PARTIAL LEAF REMOVAL AND ITS INFLUENCE ON MICROCLIMATE AND CHARACTRtSTICS OF SUPERIOR SEEDLESS GRAPES

Superior Seedless grapevines ,were subjected to early leaf removal after fruit
set (6-7 mm berry diameter) or late leaf removal at veraison, Treatments comprised
control, removal of three leaves before cluster, removal of six leaves (three before
cluster + three after cluster) and of nine leaves (three before cluster + six after
cluster). Clusters from positions directly exposed to sunlight were collected. The
results indicated that leaf removal increased canopy temperature, light intensity and
lowered relative humidity. This was proportionate to the number of removed leaves.
Early treatments. produced light clusters with lower berry weight and size.
Consequently, yield/vine was decreased. TSS and TSS/acid ratio were decreased
while acidity was increased. Late treatments significantly increased cluster weight,
berry weight, size and yieldlvine. TSS and TSS/acid were increased while acidity
was decreased. Generally, leaf removal decreased leaf area and chlorophyll
content. The removal of six leaves (three before cluster + three after cluster) at
veraison stage was suitable for Superior Seedless cultivar.