Standardizing irrigation schedule for Cabernet Sauvignon vines raised on 110R rootstock
Name of PI with associates
Dr. A.K. Upadhyay, Sr. Scientist (Soil Science)
Dr. J. Sharma, Sr. Scientist (Soil Science)
Dr. A.K. Sharma, Sr. Scientist (Post-harvest Technology)
Objectives:
To determine the appropriate sequence of water replenishment through various stages of vine growth and berry development
To study the effect of irrigation treatments on yield and quality of grapes.
Duration:
1 April 2010 to 30 June 2012
Highlights:
Worldwide grape is
mainly produced for wine making. Approximately 71% of the total grape
production is used for wine, 27% as fresh fruit and 2 % as dried fruit (FAO,
2007). Presently, wine grape is cultivated in approx. 2500-2600 ha area with
crop yields being realised from 1800 ha area at present. But, it is likely to
expand in near future, as; the trade in fresh fruits is becoming more
uncertain with increasing trade barriers and narrow production window in major
export markets, necessitating a shift towards processed products.
The technologies for quality wine grape production are still in the nascent
stage in India. In fact systematic research is lacking in production
technologies for wine grape cultivation. Wine grape cultivation in India falls
under hot climate, a category based on average growing season temperature
(Jones, 2006). Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the wine varieties adapted to hot
climate conditions. However, the cultivation practices being followed
elsewhere are applied to our situation. This is not the right practice.
Most of the vineyards in India are drip irrigated. The advantage of this
irrigation technique lies in the precise control over time, quantity and
desired area of water application. Amongst the various inputs applied to the
crop, water is the most important input. Judicial application of water will
not only help in maximizing the scarce water resource but at the same time
also help in minimizing the salinity risk.
Total outlay: Rs. 38.25 lakhs