The effect of different rootstocks and cluster thinning on yield and quality in cv. Cabernet Franc in sloping vineyard

This study was carried out in a private vigneron's vineyard located within the borders of Sarkoy district of Tekirdag province for two consecutive years in 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 vegetation periods. The trial area is located within the coordinates of 40° 39' 12.00" N and 27° 03' 20.00" E. Cabernet Franc grape variety grafted on 13-year-old Fercal and 140Ru rootstocks was used. Vineyard planted at 2.1 m X 1.0 m distance between and above rows, body height of 70 cm, single-arm cordon finishing in Espalier system and sewn in N-S direction. The altitude of the vineyard plot is between the highest 327 m and the lowest 309 m. In this study; the effects of rootstock, location, cluster thinning applications on leaf water potential and grape yield and quality were determined. In the province of Tekirdag; it can be said that temperatures have increased over the years and precipitation regimes have changed. The rising temperatures and the lack of precipitation, especially between the fall and the harvest, adversely affect the vine, the clusters and therefore the grains. Fercal (high sugar, acidity, pH) or 140 Ru (high anthocyanin, polyphenol, tannin) rootstock can be selected according to the desired purpose in order to obtain high quality yield from Cabernet Franc grape variety in the conditions of Sarkoy district of Tekirdag province. "Top" application can be preferred in terms of position on the slope. It was also found that it is advisable to make "25% S" from cluster thinning applications.