Yield responses in Flame seedless, Thompson seedless and Red Globe table grape cultivars are differentially modified by rootstocks under semi arid conditions

Abstract

A field study was conducted during six seasons (2004–2009) to assess rootstocks effects over yield in three table grape cultivars (Thompson seedless, Flame seedless and Red Globe). Nine commercially available rootstocks (Couderc 1613, Freedom, Harmony, Paulsen 1103, Richter 99, Richter 110, Ruggeri 140, Saint George and Salt Creek) plus a control treatment (own-rooted vines) were evaluated under semiarid conditions of northern Chile. A multivariate analysis approach consisting of principal components analysis and cluster analysis was used to segregate those rootstocks with similar influence within each cultivar scion. Three significant clusters were found in Flame seedless and Thompson seedless, while Red Globe showed four significant clusters. Analysis of variance were conducted to evaluate differences in fruit yield, pruning weight, budburst, fruit set, bunch weight, berry weight, berry diameter and rachis weight between rootstock clusters. All rootstocks but Saint George increased yield in Flame seedless, while Salt Creek was the only rootstock with positive effects in Thompson seedless. The use of either Couderc 1613, Freedom, Harmony, Paulsen 1103 or Salt Creek was recommended in Red Globe. This is the first mid-term study with a multivariate analysis of yield components in three table grape cultivars evaluating nine rootstocks in semiarid conditions.