Comparative analysis of quality cones and bitter acids in Humulus lupulus L. Lithuanian varieties

Abstract

Hops have been cultivated in Lithuania since ancient times, most often in farmsteads brought from natural habitats. Hop varieties introduced from West and Central Europe started to be cultivated and researched in 1926 at Kaunas Botanical Garden of Vytautas Magnus University. Dr. S. Gudanavicius has raised 5 Lithuanian varieties peculiar for good economical characteristics while crossing male local plants with foreign species. After innovation of hop research in 1991 fertility (crop production power), the quality of cones of Lithuanian varieties has been researched; their dependence upon genotype and meteorological conditions has been determined. Within research period in 1997-2000 the medium late varieties have distinguished themselves by fertility - `Fredos taurieji` (average fertility within the period of 4 years – 1083 kg/ha). The amount of alpha acid in cones fluctuated depending upon climatic conditions. `Kauno grazieji` sorts has cumulated alpha acid from 3.3 to 6.3 %, `Fredos taurieji` - from 3.9 to 5.8 %.