Effects of Preharvest Irrigation Cut Off on Bunch Size, Ripening and Quality of Anab-E-Shahi Grape (Vitis Vinifera L.)

The effects of preharvest irrigation cut off were studied in 15 year old Anab-e-Shahi vines grown under clay loam soils. There were no changes in the bunch size as revealed by bunch weight, berry weight and berry volume. The ripening process was also not affected as there were no changes in berry colour, seed colour and also total soluble solids and titratable acidity, during the developmental stages of berries in three weeks preceding harvest. There were no appreciable changes in fruit quality at harvest on account of stress during the four-week period prior to harvest. The data indicate no special advantage to a grower to continue irrigation till harvest and the irrigation can be profitably stopped 4 weeks prior to harvest, as it helps in reducing the cost incurred on irrigation.