The effects of girdling and cluster thinning applications on some cluster and berry characteristics of Flame Seedless and Alphonse Lavallee grape varieties

In this research, the effects of girdling and cluster thinning applications done in three different periods of berry set of Flame Seedless and Alphonse Lavallee grape varieties in 2012 vegetation period on some cluster and berry characteristics were searched in Research vineyard of Horticulture Department of Çukurova University Agricultural Faculty.For Alphonse Lavallee variety, girdling applied in berry set period and after 4 weeks have increased the vine yield, berry weight, berry volume, berry length and width compared with control vines. In terms of the color uniformity of clusters, among the applications were not found significantly difference. Cluster thinning applications done at three berry set periods were increased the total soluble solids (TSS) values more than 10% compared to control applications. Girdling done together with cluster thinning applications were increased the berry width and length more than 10% compared to the controls. Girdling applied in berry set of Flame Seedless variety has increased the vine yield, cluster weight, berry uniformity, berry weight, berry volume, berry length and width compared with control samples examined. The highest value has obtained from cluster thinning applications done after 4 weeks from berry set for TSS. However, for other applications were found less value than controls. Girdling done together with cluster thinning during the berry set period has showed less values for pH and acidity comparing the control samples, other applications showed higher values than control samples. Girdling and cluster thinning when applied together after berry set 2 and 4 weeks have more increased the cluster weight and berry characteristics than that of the control vines.