Leaf Area Index, Photosynthesis and Chlorophyll Content Influences Yield and Quality of Nanasaheb Purple Seedless Grapes under Semi-arid Condition

Abstract

Canopy management practices in grapes are crucial for achieving high-quality production. The study was conducted with different treatments of number of leaves above the bunch (10, 12, 14, 16, and >16 leaves).  Significant variation was recorded on photosynthetic activity, yield and quality of Nanasaheb Purple Seedless grape variety. The increase in leaf number enhanced total leaf area and photosynthetic capacity while, it had negative impact on bunch weight, berry size and total soluble solids (TSS). Retaining 10 leaves above bunch with leaf area of 1980.00 cm2 /bunch resulted in maximum bunch weight (450.20 g), 50-berry weight (250.13 g) and yield/vine (13.60 kg) while, minimum bunch weight (400.00 g), 50-berry weight (222.30 g) and yield/vine (11.22 kg) were observed by retaining >16 leaves above the bunch.  However, retaining 10 leaves above the bunch on a shoot with leaf area/shoot (2475.00 cm2), leaf area/vine (59400.00 cm2), leaf area/bunch (1980.00 cm2) and leaf area/g berry weight (4.36 cm2/g) were sufficient to obtain good quality production in Nanasaheb Purple Seedless grape variety spaced at 9 feet X 5 feet distance.