Berry Set and Quality Response of Soilless Grown ‘Prima’ Grapes to Foliar and Inflorescence Pulverization of Various Substances Under Glasshouse Condition

Abstract

Biotic and abiotic stress factors reduce the yield of major crops and pressurize the agricultural production worldwide. Recently increased climate change events forced the growers to employ protected cultivation techniques which favor pests and disease incidences. Sustainable methods to mitigate the plant stresses and cope with the pathogens possess great significant to sustain economic productivity. This study was designed to investigate effect of commonly used chemicals (triadimenol and deltamethrin), plant growth activator (micronized calcite), zinc nutrition, and beneficial bacteria (Bacillus subtilis) at two growth stages (full bloom and berry set) on beery set and quality of table grape cv ‘Prima’. After the first application at full bloom, neither of the treatments resulted in visible damages on flowers. Micronized calcite, Zn and B. subtilis markedly improved the berry set. Zn and B. subtilis also enhanced subsequent berry development and cluster size, reduced the berry decay rate. Finally, these treatments increased the grape yield and therefore could be recommended to practice as environment friendly and sustainable strategies under protected cultivation techniques.