Dessert variety “Naiden” is distinguished by high fertility and yield

The variety „Naiden” is a newly bred variety approved by the Institute of Viticulture and Enology - Pleven. It is a mid-ripening red table grape variety, obtained through intraspecific hybridization by crossing the varieties Danube x Rusalka 3 at the Experimental Field of the Institute of Viticulture and Enology – Pleven by Miroslav Ivanov, Iliyan Simeonov and Anatoli Iliev. It was approved by the Executive Agency for Variety Testing, Approbation and Seed Control in 2019 and patented by the Patent Office in 2023 with certificate number 11252.

The duration of the vegetation period is about 170 days. The bunch is large, conical, from loose to moderately compact, with an average weight of 750-850 g. The berry is very large, drop-shaped (specific), dark violet coloured, with an average weight of 8 – 9 g.

In the region of Pleven, under trunk training and a load of 22 winter buds per vine, 83.50% of the winter buds develop. The fruitful shoots are 76.60%, and the fertility coefficient is 1.04. The theoretical yield per vine is 10.8 kg, and per decare – 2770 kg. The variety Naiden is not prone to coulure and millerandage. It is characterized by very good flowering and fruit set. The variety can be grown in low and trunk improved Guyot training systems, with a length of the fruiting canes from 14 to 16 buds. For better grape quality during the growing season, green pruning operations are necessary – shoot thinning, cluster thinning and removal of part of the leaves around the clusters. Naiden develops and bears fruit very well when grafted onto the rootstock Berlandieri x Riparia SO4. The variety is susceptible to downy mildew (5 points) and low winter temperatures, but is relatively tolerant to powdery mildew and grey rot (3 points).

The variety is distinguished by high fertility and yield. The grapes have a harmonious neutral taste and are suitable for consumption in fresh condition and for storage. They have very good transportability. After storage they retain their appearance and organoleptic qualities. It is suitable for cultivation in all vine-growing regions of the country where the risk of vine winter damage is lower.

The variety „Naiden” has been awarded a plaque and a diploma for innovation in the section "Varietal seeds and planting material" in the Innovation Competition of AGRA 2025