Vision 2025 - National Research Centre for Grapes

5.3.2 Crop Production
The compatibility of rootstocks and table /wine varieties in long term has not been established
so far. Canopy standardization could not be done to determine the optimum leaf : fruit ratio for
the different varieties under various agro climatic conditions of soil and water resulting in poor
quality fruits. Optimum yield levels for the different varieties under various agro climatic
conditions of soil and water could not be determined thus affecting the quality of fruits and
productivity of vines.
The agrotechniques for table varieties like Flame Seedless was not standardized for its
fruitfulness and production under Indian condition. Hence, the area under cultivation is
reducing. Many wine varieties have been introduced but their performance in various parts of
country yet to be evaluated and their package of practices is yet to be standardized.
Standardization of training system and pruning practices based on the vigour of vine in table /
wine grapes needs to be taken up variety wise.
Till now, the quantitative relationship has not been established between petiole nutrient content
and nutrient application. Further, there is a need to integrate soil test values with petiole
nutrient norms for improving fertilizer use efficiency. A sequential manurial schedule is to be
evolved for different age groups. Recycling of on farm wastes in the vineyards has not been
popularized due to disease related apprehensions. However, this needs rethinking as
substantial quantities of nutrients are removed through pruned biomass.
Petiole nutrient norms have been worked out for two stages (bud differentiation and flowering)
only and this will not be reflective of the yield and quality of the produce keeping in view the
recent fertilization practices. There is need to work out the petiole nutrient norms for different
stages in vine. No studies have been undertaken for determining nutritional needs of wine
varieties under Indian conditions. The problems of salinity and water scarcity have resulted in
the decline in productivity of own rooted vineyards. The rootstocks offer scope for raising
vineyards in these areas and they also modify the nutrient uptake pattern of the vine. There is
a need to screen different rootstocks tolerant to various stresses and their adaptability to
different nutrient load in the soil.
Many times it has been observed that disease pressure is high in stressed vines due to nutrient
imbalance. Potassium has been implicated in many situations. However, intensive work needs
to be carried out to understand this mechanism.
The amount of water to be given per vine on a given day in relation to its stage of growth and
evapo-transpiration demand has been worked out for grafted Thompson Seedless vines only in
heavy soils. Further, application of fertilizer doses under different soil moisture levels needs
to be worked out in view of frequent drought like situations in major grape growing areas.
Further studies also need to be carried out in other commercial varieties of interest.
5.3.3 Crop Protection
Software adopted and developed for managing downy mildew, anthracnose and powdery
mildew based on weather parameters need to be tested under various agroclimatic conditions
and developed further the cost-effective software based on wireless system of weather station.
Machines / tools for uniform coverage of pesticide spray on whole canopy are not available
and need to be introduced or designed locally within country. This also equally applies for the
management of insect pests of mealy bugs and thrips.
Integrated plant protection management schedule including biocontrol agent not available
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