Table grape rootstocks in South Africa

PAULSEN 1103

V. berlandieri x V. rupestris Synonym(s): P 1103 and 1103 P

Origin: Bred by F. Paulsen, in Sicily, Italy, in 1895.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS Tolerances relating to: Phylloxera: Very good to excellent. Nematodes: Moderate (2) against root-knot nematodes; poor against dagger nematodes. Phytophthora : Very poor; not recommended in soils that remain wet for long periods after irrigation or rain. Crown gall: Moderate. Wet soils: Very good (if Phytophthora is absent). Dry soils: Moderate (3) . Saline soils : Poor to very poor. Calcareous soils: Good; better than R 110, but poorer than Ru 140.

• Currently the third most planted rootstock for established table grape vineyards. • For new plantings, currently the second most popular rootstock following R 110. CULTIVATION CHARACTERISTICS Compatibility: Very good with most cultivars of V. vinifera . Good results obtained with both bench and aerial grafting. Omega bench grafting may occasionally result in problems (1) . Affinity: Problems with Redglobe in South Africa. Rooting: Very good. Vigour if not grafted: Moderate to good (1) . Vigour if grafted: Very good. Petiole nutrient status tendencies: High P and Fe uptake; low Na uptake (1) .

GENERAL: • The current demand for table grapes shows a shift to P 1103 at the expense of Ramsey and R 110. The expectation is that vine vigour will decrease and grapes of better quality will consequently be obtained (especially on fertile soils). • Popularity is increasing and P 1103 is currently second in demand, following Ramsey for new plantings. • Ramsey performed better in the majority of trials.

26 Table Grape Rootstocks in South Africa