1. 1 Maturity and Harvesting of Grapes Next

2. Maturity and Harvesting of Grapes 2 Introduction Maturity and Harvesting of Grapes Grape is a non-climacteric fruit and its berries ripen only on the vine. Hence, ripening standards are practically applicable for harvesting. Grapes are used for table purpose, juice, wine and raisin making and hence maturity standards are slightly different for different purposes. NextEndPrevious

3. Maturity and Harvesting of Grapes 3 Varieties and Colour Several varieties of grapes are grown in India, with different shades of colours like White (White Riesling), Blue (Bangalore Blue, Pusa Navrang) Dark red (Cardial) Greenish Yellow (Arkavati, Perlette, Pusa Seedless, Thompson Seedless ) Golden Yellow (Gold) etc. EndNextPrevious

4. Maturity and Harvesting of Grapes 4 Consideration for Ripe Grapes Usually, grapes are considered ripe when the fruits have reached the condition of accumulation of sugar and acid contents, which are the best suited for intended use. NextPreviousEnd

5. Maturity and Harvesting of Grapes 5 Maturity Maturity of fruits and vegetables is an indication of the development of the crop as a marketable product. Selection of right stage of maturity for harvest is an important aspect, which has considerable influence on storage life and quality and final acceptance by the consumer. NextPreviousEnd

6. Maturity and Harvesting of Grapes 6 Definition Maturity can be defined as “that stage at which a commodity has reached a sufficient stage of development that after harvesting and post-harvest handling (including ripening, where required), its quality will be at least the minimum acceptable to the ultimate consumer.” NextPreviousEnd

7. Maturity and Harvesting of Grapes 7 Maturity Indices Banglore Blue at 12-14 o Brix. At harvest, the berries should have attained the following: attractive appearance, and colour good eating TSS/acid ratio Anab-e-Shahi should be harvested at 14-16 o Brix, For example, Thompson Seedless at 18-22 o Brix and NextPreviousEnd

8. Maturity and Harvesting of Grapes 8 Pusa Navrang Pusa Seedless Perlette Thompson Seedless Berry Size and colour of Different Grape varieties at Maturity NextEndPrevious

9. Maturity and Harvesting of Grapes 9 The objective of harvesting is to: Harvesting Pick the fruits at the proper stage of maturity, with a minimum damage, as rapidly as possible and at a minimum cost best achieved by hand harvesting in most fruits and vegetables Harvesting can be done by hand and by mechanical means which have their merit and demerit. NextPreviousEnd

10. Maturity and Harvesting of Grapes 10 Harvesting Tools & Methods Harvesting should be done in the morning or evening hours. Harvesting should be done with the help of sharp knife or secateurs or clippers specially designed for grapes. Harvested produce should be kept under shade or in cool place NextPreviousEnd

11. Maturity and Harvesting of Grapes 11 Let us sum up Grapes should be harvested after the berries ripen on the vine and attain their colour. Harvesting should be done with a suitable harvesting tool. Harvested berries should be kept at dry and cool place. Grape bunches are graded on the basis of size of berries or colour These should be packed in ventilated CFB boxes and marketed. EndPrevious