ARS | Publication request: Performance of Muscadine Grape Cultivars in South Mississippi

Submitted to: HortTechnology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: January 11, 2008
Publication Date: October 1, 2008
Citation: Stringer, S.J., Marshall, D.A., Sampson, B.J., Spiers, J.M. 2008. Performance of Muscadine Grape Cultivars in South Mississippi. HortTechnology 18:726-745.

Interpretive Summary: Muscadine grapes have been cultivated in the Southeastern U.S. for centuries and are gaining in importance due to increasing consumer awareness of their qualities for flavorful fresh fruit and for wine-making. Demand is expected to increase as consumer awareness of health benefits associated with muscadine grape consumption also increases. A large collection of muscadine grape cultivars used commercially for fresh market grapes, and for juices, wines and preserves were evaluated for vigor, disease resistance, yield potential, and fruit quality. Results identified twelve cultivars having good vigor, high yield potential and good quality fruit for use in fresh market production and another six cultivars with yield potential, vigor and quality suitable for wine production. These results are useful to aid plant breeders and geneticists in selecting parental material for use in crossing and for commercial and homeowner growers in cultivar selection.

Technical Abstract: Muscadines are grapes are indigenous to the Southeastern United States and are highly prized for their unique flavor for both fresh market fruit and for processing for juice, jelly, and wine. Skin color varies among muscadine grape cultivars from bronze to purple and berry also quality varies, making some cultivars more favorable for fresh market while others are better suited for processing. A muscadine grape research vineyard was established in McNeil, MS in 1992 containing 37 named cultivars and numerous breeding lines. Performance of these cultivars was evaluated in 2001 – 2003 and results of these trials are presented.