Eastern United States Table Grape Breeding

Abstract

A discussion of table grape breeding in the eastern U.S. must include a definition of "eastern", along with some description of what a "table grape" is in this region. For the purposes of this discussion, the eastern U.S. includes all areas east of the Rocky Mountains (rather than a common delineation of the country using the Mississippi River). The primary reason for this basis is that in general all areas east of the Rocky Mountains, with some exceptions in Texas, Oklahoma, and other states that have relatively dry climates , all have rainfall most or all months of the year, and therefore have diseases, other pests, and fruit-cracking pressures exceeding that of more arid climates such as in the western U.S. states. The definition of a "table grape" is a more difficult task. In the East, even today, seeded, slip-skin grapes such as 'Concord' are sold in some markets as a fresh-eating grape. However, many would argue that 'Concord' is not a table grape, but rather a processing grape used for juice. Therefore, it seems that the definition of a table grape might vary based on a number of considerations. I believe that one might designate the following definitions with the first being a very basic and early U.S. designation and the last a more modern-day, purist definition: • A grape that is improved in quality (over wild or poor quality fruits) and could be produced for fresh fruit consumption locally ; • A grape with improved fruit size over that of native or small-berry wine types; • A grape bred specifically for improved eating quality (rather than for processing) but not necessarily seedless, non-slip skin, or crisp; • A grape developed exclusively for the table market with the characteristics of seedless, crispness, and edible skin, that can be consumed easily with no discarding of skins or other inedible components. The last definition would be what most modern-day consumers would consider a table grape, while the prior three types would be unfamiliar to most Americans today. This paper provides a condensed history of eastern U.S. table grape improvement along with current breeding program goals, progress, and advances through 2007.