An evaluation of grape cultivars grown on the Cumberland Plateau of Tennessee

Eleven French Hybrid and ten American Bunch grapes were evaluated 1979 and 1980 on the Cumberland Plateau of Tennessee to determine their acclimation to the Plateau and to partially assess their ability to produce quality fruit.

Vines were examined for shoot growth, bud hardiness, plant mortality, yield, and number of clusters produced. Fruit was evaluated for soluble solids, acid, and pH content, and for berry and cluster size.

The American Bunch cultivars had greater cold hardiness but slightly lower fruit quality than the French Hybrid.

Both American Bunch and French Hybrids had lower yields, higher plant mortality, and lower nutrient levels the second year of the study.

The American Bunch cultivars, 'Concord,' 'Moored' and 'Niagara' performed well, exhibiting vigorous growth and adequate yields and fruit quality.

'Rosette' and 'Rougeon' were the most vigorous of the French Hybrids, but fruits of these cultivars were low in both sugar and acids. 'Seyval' and 'Vidal 256' had some winter damage and only moderate yields but fruit quality was good.