Velika
| Variety Passport | |
| Country of origin: | Bulgaria |
| Breeder: | The "Obraztsov Chiflik" Institute |
| Variety number VIVC: | 17754 |
| Prime name: | Velika |
| Year of obtaining / registration: | obtained in 1987, entered into the State Variety Register in 1997 |
| Pedigree given by breeder: | Todorov 3-32 (Bolgar x Alphonse Lavallee) S.P. |
| Pedigree confirmed by markers: | Todorov 3-32 x Todorov 3-32 |
| Species: | Vitis vinifera |
| Ripening period: | Early-medium |
| Classification and Use: | Table, Commercial sale, Fresh consumption |
| Resistance group: | Susceptible |
| Data Sources: | Vitis International Variety Catalogue (VIVC), ИЗС Образцов чифлик (Bulgaria) |
| Agrobiology | |
| Vigor: | vigorous |
| Flower type: | hermaphrodite |
| Winter hardiness: | Non-hardy (-15...-17°C) |
| Pruning length: | mixed / Guyot |
| Recommended rootstocks: | SO 4, 41 B, Rupestris du Lot |
| Clusters and berries | |
| Bunch shape: | conical, cylindro-conical |
| Bunch density: | loose |
| Average bunch weight: | 560 g |
| Berry shape: | long |
| Berry skin color: | black |
| Average berry weight: | 14 g |
| Seed development: | seeded |
| Flesh texture: | firm / crunchy |
| Berry skin thickness: | medium |
| Berry skin texture: | tender |
| Sugar content: | 16,3% |
| Total acidity: | 5,9 g/l |
| Flavor type: | Neutral |
| Ampelographic overview |
Key Characteristics
The early-to-medium ripening table grape variety Velika was bred by breeder Ivan Todorov in 1987 through the self-pollination of a hybrid combination Bolgar x Alphonse Lavallée. The variety was officially recognized by the State Variety Commission in 1997. The vegetative period lasts approximately 130 days, and the full ripening of the harvest occurs around August 20. The grape variety Velika demonstrates exceptionally high productivity: when cultivated on a trunk height of 60 cm (raised Guyot), yield figures reach up to 32 tons per hectare.
The vines possess great vigor. The grape variety Velika forms large clusters with an average weight of 560 grams. The structure of the clusters is loose. In terms of berry size, this variety surpasses all new table grape varieties. The average weight of a single berry is 14 grams, with geometric dimensions of 38.5x22.6 mm. The berries are long, featuring a slight constriction (narrowing) in the middle and a characteristic tapering toward the tip. Inside the berry, there are small or medium-sized seeds that separate easily from the pulp.
Technological Properties and Viticultural Features
The skin of the fruit is black in color, characterized by medium thickness and a tender, easily edible texture. The surface of the berries is covered with a thick pruinosity (waxy bloom). The pulp is distinguished by a pronounced crunchy consistency, and the taste is noble and harmonious. Upon reaching consumer maturity, the variety Velika accumulates an average of 16.3% sugars with a titratable acidity level of the berry juice at 5.9 g/l.
The transportability of the harvested grapes is extremely high; the berry resistance values to crushing are 2300 grams, and to detachment from the pedicel — 540 grams, which ensures an excellent market appearance for commercial realization. Winter hardiness and disease resistance values are within the normal range for the European-Asian species Vitis vinifera. For successful cultivation, SO-4, Chasselas x Berlandieri 41 B, and Monticola rootstocks are recommended.