Table Grape Production and Varieties, by John R. Clark

Table Grape Production and Varieties, by John R. Clark

• 1.
  Table Grape Productionand Varieties John R. ClarkUniversity Professor of HorticultureUniversity of Arkansas
• 2.
  Table Grape Marketsfor the Mid-Upper South RegionNOT:Competing with CaliforniaExtensive long-range shipping ARE:Farmers markets to expand productsOn-farm salesSales at wineries paralleling tasting room marketing
• 3.
  What is theAdvantage or Angle?Offering something uniqueFlavorBetter textures than in older varietiesAn overall impressive eating experience, not the current “boring” experience of eating table grapes in the USPossibly the non-fresh sales fruit used for juice or fruity wines
• 4.
  Jupiter: The MostExciting Arkansas DevelopmentSeedlessMild muscat /American flavorNon-slipskin, good textureHardy (in most locations)Very limited to no fruit crackingFolks are really liking this grape!!!
• 5.
  Jupiter: The MostExciting Arkansas DevelopmentKey production itemsWatch downy mildew (and other diseases)Normally spur pruned, 2 clusters/shoot bestBirds!
• 6.
  Neptune- the White/GreenOptionSeedlessFruity flavor but not Labrusca foxinessNon-slipskinExcellent clustersSkin gets thinnest at full ripeHardiness likely a concern
• 7.
  Neptune- the White/GreenOptionNo cracking in the rain seenWatch downy mildew (and other diseases)Normally spur pruned, 2 clusters/shoot bestConsider closer spacing (6’?) due to lower vigor and more upright growth habitMid to later season
• 8.
  Older Arkansas TableGrape VarietiesRelianceMars
• 9.
  Other Varieties –Non Arkansas Vanessa Seedless: red, non-slipskin, large seed traces; light fruity flavorMarquis: white, slipskin (?), fruity flavor, large long clustersEinsett Seedless: blue, slipskin, American flavorOthers mainly developed in New York
• 10.
  What About FutureTable Grape Options??? There are More Coming!!!A-2412Non-slipskin, excellent texture and skinLight fruity flavorExcellent vine healthGood productivityAlmost no fruit crackingEarly
• 11.
  What About FutureTable Grape Options??? There are More Coming!!!A-2494Non-slipskin, excellent texture and very thin skinLight fruity flavor that is unique and catchySlightly elongatedExcellent vine healthGood productivityNo to very little fruit crackingMid season
• 12.
  What About FutureTable Grape Options??? There are More Coming!!!A-2053Non-slipskin, excellent texture and very thin skinLight fruity flavor, lighter than NeptuneExcellent vine healthGood productivityNo to very little fruit crackingMid season
• 13.
  What About FutureTable Grape Options??? There are More Coming!!!A-2505Non-slipskin, excellent texture and very thin skinNeutral flavorExcellent vine healthNo to very little fruit crackingMid to later season
• 14.
  What About FutureTable Grape Options??? There are More Coming!!!When?????Be on the lookout in 2-3 years for one or all to appear
• 15.
  Breeding Focus atthe University of ArkansasObjectivesFruit cracking resistanceNon-slipskin, crisp textureSeedlessnessRange of flavorsRange of shapesAttractive clustersModerate hardiness and disease resistance screening
• 16.
  Current Challenges inEastern Table Grape Breeding –Fruit Cracking ResistanceWith the decrease in skin thickness and a more edible skin, there is usually a parallel decrease in resistance to crackingNo areas of the East are free of the chances of summer or fall rain showers thus must have some cracking resistanceRepeated screening and selection pressure required to select crack-free phenotypes
• 17.
  Current Challenges inEastern Table Grape Breeding –Winter HardinessWith the increased quality traits from V. vinifera always come winter hardiness concernsIn recent years, hardiness levels attained might be less due to moderate winters (Ark. that is)
• 18.
  Eastern Grape Opportunities-ShapeElongated shape derived from ‘Lady Patricia’ (and French hybrids) give a unique appearanceWould make grapes very distinctive in the marketplace
• 19.
  Arkansas Fruit Breeding-More Good Things [email protected]