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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Poplarville, Mississippi » Southern Horticultural Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #216938
Title: Establishment and Production of Muscadine Grapes

Author
item BRASWELL, JOHN - MISS STATE EXT SERVICE
item Stringer, Stephen
item INGRAM, DAVID - MISS STATE EXT SERVICE
item SAMPSON, BLAIR - MISS STATE EXT SERVICE

Submitted to: Extension Publications
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/1/2001
Publication Date: 4/1/2001
Citation: Braswell, J., Stringer, S.J., Ingram, D., Sampson, B. 2001. Establishment and Production of Muscadine Grapes. Extension Publications.

Interpretive Summary: Muscadine grapes are rapidly gaining popularity among consumers due to their unique pleasant and unique flavors and due to their health promoting properties which include a rich source of dietary fiber, and various health- promoting phytochemicals. This publication provides prospective commercial and hobby growers with information on vineyard establishment and cultural practices essential to muscadine grape successful production.

Technical Abstract: Muscadine grapes (Vitis rotundifolia, Michx.) are adapted to the warm humid climate of the Southeastern U.S., and have been produced commercially in this region for over 300 years. Recent discoveries of the health benefits associated with muscadine grape consumption involve phenolic compounds including resveratrol and ellagic acid, which may improved cardiovascular health and cancer prevention, have increased consumer demand for fresh market muscadine grapes and processed products including juices, wine, jellies and jams. The increased demand for muscadines has resulted in an opportunity for increased production in the region. This guide provides prospective producers with basic information on muscadine grape production pertaining to site selection and preparation, trellis construction, cultivar selection, and cultural practices related to vineyard establishment, pruning, fertilization, irrigation, and weed, disease, and insect control.