Original scientific paper

Intravarietal variability of agronomic and chemical characteristics of clonal candidates of the variety ‘Trnjak crni’ (Vitis vinifera L.) in Imotski wine-growin region

Željko Andabaka ; Sveučilište u Zagrebu Agronomski fakultet, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Emanuel Harmat ; Sveučilište u Zagrebu Agronomski fakultet, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Iva Šikuten ; Sveučilište u Zagrebu Agronomski fakultet, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Nikola Grabovac ; Vinarija Grabovac – Provin d.o.o., Donji Proložac, Hrvatska *

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

‘Trnjak crni’ (Vitis vinifera L.) is an indigenous red grapevine variety traditionally grown in the Imotski and Vrgorac wine-growing regions of Croatia and in western Herzegovina. Due to its increasing economic and oenological importance, as well as the presence of pronounced intravarietal variability within its population, clonal selection of this cultivar was initiated in 2019. The aim of this study was to evaluate the agronomic and chemical variability among 22 clonal candidates of ‘Trnjak crni’ planted in a mother vineyard in the Imotski wine-growing region. During the 2023 growing season, uvometric and mechanical bunch traits, basic must quality parameters, organic acid composition, and phenolic compound groups in berry skins were analysed. The data were processed using one-way analysis of variance, while mean values were compared using Duncan’s multiple range test at p < 0.05. Significant differences among clonal candidates were observed for most of the analysed traits, confirming the existence of substantial intravarietal variability. The highest average bunch mass was recorded in candidate TRN40, while the highest sugar content in must was found in TRN66. Candidate TRN15 showed the highest total acidity and was also characterized by a particularly rich phenolic profile. Anthocyanins were the dominant group of phenolic compounds in berry skins, with the highest average concentration determined in candidate TRN19. In contrast, candidate TRN11 showed lower phenolic content combined with relatively high bunch mass, indicating a potentially favourable balance between yield and quality. These results confirm the importance of continued individual clonal selection of ‘Trnjak crni’ and provide a basis for identifying candidates with desirable traits for future viticultural and oenological use.

Keywords

‘Trnjak crni’; clonal selection; intravarietal variability; phenolic compounds; grapevine; Imotski wine-growing region

Hrčak ID:

353302

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/353302

Publication date:

26.10.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian

Visits: 0 *