Influence of Irrigation, Pruning Severity, and Nitrogen on Yield and Quality of ‘Concord’ Grapes in Arkansas1

Abstract

When vines of ‘Concord’ ( Vitis labrusca , L.) trained to the Geneva Double Curtain were irrigated or pruned to 60+10 nodes/vine, yield was increased with some sacrifice in juice quality, as indicated by lower % soluble solids and poorer juice color. High quality juice was obtained from fruit from 60+10 irrigated vines, the highest yielding treatment, when harvest was delayed 10 to 14 days. Level of nitrogen fertilization did not affect yield, % soluble solids, or juice color. Irrigation was the only experimental variable affecting vine size. High yields from irrigated and 60+10 vines found in this study indicated that the fruiting potential of the ‘Concord’ grapevine in Arkansas has not been fully exploited.