Rootstock effects on productive characteristics of 'Princess' seedless table grapes in Apulia region (southern Italy)

Seedless table grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) are generally grafted onto vigorous rootstocks and always grown with irrigation in arid climate regions, characterized by low rainfall and high evaporative demand such as it occurs in Apulia region. Rootstock may affect vegetative growth, cluster composition and scion water use. Research was conducted in Apulia region, southern Italy, to determine the impact of five rootstocks (161.49 C., 34 E.M., 1103 Paulsen, 140 Ruggeri and 41 B) on field performance of 'Princess' table grape and to verify possible scion-rootstock affinity problems. 'Princess' vines have exhibited a good performance on all five rootstocks. Onto 1103 Paulsen, 'Princess' vines have shown the highest berry weight while the highest total soluble solid was reached onto 161.49 C. and 140 Ruggeri. The highest pruning weight and the lowest crop yield/pruning weight were produced by vines grafted onto 41 B. According to our data, rootstocks also affect yield per vine, skin color coordinates and berry firmness.