Varietal choice is one of the most important aspects to produce table grapes. China has the largest number of table grape growers in the world, but their reasons for choosing a particular cultivar instead of another are still unknown. This is why researchers from the Beijing Agricultural University tried to study them.
A survey was submitted to 1,045 table grapes growers from the leading producer regions. Results showed that the main criteria are:
good yields, resistance to diseases, sugar level (19-20° Brix), large grapes, compact bunches, good predisposition for transport and post-harvest storage. In addition, producers tend to prefer deep red to deep purple grapes with an oval shape and Muscat flavour. The presence of seeds is a minor aspect.
It also emerged that growers are keen to adopt new cultivars. Of course, their choice is not only driven by organoleptic qualities, but also by the most technical aspects relating to agronomic and defence management. "Our study provides the first information concerning the reasons behind varietal choices in China. These criteria can be useful to all those working in the sorting and varietal improvement fields."
