Grapes (Vitis vinifera) are a major fruit crop cultivated globally, valued for their nutritional and economic importance. This topic covers essential aspects of grape soil and climate requirements, important varieties, nutrient and water management, and key intercultural operations, providing foundational knowledge for students and competitive exams.
Introduction to Grapes (Vitis vinifera)
- Grapes belong to the family Vitaceae; scientific name: Vitis vinifera.
- Originated near the Caspian Sea (Armenia region).
- Viticulture refers to grape cultivation.
- Over 10,000 grape varieties exist worldwide.
- Grapes contribute significantly to global fruit production.
Climate Requirements for Grapes
- Prefer semi-arid, subtropical regions with warm, dry summers and cool winters.
- Require long, dry summers for proper fruit maturity and ripening.
- High humidity and summer rains increase fungal disease risk.
- Rest period (dormancy) occurs in winter in temperate regions.
- In tropical regions, vines may have two growth cycles per year.
Soil Requirements for Grapes
- Best grown in well-drained, deep loamy soils (minimum 1 m depth).
- Optimal soil pH: 6.5–7.0.
- Soils should be fertile and rich in organic matter.
- Poor drainage or waterlogging adversely affects vine health.
Propagation Methods
- Primarily propagated by hardwood cuttings from one-year-old healthy canes.
- Cuttings: 25–30 cm long, lower cut below a bud, upper cut above a bud.
- Callusing in moist sand before nursery planting improves rooting.
- Grafting and budding used for specific rootstock requirements (e.g., disease resistance).
Important Rootstocks and Their Uses
- Phylloxera resistance: Vitis riparia, V. rupestris
- Nematode resistance: Dogridge, Salt Creek
- Salinity tolerance: Solonis, 1616
Field Preparation and Planting
- Trenches (0.6 m width/depth) or pits (1 m3) prepared for planting.
- Apply well-decomposed FYM, compost, or green manure before planting.
- Spacing: 3 × 2 m (Muscat), 4 × 3 m (other varieties).
- Plant rooted cuttings during June–July.
Irrigation Management
- Irrigate immediately after planting, then weekly.
- Withhold irrigation 15 days before pruning and harvest.
- Drip irrigation is preferred for efficient water use.
Nutrient Management
- Apply FYM and green manure before planting and after pruning.
- Fertilizer doses vary by variety and vine age (see table below).
- Apply half the potassium dose after pruning, remainder after 60 days.
- Foliar spray: 0.1% boric acid + 0.2% ZnSO4 + 1% urea before flowering and 10 days later.
Example Fertilizer Schedule (kg/vine/year):
| Variety |
FYM |
N |
P |
K |
| Muscat (Year III) |
100 |
0.20 |
0.16 |
0.60 |
| Thompson Seedless (Year III) |
100 |
0.40 |
0.24 |
1.20 |
Intercultural Operations and Special Practices
- Tipping shoots and tying clusters after fruit set.
- Remove tendrils and nip axillary/terminal buds at 12–15 buds.
- Thin compact bunches by removing ~20% berries at pea stage.
- Dip clusters in 0.5 ppm brassinosteroid + 25 ppm GA3 solution 10–12 days after fruit set.
Summary
- Grapes require specific soil, climate, and management for optimal yield and quality.
- Proper propagation, nutrient, and water management are essential.
- Special cultural practices improve fruit quality and market value.
Objective Questions
Q1. Which region is considered the native origin of grapes?
A. Armenia near the Caspian Sea
B. South India
C. Iran
D. Afghanistan
Answer: A
Q2. What is the ideal soil pH range for grape cultivation?
A. 5.0-5.5
B. 6.5-7.0
C. 7.5-8.0
D. 4.5-5.0
Answer: B
Q3. Which rootstock is used for nematode resistance in grapes?
A. Vitis riparia
B. Dogridge
C. Solanis
D. V. rupestris
Answer: B
Q4. In South India, what is the maximum temperature grapes are exposed to?
A. 25°C
B. 30°C
C. 35°C
D. 40°C
Answer: C
Q5. What is the recommended spacing for Muscat grape variety?
A. 2 x 2 m
B. 3 x 2 m
C. 4 x 3 m
D. 1 x 1 m
Answer: B
Q6. Which practice is performed to maintain vigour, yield, and quality in grape clusters after fruit set?
A. Dipping in Brassinosteriod and GA3 solution
B. Removing all leaves
C. Flood irrigation
D. Early harvesting
Answer: A
Q7. What is the main reason grapes do not thrive in regions with humid summers?
A. Poor soil fertility
B. Fungal diseases
C. Excess sunlight
D. Low temperature
Answer: B
Q8. How are grape vines commonly propagated?
A. Air layering
B. Hardwood cuttings
C. Seed sowing
D. Tissue culture
Answer: B
Q9. Which nutrient is applied as a foliar spray to overcome deficiency before flowering?
A. Calcium nitrate
B. Boric acid
C. Magnesium sulfate
D. Ammonium sulfate
Answer: B
Q10. In the Bombay-Deccan region, why does the April-matured grape crop have lower market value?
A. High acidity
B. Less sugar content
C. Small berry size
D. Poor color
Answer: B
