Growth, Yield, Fruit Composition of 24 Wine and Table Grape Cultivars and Selections

ABSTRACT

Eight American (Vitis labrusca L.); eight European (Vitis vinifera L.), including four Eastern European selections; four hybrids; and four table grape cultivars planted in 2002 were evaluated for yield components, berry composition, berry split, and frost damage from 2004 to 2006 in south-central Kansas. Over the three years, harvest started in July, although summer of 2006 was the warmest year, which accelerated maturity, reduced titratable acidity (TA), and increased soluble solids concentration (SSC). Earliest-and latest-ripening grapes, respectively, were ‘Valiant’ and ‘Catawba’ (American), ‘Nero’ and ‘Bromariu’ (European), ‘LaCrescent’ and ‘Traminette’ (hybrids), and ‘Reliance’ and ‘Marquis’ (table grapes). In 2005, hybrids were the most productive grapes, with highest crop load, whereas American grapes were the least productive, with the lowest crop load. Table grapes produced the largest clusters (160 g). ‘LaCrescent’ was the least productive hybrid, with the smallest cluster (65 g). ‘Toldi’, produced the largest berry (4 g), whereas ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ produced the smallest berry (1.2 g). The highest mean SSC was recorded for the hybrids at 21.7°Brix, followed by European grapes at 20.3°Brix. Titratable acidity was reduced for most of the grapes in 2006 by more than 20%. Hybrid berries, especially ‘Swanson Red’, were the most susceptible to hail damage, whereas American and table grapes were the least susceptible. Frost damage was greatest on European grapes and least on American grapes. ‘Cabernet Franc’ was the most sensitive cultivar, whereas ‘Valiant’ was the least sensitive American cultivar to frost.

Key Words:

• Vitis labrusca L.
• Vitis vinifera L.
• table grapes
• hybrids
• Eastern European selections