Rootstock VIERUL 3

Vierul-3 rootstock – a selection result conducted in 1965 in the Moldavian SSR. It belongs to Franco-American rootstocks and is characterized by a vigorous bush with large, oval, slightly shiny leaves that exhibit weak reticulation and a dark green hue. Leaves are typically 3–5 lobed in youth and three-lobed with medium dissection and an open petiole notch in maturity.

The variety exhibits high resistance to phylloxera in both root and leaf forms. It does not chlorose in the presence of active lime in the soil up to 20% according to Gale and is undemanding regarding soil conditions, making it suitable for most soil types, including calcareous soils. Bushes are vigorous, internodes are of medium length (12–14 cm), and shoots are uniform in thickness, ensuring good grafting compatibility with most European varieties.

Vierul-3 is recommended as a rootstock replacement for Cobert 5BB and Berlandieri × Riparia in southern regions where high productivity and low density of grafted plantations are required. Despite moderate bud winter hardiness, the vine is virtually undamaged by frost down to –26°C, although the probability of bud mortality can reach 65–70%. The rootstock is suitable for most soils but is poorly adapted to waterlogged soil and may be affected by oidium without treatment. It is included in the state register and is considered a reliable choice for vineyards with calcareous soils.