Evaluation of Sultana grapevine selections for table grape production

Abstract

Eight selections of Sultana grapevine were assessed over 3 seasons for their suitability for table grape production by using specialised cultural techniques to enhance berry size. Moss Sultana consistently produced greater berry weights than did the other selections and on average was about 27% heavier than H5 (6.1 v. 4.8 g) a commercially popular selection. The larger berry weights of Moss Sultana were reflected in greater berry length (mean 28.4 mm) and greater berry diameter (mean 18.9 mm) compared with the other selections. Moss Sultana had the lowest sugar levels and the highest pruning weights in all seasons. There were no significant differences between selections for marketable yield (range 13.4-16.0 kg), bunch number per vine, bunch weight, titratable acid and ⁰Brix : acid ratio. Moss Sultana has potential to be cultured specifically for table grape production to increase the berry size of Sultana (Thompson Seedless) grapes.