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Journal of the American Pomological Society
(J Am Pom Soc)

American Pomological Society

Volume 61 Number 2 Article 11 Pages: 71-77
Year 2007 Month 4
Title: Rootstock and Training System Affect 'Sunbelt' Grape Productivity and Fruit Composition
Authors: J.R. Morris, G.L. Main and R.K. Striegler
Citation
Abstract:
‘Sunbelt’ is a ‘Concord’-type juice grape (Vitis labrusca Bailey) suitable for warm climates. In early trials, the yield of ‘Sunbelt’ was too low for commercial juice grape production in Arkansas. An experiment was initiated in 1998 to determine if the observed limitations to yield were due to the root system. Treatments included nongrafted ‘Sunbelt’ and ‘Sunbelt’ grafted onto Couderc 3309, Extra, and 1103 Paulsen rootstocks. Data were collected for two years on vines trained to a bilateral cordon (BC) system. These vines had low yields (7.3-13.7 t·ha-1) and low Ravaz indices (1.8-3.3). The vines were converted to a Geneva Double Curtain (GDC) training system, and an additional two years of data were collected. After conversion to GDC, yields were 200-300% higher with improved Ravaz indices regardless of root system. The GDC training system gave yields of 26.8-41.9 t·ha-1 in the final year. On GDC, yields were 39% greater the second year on vines grafted to Couderc 3309 than own-rooted vines. However, low pruning weights raise questions of vine sustainability. The high yield suggests that Couderc 3309 could increase long-term yields with proper vine management and requires further study. Fruit composition was acceptable for juice production on all root systems. Yields of 27 and 30 t·ha-1 over two years for nongrafted vines on GDC with good fruit composition and dormant pruning weight indicate that the yield-limiting factors were above ground and not below. With GDC training, ‘Sunbelt’ produced commercially acceptable yield and fruit composition when grown on its own roots in Arkansas.

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