Guidelines for the preparation of table grapes in SA for export 2025/2026_ND

Preface

It is necessary to update this book regularly as new cultivars are introduced and the techniques for existing cultivars are refined. The production of export table grapes of acceptable quality is specialised and labour intensive. Nowadays, no table-grape cultivar can be cultivated successfully without performing specific manipulations at the right time. These manipulations must be carried out precisely and effectively to obtain good results. Labour is the table-grape grower’s single most significant expense and increases every year. Consequently, techniques must be continually adapted and developed to reduce labour costs for bunch preparation and eliminate unnecessary manipulations. These guidelines were compiled to promote the maximum production of Class 1 export grapes per hectare. There is a balance between quality, price, and pack-out percentage. The higher the fruit quality, the better the expected price. However, when growers attempt to pack as many bunches as possible into export cartons, the average quality of the fruit starts to drop, and so does the expected price. There will come a point where the additional cartons no longer compensate for the lower quality and price. Growers need to decide for themselves where they fit into this model. To the best of our knowledge, the recommendations in this book yield the best results. These methods have been tested in practice. We acknowledge the contributions of cultivar breeders and owners, growers who have experimented themselves, and researchers.

The information on patented cultivars was obtained from cultivar breeders and owners. Although every effort was made to ensure that the information is correct, allowing growers to obtain the best results, the author and publishers accept no liability for any losses resulting from the application or non-application of these guidelines. Growers should consult their technical advisers before implementing any recommendations from this book.

Changes since the previous edition l The cultivar-specific

information is summarised. l Only the most important cultivars are included. l A section on the principles of pruning has been added. l The development of a grape berry is described. l The physiology of berry shatter is discussed.

Please read the introduction carefully. Some concepts have evolved, and new information has been introduced.

4 SATI GUIDELINES FOR THE PREPARATION OF TABLE GRAPES IN SOUTH AFRICA FOR EXPORT