Vol. 9, Issue 4, Part J (2025)

An investigation was conducted to evaluate the impact of rootstock selection and cane regulation on cane length, growth, and yield of wine grapes in Karnataka's northern dry zone. The study, carried out from 2022 to 2024 at the University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, encompassed 30 treatment combinations, incorporating two rootstocks (Dogridge and 110-Richter), five grape varieties, and three cane regulation treatments. Significant variations in cane length were observed due to rootstock, variety, and cane regulation. Among the rootstocks, 110-Richter significantly enhanced vine vigor, with a cane length of 30.68 cm, compared to 22.46 cm for Dogridge. Of the varieties, Medika exhibited the longest cane length (31.10 cm), followed by Shiraz (29.28 cm), which was on par with Cabernet Sauvignon (26.27 cm). Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc had shorter cane lengths (24.72 cm and 21.48 cm, respectively). Cane regulation also significantly influenced cane length, with the 24-can treatment (C₃) yielding the longest canes (27.60 cm), followed by the 36-can treatment (C₂) at 26.74 cm, which was on par with the control (C₁) at 25.36 cm. The interaction of 110-Richter rootstock, Medika variety, and 24 canes per vine (R₂V₂C₃) resulted in the longest cane length (38.55 cm), followed by R₂V₂C₂ at 36.68 cm, which was on par with R₂V₃C₃ at 34.66 cm. These findings highlight the critical role of optimal rootstock selection and cane regulation in enhancing grapevine vigor and productivity, offering valuable insights for vineyard management under the region's challenging agro-climatic conditions.