(383) Effect of Harmony and Freedom Rootstocks on Yield and Quality of `Red Globe' Table Grapes

Abstract

The region of Caborca, Sonora, Mexico, is one of the main area producers of table grapes, in particular the cultivar Red Globe. However, the main problems in the region include shortage and high cost of water, nematode infestation, and salinity. The objective of the present research was to determine the behavior of `Red Globe' cultivated on the rootstocks Harmony and Freedom. This study was carried out in the INIFAP Caborca research station in the year 2002, and consisted of 10 plants for treatment (on each rootstock). When water was low, a drip irrigation system was used. There was a completely randomized statistical design. We observed no differences among the two rootstocks in the different phonological stages (budbreak, flowering, and harvest time). The results indicated statistical differences between the rootstocks. Yield was higher on Freedom rootstock, with 2120 boxes/ha (boxes of 10 kg), an average of 470 boxes/ha more than on Harmony rootstock. Freedom rootstock also improved the quality of the grape (better color, bigger size of berry, and clusters, and the foliage was also more developed with this rootstock). In both rootstocks, nematode control was 100%, 30% in water consumption, and no fertilizer was used.