OK392 (‘Mamont Noir’) a Red-Pulped Bunch Grape with Potential for Upper South Vineyards

Abstract

The grape industry is expanding acreage production of wine, juice, and other value-added products throughout the United States. Recent estimates show the grape and wine industries in states surrounding Mississippi have significant economic impact. To prepare for a potential expansion of the grape industry in Mississippi, underappreciated cultivars and breeding selections are being grown, harvested, and processed to determine suitability. A selection from Oklahoma, OK392, was grown for several years at the Mississippi State University (MSU) Beaumont Horticultural Unit as well as the Oklahoma State University Cimarron Valley Experiment Station. OK392 compared favorably to other hybrid bunch grapes in many measured categories; however, it did have higher loads of Pierce’s disease (PD) (Xylella fastidiosa) in Mississippi. Even with the higher detected PD, vines are still surviving in South Mississippi and producing grapes. Wine was also made from fruit collected and it has promise in blending and as a teinturier to provide deep red color for other grapes. Overall, OK392 has potential for upper South vineyards and may be useful in grape breeding programs as well, and we propose the name ‘Mamont Noir’ for future use.