MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR EARLY HARVEST OF TABLE GRAPE VINEYARDS IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY

Authors: Abdul Baki, Aref; ASLAN, SAM - USDA, NRCS, INDIO, CA; Carrera, Lidia

Submitted to: United States Department of Agriculture Technical Bulletin
Publication Type: Government Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/10/2002
Publication Date: 10/1/2002
Citation: ABDUL BAKI, A.A., ASLAN, S., CARRERA, L.M. MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR EARLY HARVEST OF TABLE GRAPE VINEYARDS IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TECHNICAL BULLETIN. 2002.

Interpretive Summary: The Coachella Valley, southeast California, produces 10.7 percent of total table grapes produced in the U.S. Crop maturity is the earliest in the U.S. and as early as the earliest crop maturity in Mexico, our strongest competitor. Highest profits are reaped in years when the crop matures, even for a few days, before harvest in Mexico begins. Pushing for earliest harvest results in fruit with low sugar content, poor color development, and lack of uniformity in berry size. These important quality factors reduce the price and make competition tough. This Growers' Bulletin describes management practices which will enhance earliness of crop maturity while maintaining high sugaring, color development and berry uniformity at a production that allows competition in the U.S. market and abroad. Beneficiaries of this research are table grape growers, wine and raisin grape growers, extension specialists, faculty of Departments of Horticulture, and the U.S. economy.

Technical Abstract: The Coachella Valley, southeast CA, produces 10.7 percent of total table grapes produced in the U.S. Table grape production is a major part of the Valley's economy. Profits are high because the crop matures early enough to compete with earliest harvests in Mexico. Pushing for early harvest guarantees highest profits. However, there are major problems encountered by harvesting early. These include low sugar, poor color development, and lack of uniformity in berry size. These problems can be overcome totally or partially if proper management practices are applied on time. Most table grape growers in the Coachella Valley are not aware of these new cultural technologies. This Farmers' Technical Bulletin was requested by the grape growers and the Coachella Valley Resource conservation District to assess the status quo of table grape production in the Valley and to update the growers on cultural practices that allow them to improve sugaring, color and fruit uniformity in their early harvest while maintaining healthy vines and economic yields. Some of the new technology is the result of research conducted in the Valley while the rest is the result of research findings published in other grape production regions in the U.S. and abroad.