Effect of trunk girdling, flower thinning, GA3 and ethephon application on quality characteristics in grape cv. Perlette under temperateKashmir valley conditions

摘要

In Jammu ana Kashmir, grapes are grown in an area of 218 ha with an annual production of 1475 m. tonnes having a productivity of 6.7 m tonnes per ha Anon, 2. The productivity of grapes in Jammu and Kashmir is far below the national average of 23.7 mtonnes per ha. However, in Kashmir valley grapes are harvested during August and September, which is the off season for the rest of the country and thus fetch higher remuneration per unit area inspite of low productivity. Low temperature and low heat unit accumulation under the cool climatic conditions of Kashmir valley resulted in lowTSS and higher acidity, which reduces the consumers acceptability of the grapes. Although the grapes from the valley are suitable for wine production, but due to the religious reasons its utilization for this purpose is not met. Perlette introduced into the state as high yielding and high TSS variety. However, the TSS of this cultivar in Kashmir valley is low as compared to grapes growing in plains of India. Crop regulations as a mean of improving cluster, berry and fruit quality have been recommended by many workers. Girdling, thinning and application of plant growth regulators can cause various beneficial effects on the vine by affecting berry set, berry size, clustercompactness and other physical and chemical characteristics. Therefore, the present studies were undertaken to find out the effect of trunk girdling, flower thinning, GA3 and ethephon application on the fruit quality of grape cultivar Perlette under thetemperate conditions of Kashmir valley.