FERCAL

Fercal is a grape rootstock created in France between 1952 and 1959 through complex crosses of European varieties, including Berlandieri and Colombard. It is characterized by medium-height bushes with medium cane lengths of about 2.5 m and a diameter of 7–8 mm. Bushes develop short internodes (9–12 cm) and abundant suckering, which ensures good productivity with proper care.

One of the key advantages of Fercal is its exceptional resistance to lime chlorosis: the variety withstands up to 60% carbonates in the soil and up to 40% active lime, and is considered the most chlorosis-resistant among available rootstocks. At the same time, it tolerates moist soils well but grows poorly on dry soils due to its shallow root system, which spreads and is predominantly surface-level. Its salt tolerance is low, and drought resistance is moderate.

Fercal demonstrates moderate resistance to fungal diseases (root and leaf phylloxera), nematodes, and downy mildew, but requires multiple suckering and pruning to produce standard cuttings. Cuttings root well, and the rootstock quickly forms a union in grafting, making it compatible with most grape varieties. Thanks to its characteristics, Fercal contributes to higher sugar accumulation and reduced acidity in wines produced on grafted vines.

The variety has moderate labor intensity in care: regular pruning and control of soil moisture are required, along with protection against root phylloxera. Despite low frost resistance (limit –25 °C), Fercal remains in demand in regions with mild climates where resistance to lime chlorosis and good productivity on moist soils are important.