Crop load regulation to improve yield and quality of Manjari Naveen grape

Abstract

The investigation was carried out to optimize the bunch load to harvest quality grape produce with better profit recovery in Manjari Naveen grapes. Four crop load levels viz. 40, 60, 80 and 100 bunches/vine at spacing of 3.0 m × 1.83 m were studied for quality traits. The data showed decreasing trend with increase in crop load levels for berry diameter, berry length, berry weight, bunch weight and total soluble solids. Higher acidity was recorded at 80 and 100 bunch load. Vines with higher bunch load took an extra one week to attain veraison and harvest. Although highest yield was recorded at 100 bunch load level, drastic reduction in marketable berry parameters such as berry size and TSS was recorded. Among the bunch loads treatments, 60 bunch load with 5.43 kg increased yield over 40 bunches maintaining the balance between yield and quality was found better