Mechanical behaviour of seed hardness in relation to physico-chemical composition of grape

Mechanical behaviour of seed hardness in relation to physico-chemical traits in grape (Vitis vinifera L.) was studied on grape raised under sub-tropical conditions of the north Indian plains. Twenty three varieties/hybrids were assessed, of which six were seedless, 5- soft-seeded and 12- seeded types. Among genotypes studied, the largest bunch size was observed in seedless grape genotypes. However, maximum berry size was found in seeded genotypes. Total soluble solids content was slightly variable but was higher in seedless grapes than seeded ones. Seeded genotypes had high seed weight with higher seed hardness. High positive correlations was recorded between bunch weight to bunch length (r = 0.99), bunch weight to TSS (r = 0.91); and berry weight to seed weight (r = 0.98) and berry weight to seed hardness (r = 0.97). Significant negative correlation was estimated between bunch weight to berry weight (r = 0.96); bunch weight and seed weight (r = 0.98); bunch weight to seed hardness (r = 0.97) and berry weight to TSS (r = 0.99). These findings would help in screening of hybrids and genotypes with better berry quality particularly seedlessness under the subtropical conditions.