Pre and postharvest practices for quality improvement of table grapes (Vitis vinifera L.)

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Abstract
Table grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) rank fourth in the world fresh fruit production after citrus, bananas and apples. In Sri Lanka, grapes are grown in an area of about 100 ha. It is one of the main fruits imported to the country and according to Sri Lanka Customs, 5.1 million kg of grapes worth Rs. 1.1 billion were imported in the year 2012. These imports can be significantly reduced as there is ample scope to produce grapes locally in the land available in the North and East of Sri Lanka. The crop thrives well in these Dry Zone areas having well drained deep soils with assured irrigation. Dry weather during flowering, fruit development and maturity is essential for the production of quality grapes. Unlike other fruit crops, proper pruning of vines at the correct time is mandatory to stimulate fruiting. In order to produce a quality bunch of grapes, there are many practices that viticulturists must be aware of. This article is based on the author's three-year experience at a vineyard situated in the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India. The paper discusses preharvest and postharvest practices that should be adopted for producing high quality table grapes, along with recent research advances on the role of plant growth regulators in quality improvement.

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