Performance of Arkansas-grown 'Norton' Grapevines on Selected Rootstocks
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71318/t13rxt50Keywords:
Cynthiana, Vitis aestivalis Michx., composition, yieldAbstract
‘Norton’/’Cynthiana’ grapevines (Vitis aestivalis Michx.) are a native U.S. species that grow well but can have low yield and produce fruit with high levels of pH, malic acid, and potassium. There has been limited research on the use of rootstocks for ‘Norton’ production that could overcome these challenging attributes. The impact of selected rootstocks on ‘Norton’ yield, fruit composition, and vegetative growth was evaluated at the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture in Fayetteville, AR for three years. Rootstocks evaluated included 3309C (Couderc), 1103P (Paulsen), 44-53 (Malegue), 5C (Teleki), and 101-14 Mgt (Millardet et de Grasset) compared to own-rooted ‘Norton’. Rootstock had limited effects on vegetative growth, fruit composition, and yield components during this study. Yield of ‘Norton’ grapevines and petiole nutrient content were influenced by rootstock. In particular, 3309C and 1103P rootstocks produced higher yields than 44-53 while the latter rootstock had the lowest Mg and highest K petiole nutrient content. Additionally, vines grafted to 44-53 exhibited some Mg deficiency symptoms in basal leaves. Rootstocks also impacted the titratable acidity and malic acid content of berries, with berries from vines grafted on 44-53 higher in titratable acidity and malic acid than own-rooted vines. More extensive research is needed to determine the long-term effect of rootstocks on ‘Norton’ grapevines.
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