Performance of Cultivars and Selections of Muscadine Grapes in North Florida

Abstract

Yield and berry quality of muscadine grapes were assessed from 1987 to 1991 in a vineyard established in 1985 at the North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC)-Monticello. In a separate block, several new cultivars and selections were also evaluated in the 4 ^thleaf. ‘Carlos,’ ‘Noble’ and FL AD 3-42 produced consistently high yields (> 7.75 tons/acre), whereas the yield of many large-fruited cultivars (berry wt. > 10 g) such as ‘Fry,’ ‘Summit,’ GA 9-37, GA 33-1-4, GA 33-3-4, and ‘Tara’ averaged less than 4.5 tons/acre. ‘Granny Vai’ had the highest yield of any large fruited cultivars. Percentage soluble solids generally ranged from 13 to 17% and tended to increase with vine age. Percentage dry scar was at least 75% except for ‘Farrer,’ ‘Fry,’ ‘Jumbo,’ ‘Magnolia’ and ‘Noble.’ Cultivars have been identified that were best adapted for the fresh market or processing in north Florida.