Performance of Eight Muscadine Cultivars and Selections in Southern Georgia

Eight muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia) genotypes were evaluated over five years in a replicated test vineyard located in southern Georgia, USA.  Genotypes included the six cultivars (Fry, Hall, Lane, Supreme, Tara, and Triumph) and two breeding program selections (Ga. 6-2-26 and Ga. 6-2-46).  Cumulative yields ranged from 36 to 80 kg per 3 meter vine.  Berry samples from each harvest were used estimate the berry weight, berry diameter, and soluble solids content.  Berries were also evaluated to determine the percentage of berry rot, stem scar tears, and stem scar splits in order to calculate the usable yield of each genotype.  The female cultivar  ‘Fry’ had the lowest yield as well as the lowest percentage of usable yield.  ‘Lane’ is useful as an early black colored cultivar, but yields are low and the percentage of berries with torn or split stem scars is high.  ‘Hall’ has an early harvest date and a high percentage of dry stem scars, but needs to be picked promptly to prevent loss from berry rots.  ‘Tara’ had the lowest soluble solids content resulting in poor flavor.  ‘Triumph’ was productive, but berry size was small and color is poor.  ‘Supreme’ was very productive, especially for a female vine, but had a low percentage of dry stem scars.  Ga. 6-2-26 and Ga. 6-2-46 are high yielding, mid-season cultivars that produce a high percentage of usable yield.