalogue (VIVC), Сорта винограда (М. А. Лазаревский изд. 1959) |
| Agrobiology | |
| Vigor: | vigorous |
| Flower type: | hermaphrodite |
| Downy mildew susceptibility: | 1 point (highly resistant) |
| Powdery mildew susceptibility: | 1 point (highly resistant) |
| Botrytis susceptibility: | 1 point (highly resistant) |
| Root phylloxera susceptibility: | 3 points (low resistance) |
| Winter hardiness: | High frost resistante (-24...-26°C) |
| Clusters and berries | |
| Bunch shape: | conical |
| Bunch density: | loose |
| Average bunch weight: | 60-100 g |
| Berry shape: | rounded |
| Berry skin color: | red |
| Seed development: | seeded |
| Flesh texture: | mucilaginous |
| Berry skin thickness: | Thick |
| Berry skin texture: | tough |
| Berry Flesh Color: | Non-colored |
| Flavor type: | Labrusca |
| Ampelographic overview |
Main characteristics of Lydia grapes
The Lydia variety belongs to the American species Vitis labrusca L., being selected among seedlings of Isabella, which it closely resembles morphologically. Within the Soviet Union, the cultivar became significantly widespread in Ukraine, particularly on the Lower Dnieper sands. Small-scale plantings are also found in Moldavia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and northern viticultural regions, including the Saratov, Tambov, and Orenburg oblasts. This grape is classified as a universal table-wine variety of the mid-late ripening period. Full maturity of the berries occurs by late September in the Odessa region and in early October in the Kiev region.
Morphological characteristics of vegetative and generative organs of the variety:
- Formed leaf: Large or medium-sized, dark green, round in outline, and flat. The leaf blade is three-lobed and medium-sectioned. The upper surface has a reticulate-rugose structure. The lower surface is covered with a dense tomentose pubescence that partially gathers into flakes, with weaker pubescence on the veins.
- Leaf incisions and sinuses: Upper incisions are shallow or of medium depth, open slot-like or lyre-shaped with nearly parallel sides; they can be closed with elliptical openings on one side of the leaf blade. The bottom of the incisions is rounded, occasionally featuring a small spur. Lower incisions are absent or barely marked. The petiolar sinus is open, lyre-shaped or arrow-shaped.
- Teeth: Broadly triangular at the ends of the lobes. Marginal teeth are low, very wide with convex sides, or transitional to dome-shaped forms.
- Bunch: Small in size, with a length of 8 to 12 cm. The shape is conical, and the structure is loose or very loose. The average number of berries per bunch varies from 15 to 30.
- Berry: Large, round or weakly oval. The coloration is dark pink, and the surface is covered with a dense waxy bloom of a lilac tint. The skin is thick and separates from the pulp as a pouch.
Agricultural practices of the Lydia variety
Vines are characterized by strong growth vigor. Cultivar productivity is high due to the biological capacity to initiate a large number of inflorescences, frequently developing 3 to 6 bunches per shoot, despite a low average bunch weight of 60–100 g. The plants possess hermaphroditic flowers and exhibit relatively good winter hardiness. The cultivar tolerates increased soil moisture well and demonstrates high resistance to fungal diseases. However, phylloxera resistance indicators are classified as low. The variety is included in the standard assortments of the Ukrainian and Moldavian SSRs.
Consumption and harvest processing capabilities
The technological potential of the berries is determined by their specific consistency and aromatic qualities: the pulp has a slimy texture and tightly encloses the seeds. The flavor profile is harmonious, with a distinct specific "isabella" flavor resembling strawberry. Due to the attractive skin color, the harvested crop is used as a table grape for local consumption, as the berries do not withstand long-distance commercial transport. In Ukraine, the grapes are partially processed for the production of dessert wine under the identical varietal brand name.