Abstract

Effect of canopy management practices on berry composition of red and white grape cultivars grown in Pune region of India was examined. Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc vines were selected for the study. Both the cultivars exhibited significant variation in fruit composition parameters in response to various canopy management practices. Combination treatment of leaf removal (LR) either with shoot thinning (ST) or cluster thinning (CT) exhibited high total soluble solids (TSS), lowest acidity (malic acid), lower potassium content and higher anthocyanin content. The vines which received ST+CT+LR treatment and control vines recorded least anthocyanin concentration and phenolic compounds indicating excess light exposure or excess shade to clusters is not congenial for producing better quality fruits. Leaf removal treatment in combination with either shoot thinning or cluster thinning was found to be superior under semi-arid tropical conditions to obtain good quality fruits. Reasons for such variations in fruit composition parameters under different management practices are discussed.

Key words: Anthocyanins, canopy management, organic acids, phenolic compounds, wine grapes.