Effect of different tillage and cluster thinning on berry heterogeneity and berry composition in cv. Merlot

This research was carried out in Turgay Yetiş vineyards located between 40° 58" 41.94 'K and 26° 23" 04.90 'D coordinates in Sarıcali Village of Ipsala District of Edirne. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of different tillage and cluster thinning applications on berry heterogenitiy and composition of Merlot grape varieties grafted on 1103P rootstocks cultivated in test vineyard. The experiment was conducted in 2016 and 2017 vegetation period. In the experiment there are 4 soil tillage (Conventional Tillage, Reduced Tillage, Conservative Tillage-1, Conservative Tillage-2) and 4 different cluster thinning application (No Thinning, Basal Cluster Thinning, Upper Cluster Thinning, Mixed Cluster Thinning). At the same time, it was investigated that the effects of these applications on berry size. The experiment was started with phenological observations and continue with the development characteristics, shoot characteristics, cluster properties, yield, berry and vine characteristics. The criteria for total antioxidant, total anthocyanin, total tannin and total antioxidant values of TSS (Total Soluble Solids) and TPI (Total Phenol Index), which are desired to be high in grape and wine wine production, were analyzed by separate analyzes. As a result, application of Protected Soil Tillage-2 and Mixed Cluster Thinning may be recommended in Merlot grape variety. It was observed that 10-12mm berry sizes were the most suitable for grape berry quality.