Vision 2025 - National Research Centre for Grapes

Salt Creek are under evaluation. Techniques for improving water use efficiency through irrigation
scheduling based on pan evaporation and vine growth stage, subsurface irrigation and use of mulch
were developed. Petiole nutrient guide for Thompson Seedless grown on Dogridge rootstock was
developed. Technique for improving the fertilizer use efficiency through growth stage wise
fertigation scheduling was developed. The causes of few disorders were identified as nutrient
imbalances, which could be corrected by proper nutrient application.
The schedule for economic use of bio-regulators in enhancing bud-break and for improving bunch
and berry quality was standardized. The canopy architecture, canopy size and the bunch number and
size for optimizing fruit quality in Tas-A-Ganesh variety grafted on Dogridge rootstock was
standardized. Nursery techniques for increasing rooting and further establishment of different grape
rootstocks were also standardized.
Disease forecasting based on continuous automatic weather monitoring and use of software
'Metwin 2' from Austria was found useful in fungicide spray scheduling for effective and economical
management of downy mildew and anthracnose diseases. For the management of the important
disease, powdery mildew, an expert system was developed, released and being used by the growers.
Safe fungicides and practices to improve fungicide use efficiency were identified. Seasonal incidence
of major insect pests was studied. New generation pesticides, environmentally friendly chemicals,
botanicals were tested for bio-efficacy and residue data in controlling diseases and insect pests and
effective molecules were included in the recommended schedule for their management. Dissipation
rate kinetics for many chemicals were studied and their PHI were calculated to recommend their safe
use.
The post harvest pathogens in Indian grapes were identified and Botrytis cinerea, which is the
worldwide major post harvest pathogen, was not found to be a problem in Indian grapes. Pre-harvest,
harvest and post-harvest practices to minimize post-harvest losses, including use of Trichoderma
harzianum, for biocontrol of diseases, were identified.
TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY BY THE INSTITUTE
The Centre has formed a very strong communication network through seminars arranged by the
grape growers' associations in major grape growing states, popular agricultural magazines and
newspapers, extension literature, training programmes, and agricultural fairs etc. for reaching out to
growers and advising them on new technologies, various improved viticultural practices, and on
specific problems arising due to climate, weather or problems in vineyard management. A lot of this
information is also displayed on the Institute's website.
IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND OPTIONS FOR THE FUTURE
The technologies generated by the Centre have been well accepted by the growers and are now in
practice. This has helped in improving input use efficiency of various agrochemicals; sustaining
production under adverse conditions of soil, water and environment; improving fruit quality and
minimizing post-harvest losses, especially in the export sector. Hence, the Centre has established
very good credibility among the client group. However, there are many issues and problems in Indian
viticulture, which are to be resolved in years to come through applied, basic and strategic research.
Increasing quality production of table grapes at competitive price is the major issue facing the
industry. Abiotic and biotic stresses like continuous drought, soil and water salinity and the high
incidence of diseases and pests; chances of pesticide residues at harvest; besides high yields; are the
major factors that have affected the quality of fruits. Moreover, nutrient imbalances, improper
canopy management leading to low food reserves in the vines, temperature extremes as well as the