National Research Centre for Grapes, Pune-412307
Continuous withholding of irrigation after October pruning seems to be unfavorable for improving the quantity and quality of grapes grafted on rootstocks even with as many as 15 leaves on fruit-bearing shoots. Partial withholding of irrigation at different stages may improve quality of grapes and can also save the irrigation water. With normal irrigation and proper management practices even 10 leaves above the bunch on fruit-bearing shoots can improve the quality of grapes, minimizing the loss of water through transpiration by extra 5 leaves. Regarding the pattern of berry growth, it was same in all types of shoots. However, more number of leaves contribute to berry growth maximum upto 90 days after pruning and after varaison it was same in all types of shoots.
