EFFECT OF CANE LENGTH ON BUD BEHAVIOR, BUNCH CHARACTERISTICS WOOD RIPENING AND CHEMICAL CONTENTS OF THOMPSON SEEDLESS GRAPEVINE

This investigation was carried out in a private vineyard located at Senhera, Kalubia Govermerate on twelve years old of Thompson Seedless grapevines. The study was continued for two successive seasons 1997 and 1998. Vines were pruned to different numbers of canes (4,5,6 and 9 canes/vine) and to different number of buds (18,14,12 and 8 buds per cane) (number of buds/vine being fixe to 72-70 buds), in addition to the renual spure buds per each, level of cane length.
   The results showed that percentage of buds burst and bunch index increased with increasing cane length to 18 buds, while the fruitful buds percentage, No. of bunches and fertility coefficient were increased at cane length 12 and 8 buds/cane.
   Vines with cane length 12 buds gave the greatest bunch weight, length, and berry weight in gms, as well as berry index and number of berries per bunch were more increased at cane length 12 and 8 buds, than the long canes 18 and 14 buds. This increase in number of berries increased compactness coefficient for bunches at the same treatment with cane length 12 buds/cane. T.S.S. was increased at the short cane length, while acidity was decreased. Wood ripening gradually advanced in all treatment till November. Increasing cane length depressing weight of vine pruning, total carbohydrates and total nitrogen.
   The short cane length 12 and 8 buds cane showed a significant increase at the different dates of measuring than long canes 18 and 14 buds.