Wild Vines

Longobardi Nurseries currently has 15 hectares of mother plants on its farm for the production of vine rootstocks (PMP), commonly known as Virginia creepers. All Virginia creepers are planted using clonal selection material and are annually inspected and certified by the relevant authorities. Virginia creepers grown on the farm produce both free-grafting cuttings, used for the production of wild vines, and vine cuttings, which are used to form the base of grafted vines. In recent years, the farm has seen a progressive increase in the production of grafted vines, as they are now the most widely used for planting new vineyards. On the other hand, there has been a corresponding decline in the production of wild vines. Among the latter, the wild vines still produce those that are currently most popular with winemakers in southern regions, where free-grafting cuttings are still used for grafting in the field.

ROOTSTOCK CHOICE.
A winemaker intending to source wild cuttings for new or replanting vines must understand that choosing the right rootstock is a crucial step in establishing a new vineyard, as a poor choice or a mistake at this stage can jeopardize the future of the vineyard. This choice must be carefully considered, taking into account:

The soil and environmental conditions in which the vineyard is operating, particularly limiting factors such as drought, active limestone content, chloride content, micronutrient deficiencies, soil fertility and fatigue, and the presence of nematodes or root rot agents. For example, in highly calcareous, chlorinated soils, rootstocks such as 140 R or 34 E.M. are recommended. In salty coastal soils, 1.103 P. yields excellent results. In arid environments, 140 R and 1.103 P. are well suited. In case of replanting, 140 R is the one least affected by soil fatigue.

The grafting affinity with the cultivar being grafted, as a grafted grape variety yields good results only if it has a perfect grafting affinity with the rootstock.

The influence the rootstock has on the plant’s vegetative-productive balance, as it can influence the plant’s vigor, longevity, and vegetative rhythm, as well as the relationship between the quantity of grapes per vine and its quality. For example, in very fertile soils or in high-density plantings (espalier), the vine’s vegetative vigor must be limited. This can be achieved by using a less vigorous rootstock such as 420 A, 157/11, or 34 E.M. For low-density plantings (awnings) or on poor soils, we recommend using very vigorous rootstocks that can compensate for the soil’s poor fertility, such as 140 R. For early table grapes, we recommend using 34 EM, which, with a shorter vegetative cycle, can accelerate grape ripening.

It is undoubtedly helpful, however, to base your choice of rootstock on local experience, trying to understand which rootstocks, in conditions similar to your own, have yielded the best results.
That said, the following technical data sheets list the rootstocks currently available at Longobardi Nurseries, along with the main characteristics of each. This data sheet is not intended to be comprehensive, but rather to serve as a useful reference tool for both technicians and anyone planning to establish new vineyards and faced with the challenging task of choosing the right rootstock.

Some useful information for planting.
At Longobardi Nurseries, each wild rootstock or grafted vine is prepared, packaged, and stored to ensure it is delivered to the customer in the most suitable conditions to ensure proper rooting. Once uprooted, the rootstocks or grafted vines are expertly selected, trimmed, and further waxed to protect the graft from high temperatures, which can cause dehydration, and low temperatures (late frosts). Finally, they are packaged in suitable packaging to maintain the vines’ germination potential. Specifically, the plants, with their roots covered in moist peat, are wrapped in black plastic film to ensure the non-waxed parts of the plants retain a good level of humidity, and packaged in boxes. To prevent the plants from sprouting, which removes reserve nutrients, these boxes are stored in rooms or cold rooms at temperatures of +2/+5°C until they are delivered to the customer for planting. In these optimal conditions, the vines retain their full vegetative potential, allowing them to grow and develop from the very beginning without suffering significant transplant stress. The following precautions are recommended:

BEFORE PLANTING: carefully prepare the soil, do not plant excessively early, especially if the soil is wet, compact, and cold, remove the vines or cuttings to be planted a few days before planting to allow them to acclimatize, and store them in their original packaging in a sheltered, cool place, especially away from drafts and sharp temperature changes. Soak the roots of the vines or cuttings in water for at least 12 hours before planting to allow the tissues to rehydrate after the transport and storage period.

WHEN PLANTING: Only plant if the soil is well-drained. Prepare the plants by cutting the roots to 1 cm. Firm the soil at the base of the plants to ensure good root contact and prevent the formation of empty spaces. This settling of the soil around the base of the plant can be achieved very well by watering, which will ensure the soil in contact with the roots is well-moistened. Plant the plants 25–30 cm deep, less in moist soil and more in dry soil. Leave the grafting point above ground level (5–8 cm above ground) to prevent the scion from breaking free (the part above ground should be protected with a mound of soil that should remain after sprouting). Do not fertilize or treat pests in the hole or near the roots to avoid damaging the root systems.

AFTER PLANTING: grafted vines require special attention to anti-downy mildew treatments, continuing until autumn. Avoid using copper-based products during the first months of growth. In dry years, emergency irrigation is required.