The effect of grapevine training systems on grape yield quality and Quantity of Vitis vinifera cv. Red Sultana (A five years record)

There are various grapevine-training methods in the world because of the high formability of grapevine. These methods are vary depending on the variety, type of use, climatic conditions of the area, mechanization, and economic issues in each region. Some studies have shown that the type of training system affects the quantitative and qualitative yield of grape varieties. The aim of present study was to determine the effect of training systems on the quantitative and qualitative yield of grapevine cv. Red Sultana.

Eight grapevine training systems including High Cordon, Medium Cordon, Low Cordon, Geneva, Guyot, Traditional, Head, and Wye (Y) were considered. The research was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications and six plants per plot for five years at Takestan grape research station. Quantitative and qualitative traits of the fruit, such as yield, raisin yield, cluster around, cluster diameter, cluster length, berry length and berry width, pH of the fruit extract, total soluble solids (TSS) and titrable acidity of fruit extract (TA) were recorded. Graphical analysis technic was used to determine the best training system.

Yield, berry diameters, TA, TSS, raisin yield, and ripening were significantly more affected by the type of training system than other traits (P<0.05). The highest fruit yield (19.8 kg/plant) and raisin yield (6.9 kg/plant) were obtained in high Cordon training method. The highest average length and width of the berry was in the high Cordon system. The highest (24.6 degrees of Brix) and lowest (21.9 degrees of Brix) of TSS were recorded in low Cordon and traditional systems, respectively. The total acidity of the fruit juice was the highest in the high Cordon system and lowest in the traditional systems. The highest rate of sugar/acid was in the traditional system. Y and low Cordon systems were the earliest and traditional system was the longest of the fruit ripening point of view. High Cordon training system was the closest system to the optimum point of all studied traits.

The results of this study showed that the type of grapevine training system affected the fruit and raisin yield, the berry diameter, the TSS and TA of the fruit juice and the ripening. Therefore, by choosing the appropriate grapevine training system, it can manage the yield and quality of the fruit, which high Cordon system was the best system for grapevine cv. Red Sultana training in the Takestan region.