Performance and compatibility of 'Muscat Gordo Blanco' grape on eight rootstocks

• Published in: Scientia Horticulturae (Netherlands) Vol. 16; no. 4
• Main Authors: Sarooshi, R.A, Bevington, K.B. (Horticultural Research Station, Dareton, NSW (Australia)), Coote, B.G
• Format: Publication
• Language: English
• Published: 01.04.1982

In a soil not previously planted with vines, 'Muscat Gordo Blanco' (='Gordo') grafted on to 8 rootstocks did not significantly increase the 7-year cumulative yield compared to own-rooted (control) vines despite the increased vigour (pruning-weight) given by some rootstocks. 'Gordo' on 1613 rootstock had the maximum cumulative yield, but this was only 8% greater than control. Growth of vines on rootstocks 62-66 was the most vigorous as judged by trunk circumference. During the course of the trial a number of vines on 'Salt Creek' ('Ramsey') died and others declined markedly due to graft-incompatibility. Surviving vines yielded 40% less than control due to fewer and smaller bunches. They also had lower Brix and pruning-weight and smaller trunk circumference. Symptoms of Legno riccio virus were observed below the bud union on 'du Lot' and 420 A rootstocks, and yield of vines on 'du Lot' was lower than control. Due to their poor performance, grafting 'Gordo' on 'Ramsey' and 'du Lot' rootstocks is not recommended. In soil not previously planted with vines, 'Gordo' clones on their own roots are the most economical and best to use.