Grapes

Peter C. Andersen, Ali Sarkhosh, Dustin Huff, andJacque W. Breman

The muscadine grape is native to the southeastern United States and was the first native grape species to be cultivated in North America. The natural range of muscadine grapes extends from Delaware to central Florida and occurs in all states along the Gulf Coast to east Texas. It also extends northward along the Mississippi River to Missouri. Muscadine grapes will perform well throughout Florida, although performance is poor in calcareous soils or in soils with very poor drainage. Most scientists divide the Vitis genus into two subgenera: Euvitis (the European, Vitis vinifera L. grapes and the American bunch grapes, Vitis labrusca L.) and the Muscadania grapes (muscadine grapes). There are three species within the Muscadania subgenera (Vitis munsoniana, Vitis popenoei and Vitis rotundifolia). Euvitis and Muscadania have somatic chromosome numbers of 38 and 40, respectively. Vines do best in deep, fertile soils, and they can often be found in beside river beds.

Jacque W. Breman, Peter C. Andersen, Muhammad A. Shahid, andAli Sarkhosh

Illustrated fact sheet describes the characteristics needed in cultivars for successful commercial grape production in Florida. Includes references and information on cultivars recommended by IFAS for wine, juice and jelly, and fresh market, plus fresh market muscadine cultivars for planting on a trial basis, and sensory evaluation results.

Fariborz Habibi, Ali Sarkhosh, andJeffrey K. Brecht

Muscadines (Muscadinia rotundifolia Michx) are vining fruit crops native to the southeastern United States. Unlike the more common European Vitis vinifera (common grapes) and American Vitis labrusca grape species that produce berries in bunches, muscadine grapes are borne in clusters of individual, large berries. In addition to their sweetness and unique flavor, muscadines are appreciated for their high concentrations of bioactive compounds, which contribute to antioxidant activity and offer various health benefits to humans. The unique characteristics of muscadines make them valuable for both fresh consumption and processing purposes, including juice, wine, jam, and freeze-dried snacks. Proper postharvest handling ensures that muscadines maintain their nutritional value and appeal to consumers.

Ali Sarkhosh, Fariborz Habibi, andSteven Sargent

Muscadine grape (Muscadinia rotundifolia [Michx.]) is a fruit crop native to America; it adapts well to a wide range of biotic and abiotic stresses and have thus been grown and vinified throughout the southeastern US for centuries. Currently, southeastern farmers grow approximately 5,000 acres of almost 100 improved muscadine-grape varieties for commercial use. Recent research demonstrated the fruit’s significant contribution of beneficial phytochemicals to the typical American diet; and thereafter, the demand for muscadine grapes considerably increased. Its thick peels and seeds, though, have prevented wider public consumption. This publication aims to introduce growers, Extension agents/specialists, and the general public to the potential for a new, value-added product that makes muscadine grapes much easier to eat and may diversify the food processing industry.

Peter C. Andersen andMuhammad A. Shahid

This document provides an overview of bunch grape cultivation in Florida, focusing on the challenges posed by Pierce's disease and the development of resistant varieties. It details the propagation, planting, and maintenance practices necessary for successful grape production, including grafting techniques, trellising, pruning, fertilization, and pest control. The document emphasizes the importance of disease management and proper irrigation to ensure healthy grapevines and optimal yields. It also highlights the specific grape varieties best suited for Florida's climate and soil conditions. Publication date, August 2001.