Trellis effects on yield and fruit quality of five table grape varieties in the Murray Valley

Abstract

A field trial was established in the Mildura district, to compare the effects of trellis type (single T, double T, Y and sloping T) on the yield and fruit quality of 5 table grape varieties (Cardinal, Waltham Cross, Italia, Ruby Seedless and Emperor). Over a 3-year period (1978-80), berry yield proved insensitive to trellis type for most varieties and also as the mean of all varieties in 2 years out of 3; however, the 3 larger trellises led to significantly (P<0.05) increased berry Brix levels, improved red colour levels on Cardinal, Ruby Seedless and Emperor grapes, and higher mean berry weights for Cardinal, Waltham Cross and Italia varieties, compared with grapes grown on the single T trellis. Since differences in Brix, red colour levels and berry size were, generally, not significantly different between the 3 large trellises tested, and the sloping T trellis is simpler and easier to erect, it is concluded that the sloping T trellis is a suitable, cost-effective trellis to use for the production of table grapes in the Murray Valley.