Comparison of Vitis rotundifolia varieties and selections in Florida.
Carlos F. Balerdi, Assistant Horticulturist, Watermelon and Grape
Investigations Laboratory, Leesburg, Florida.1

 ABSTRACT

 Varieties Southland, Chief, Magoon, Dulcet, Higgins, and
selections US 4, US 15, M1-2, Ga 23-35, and Ga 17-19 have produced
high to moderate yields. Most of the North Carolina selections
appear to have high yield potential but yield data is not available
since these selections fruited for the first time in 1968. Southland,
Magoon, Bountiful, Hunt, and 42-12B have good processing potential.

 Some varieties and selections and the characteristics in which
they were outstanding are given below (see also Table 1). Berries
of Higgins, Southland, Topsail, Stuckey, Duplin, Ga 17-19, Ga 20-55,
Ga 23-35, US 15, NC 184-4, and NC 150-13 weighed over 5 grams.
Topsail, Dearing, M1-2, 42-12B, Ga 20-55, NC 115-180, and NC 88-102
had over 20% soluble solids. The titratable acidity of Thomas,
Higgins, Magnolia, Magoon, Yuga, Topsail, Stuckey, US 4, US 15,
Ml-1, Ca 20-55, and Ga 17-19 was 0.31% or lower. Topsail, Magoon,
Southland, Scuppernong, Cowart, Magnolia, Ga 17-19, Ga 20-55, Ga 28,
NC 88-102, NC 108-109, NC 115-180, and NC 276-108 had the best flavor.
Cercospora leaf spot caused defoliation in Roanoke, Magnolia,
NC 80-74, NC 115-180, NC 148-1, NC 287-5, NC 101-102, Ga 42-17,
Ga 23-35, Ga 23-61, and Ga 17-19.

 Available data indicate that muscadines are adapted to Florida
conditions and that some varieties can be grown on a commercial
scale. Unfavorable factors and problems are drought from March to
May, possible freeze damage resulting from cultural practices that
tend to delay dormancy, drying of calyptras during bloom, and low
soil fertility.


1 A report given at the Grape Breeders Conference in Clarksville,
 Arkansas on August 1, 1969.


 HUME LIBRARY.

Mimeo Report WGL 70-2
100 Copies JUL 24 1972


 I.F.A.S. Univ. of Florida