BUD FERTILITY, GROWTH, YIELD AND FRUIT QUALITY OF THOMPSON SEEDLESS GRAPEVINE AS AFFECTED BY SOME FIELD PRACTICES

Percent of bud fertility, growth and fruiting of Thompson Seedless grapevines
in response to foliar application with GAl, urea and potassium sulphate were studied
during 2001 and 2002 seasons.
Results showed that bud fertility % was minimized in vines when sprayed
with GAJ and/or urea, while maximized in vines sprayed with potassium sulphate.
Growth parameters were greaUy promoted by GAJ, urea and potassium sulphate
together. Wood ripening was maximized in vines sprayed with potassium sulphate.
Yet, this treatments had no considerable effect on number of clusters/vine,
while obviously Improved the yield (kg) compared with the control. Weight and
dimensions of cluster and berry were positively affected by foliar application of GA),
urea and potassium sulphate. Application with GAJ and potassium sulphate were
responsible for obtaining unfavorable and favorable effects on berry quality. The
maximum total carbohydrates was recorded in vines sprayed with potassium sulphate
and urea.
Thus, spraying Thompson seedless grapevines twice with GAJ, urea and
potassium sulphate were considered of promising treatment.