Bio-Efficacy Studies of Biostimulant (Budmaker) about Growth, Yield and Shelf-Life of Nanasaheb Purple Seedless Grape under Multilocation

Abstract

The study aims to assess the bio-efficacy of Budmaker on fruit yield, quality, leaf mineral content and key physiological and biochemical characteristics of the grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cv. Nanasaheb Purple Seedless. Budmaker, a biostimulant with protein hydrolysate, cytokinin, kinetin, TIBA and essential nutrients, enhances bud sprouting and vine growth. A multi-location trial was conducted in 2023-24 at two sites: ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes, Pune and a farmer's field in Walwa, Sangli, Maharashtra. Budmaker was applied in different doses at three stages: first at the first leaf after sub-cane emergence, then at the third and fourth leaves and finally at the sixth and seventh leaves. The concentrations tested were 400, 500 and 750 ml/acre. Among these treatments, the application of 500 ml/acre significantly enhanced vegetative growth, including pruned biomass, fruitfulness percentage and early cane maturity. Improvements were also observed in yield parameters such as average bunch weight, 50-berry weight, yield per vine, berry size and total chlorophyll content. Additionally, biochemical and nutrient content, including phenol, protein, reducing sugars, calcium, phosphorus and other quality traits such as physiological loss in weight (PLW), pedicel and skin thickness, showed a positive response. The biostimulant (Budmaker) (500 ml/acre) proved effective, increasing the yield and improving the quality parameter of Nanasaheb Purple Seedless grapes under a multilocation trial.