All
About
GRAPE
The grape belongs
to genus Vitis which comprises about sixty species. However, the
principal species from which the cultivated grape has been derived
is Vitis vinifera. There
are three broad division of grapes: Dessert grapes, wine grapes and
Raisin grapes. Grapes are rapidly becoming a popular home grown
fruit. They are consumed fresh, as juices and wine, as raisins, jam
and jelly and as frozen products. In Pakistan only european grapes
are cultivated for eating. Over 70% of grapes are grown in
Balochistan, while there are some acreage in NWFP.
Area
And Production Of
Grapes In Pakistan:
Year
|
Total
Area (Hectares)
|
Production(Tones)
|
1994-95
|
8192
|
42941
|
1995-96
|
8383
|
71968
|
1996-97
|
8543
|
74143
|
1997-98
|
8724
|
74346
|
1998-99
|
8943
|
75848
|
Verities:
Seedless:
Sunda Khani, Sra Kishmish, Askari, Flame seedles and King’s Ruby.
Seeded:
Haita, Black Prince, Sahihi, Hussaini, and Tando
Soil
And climate:
A
deep fertile well drained loamy soil with a moderate
amount of organic matter is best. A pH range from 5.5 to 7.0
is satisfactory. On soil low in fertility grapes grow slowly and
produce low yield. Heavy clayey soil should be avoided. Grapes are
grown in mild sub-tropical conditions. They require a winter which
is cold enough to fulfill their chilling requirements. European
grapes grow and bear well under a long, warm to hot, dry summer. In
Punjab onset of monsoon weather during the ripening period cause the
failure of grapes.
Propagation:
Generally
propagated by cuttings. Ripe wood cutting. 12-18 inches long with
5-8 nodes taken from last year’s canes of meium thickness are best
to ensure their proper rooting. To ensure their proper rooting they
may be tied in small bundles and heeled inverted in earth with their
bases up lightly covered with soil for a week.
Irrigation:
Immediately
after plantation the grape vines require irrigation. After every 10
days in the first summer. Afterwards they
should be irrigated after an interval of 20-25 days in summer
and once a month during winter.
Fertilizer:
Grapes
are slow to show the effects of fertilizer deficiences but lack of
fertilizer over a period of years results in a gradual decline in
growth and yield. Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium fertilizer
should be applied during winter or early spring to maintain the
plants.
Prunning:
Training
and pruning depend upon the system you select. Initially your plants
should prune to develop a single strong shoot with several well
placed laterals. Most common pruning systems in grapes are Head,
Corden and Cane systems. Head system does not need any support, but
good results can be aieved in those varieties which bear on the
lowest second or third bud. Cordon system requires a two-wire
trellis. Select the laterals and train them along the wires. These
form the permanent arms of the cordon. Each spring, prune the canes
that grow from the cordon back to one or two buds each and thin the
upright branches to four or five on each permanent arm. Cane system
is similar to cordon system with little changes.
Insects
Pest And Diseases:
The
grape leaf hopper: It is the common insect pest feed on the
vines from the time leaves apear in the spring until they drop in
the fall. They remove the green clorophyll, and the whole leaf may
become pale, die and turn brown.
Powdery
mildew is a fungul disease prevalent on grapes. Any portion of
plant such as leaves, blossom, fruit and young shoots may be
affected. White patches appearance may be noted on leaves young
shoots; blossom fail to set fruit. Young berries attacked by this
fungus may drop, or become hardened, discoloured and cracked. To
contol powdery mildew apply fungicides before symptoms appear.
Root
knot caused by a gall-forming nematode may become a problem in
sandy and sandy loam soil, resulting in adecline in vine vigor and
reduction in yields To control it use resistant rootstocks and
fumigate the soil.
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