Studies on pruning of grape II. Influence of dormant pruning on the carbohydrate metabolism of Pusa Seedless (Vitis vinifera L.)

The studies on the effect of training systems, prun:ng methods, severity of pruning, time within dormant pruning and pruning versus non-pruning on the level of carbohydrates in the canes of Pusa Seedless, which is allied to Thompson Seedless, were conducted dtffing 1962-63 and 1963-64. There was no appreciable transfer of carbohydrates from the canes to other parts of the vine during the dormant season. So the variation in the time of pruning in the dormant season may not have any marked influence on the carbohydrate status of the cane.The total carbohydrate level in the canes of Pusa Seedless remained stable, and the winter disappearance of starch was almost quantitatively accounted for by the appearance of an equivalent amount of sugar.In the vines of Pusa Seedless trained to the Kniffin system, cane pruned with 9 bud canes and pruned any time during December 15 to January 21, the growth was more favourable for the maximum production and accumulation of carbohydrates. Hence these treatments are indicated to have superiority over the others