The Effects of Malch Applications on The Seedling Quality of 110R and Fercal Grape Rootstocks

Abstract

Viticulture in Turkey as well as all over the world is also one of the most important agricultural production from socio-economic issues. Significant quantities of high-quality vine seedlings are needed to maintain and improve the current state of viticulture at national and global levels. Soil cultivation, irrigation and plant protection activities that increase the production cost of seedlings are negatively affected by the seedling efficiency and quality. In this study, mulch applications of 110R and Fercal grape rootstocks obtained from the Sub-Union of Sapling Producers, from standard graftable quality virus free cuttings, in open field conditions (Black plastic BP, Black plastic jute PJ, Biodegradable plastic BD, Wheat stalk OM and Control) was done. Effects of applications on seedling yield and quality (soil temperature (°C), leaf temperature (°C), stomatal conductivity (mmol m -2 s -1 ), leaf chlorophyll content (spad value), leaf area (cm2), leaf number ( pieces), leaf weight (g), shoot length (cm), shoot diameter (mm), pruning residue weight (g), shoot development level (0-4 scale), number of roots (pieces) and diameter (mm), root fresh and dry weight (g), root growth level (0-4 scale) and seedling efficiency (%) were examined. While mulch applications in general provided improvement in all parameters examined, the order of efficacy varied according to grapevine rootstocks and examined properties. In terms of seedling efficiency, BP application in Fercal rootstock and BD application in 110R rootstock were most effective. According to the data obtained from this study, the positive effects of BP and BB, PJ and OM mulch applications were determined in the production of grape rootstock seedlings in open areas and especially in areas where the relative humidity was very low.