Vision 2025 - National Research Centre for Grapes

positive results. Further work to increase its efficiency is continuing. Studies on leaf petiole
analysis technique has given output in understanding the level of nutrients in the plant and
accordingly supplementation of additional nutrients for appropriate growth and yield of plant.
5.2.3 Crop Protection
Efforts put in disease forecasting in relation to weather parameters using imported computer
software were successful and outputs in terms of software for managing disease of downy
mildew, powdery mildew and anthracnose were developed. Further work to refine these
softwares is in progress. Work on use of old and new pesticide molecules in managing various
insect pests and disease has given specific output in terms of Pre Harvest Interval (PHI) period
and safer residue levels. These results are already being used by the grape growers in
monitoring pesticide residue level.
5.2.4 Pre and post-harvest technology to improve shelf life
The use of biocontrol agents like Trichoderma spray has become handy in last 30 days to
manage pre-harvest infection of berries and post-harvest rots of various fungi. Other preharvest
practices and treatments of bioregulators also resulted in increasing the storage life of
grape.
Modified Australian drying technology for raisin making is the result of inputs put in
standardizing the treatment of raisins with Australian dipping oil and drying under shade for
enhancing drying process and maintaining better quality.
5.3 SHORT COMINGS
5.3.1 Crop Improvement
About 415 accessions were collected from abroad and within the country which include
rootstock, varieties / hybrids and wild species. This has to be expanded further by collecting
promising germplasm from other countries and collection of germplasm from North Eastern
area within the country, which has not been attempted yet.
Available germplasm has not been completely characterized and documented which is the
priority. This will facilitate to know the best material available with us for breeding purpose.
All the germplasm available at the Centre has not been evaluated under different agroclimatic
conditions and their suitability for various purposes like wine, raisins, and juice apart from
table grapes. Clones identified from few varieties at the Centre also needs to evaluated under
different agroclimatic conditions on large-scale trial.
Breeding work in grape in the past came out with many varieties and hybrids. However, they
failed for want of acceptance by grape farmers. Therefore, breeding programme needs to be on
sound footing and consider long scorecard of various plant and fruit traits besides fruit yield
and cost of cultivation. While undertaking breeding work, all desirable traits should be
evaluated systematically.
Supply of quality plant material free from insect pests and diseases and true to type is an
important aspect in grape cultivation. However, this is lacking grossly although there are many
nurseries certified by the State Govts. The varieties / hybrids introduced and developed within
the country need to be maintained separately with their mother clones by the research
institutes, state agricultural universities and state owned nurseries for supply of evaluated and
certified plant material to the nurseries for further multiplication and supply to grape growers.
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