PERFORMANCE OF SEVEN EARLY MATURING VARIETIES OF GRAPES (VITIS VINIFERA) UNDER AGRO- CLIMATIC CONDITIONS OF POTHWAR, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Seven early maturing grape varieties (Kings Ruby, Sultanina-C, Perlette, Flame Seedless, Vitro Black, Early White and Superior) were evaluated for their comparative performance under semi -arid conditions of Pothowar region during 2015-17 at Barani Agricultural Research Institute, Chakwal, Pakistan. As these varieties ripen before monsoon season so they are suitable for growing in Pothowar region. Data analysis showed that all quality traits regarding these varieties significantly differed from each other. During the year 2015-16, maximum cluster weight was observed in “Flame Seedless” (450.90 g) followed by “Kings Ruby” (449.74 g) and “Superior” (384.97 g) while minimum cluster weight was recorded in “Early White” (199.62 g). However, berries of “Early White” variety were of largest size (2.68 cm) and variety had highest numbers of clusters (49.66) per plant and 10 berries weight (29.21 g) as compared to other varieties. In terms of yield, variety “Superior” performed best and had highest yield (15.90 kg/plant), whereas “Perlette” had lowest yield (8.06 kg/plant). Fruit of “Sultanina-C” had highest T.S.S (19.72 and 19.53 % during the year 2015-16 and 2016-17 respectively) but acidity was highest in fruits of “Vitro Black” (0.35 and 0.34 %). Similar trend was observed for both quality parameters and organoleptic properties during year 2016-17 except cluster weight and 10 berry weight where “Kings Ruby” (412.54 g) and “Superior” (37.03 g) gave the best results. The present study obseved that varieties “Superior”, “Sultanina C”, “Kings Ruby” and “Early white” are most suitable for growing in agro-climatic conditions of Pothowar region.