Rootstock BERLANDIERI X RIPARIA COBER 5BB

Cober 5BB is an old but widely used rootstock obtained by crossing wild American species in 1886. It is characterized by vigorous bushes with straight and long spreading canes reaching up to 4-5 m in length. The vine possesses a powerful root system penetrating deeply (up to 7 m) and well-branched, ensuring drought resistance and high bud winter hardiness.

The rootstock variety differs in appearance with a greenish-bronze, densely pubescent crown. Leaves are round, dark green, soft and leathery with a petiole notch in the shape of the Latin letter 'V'. Bunches are small, loose, and cylindrical-conical, while berries are small, round, black with a bluish hue. Flowers are female, and the period from budburst to leaf fall is about 180 days with a sum of active temperatures of 3250 °C.

Cober 5BB enhances scion shoot growth and increases yield by increasing bunch and berry mass. However, in some cases, it may reduce berry quality and delay ripening, especially on very fertile soils where the rootstock transfers enhanced growth force to the scion.

Suitable for cultivation is light, permeable soil; it grows well on poor gravelly soils and slopes. The variety is resistant to fungal diseases (especially in southern Ukraine) as well as to root phylloxera. High drought resistance and the ability to withstand up to 20% soluble lime forms make it suitable for various agricultural systems, including vertical wire trellis with a planting density of about 2000 bushes per hectare.

Cober 5BB is a reliable choice for those looking for a rootstock capable of enhancing growth and increasing scion yield without significant soil and agronomic requirements.