Influence of pruning severity in the table grape variety 'Karaerik' (Vitis vinifera L.)

Abstract

Considering the various cultivating treatments with grapes, especially pruning has a key role influence on the ultimate yield and the cluster quality of a grape variety. In our study, therefore, the table grape variety 'Karaerik' was pruned at four different levels, i. e., 32 (B-32), 40 (B-40), 48 (B-48), and 56 (B-56) buds per vine for three consecutive years (2019, 2020, 2021). Among the four pruning levels, yield, cluster number, cluster weight, maturation index, and pruning weight were the highest in B-56, B-40, and B-48, followed by B-32. The highest berry weight, TSS (o Brix), cluster width, and cluster length were obtained from B-48 vines in all years. Titratable acidity, pH, L*, a*, and b* values were not affected by the pruning levels. Looking at the superior quality of the berries with B-48, especially yield, berry weight, and TSS, as this variety is recommended as table grape, it is advocated that comparatively lower and higher yields obtained with B-32, B-40 and B-56 level may be abandoned. © 2022, Hohere Bundeslehranstalt und Bundesamt fur Wein- und Obstbau Klosterneuburg. All rights reserved.