Influence of the trellis/training system on the physiology and production of Vitis labrusca cv. Niagara Rosada in Brazil

Abstract

The trellis system used in grapevine cultivation greatly influences yield due to leaf surface exposure to solar radiation, which implies that physiological responses are involved in fruit production and quality. The American table grape cv. Niagara Rosada (Vitis labrusca) was first planted in Brazil using the vertically shoot-positioned (VSP) system. However, in areas where cv. Niagara Rosada replaced European table grapes (Vitis vinifera), growers usually use the existing overhead trellis system. This study evaluated the physiology and production of cv. Niagara Rosada grapevines grown on the overhead trellis system and VSP system. The trellis system had no influence on the duration in total days from the pruning-to-harvest period or on the absolute growth rate of shoots. The leaf area index and leaf surface area were higher on overhead trellis systems than on the VSP system. Fruit growth was similar regardless of the system adopted. Grapevines in the VSP system produced fruits with higher concentrations of soluble solids and anthocyanins than those in the overhead trellis system. Grapevines on the overhead trellis system present a better ratio between leaf surface area and production, as well as higher yields. However, grapevines grown on the VSP system have fruit with better qualities.