Table_Grape_Technical_Assistance3.pdf

OCTOBER 2012

This publication was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development. It was prepared by Tetra Tech ARD.

KOSOVO NEW

OPPORTUNITIES FOR

AGRICULTURE PROGRAM

TABLE GRAPES TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The author sincerely acknowledges all the staff of the USAID Program, in particular, Martin Wood, Mark Wood, Michael Kimes and Maxhun Shehaj, Kujtim Lepaja the experts of the Viticulture and Wine Institute of Rahovec Sulejman Bala, Nesim Morina, supervisor grantee Qamil Cena, for the valuable daily collaboration and fruitful discussions. I also greatly acknowledge the motivated trainers, students, growers participating at the Symposia and all people I met during the pleasant visit in Kosovo.

Prepared for the United States Agency for International Development, USAID Contract Number EDH-I-00-05-00006-00, TO AID-165-TO-11-00001, Kosovo New Opportunities for Agriculture Program, under the Rural and Agricultural Incomes with a Sustainable Environment (RAISE Plus) Indefinite Quantity Contract (IQC).

Implemented by:

Tetra Tech ARD 159 Bank St., Suite 300 Burlington, VT 05401

KOSOVO NEW

OPPORTUNITIES FOR

AGRICULTURE

PROGRAM

TABLE GRAPES TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

DISCLAIMER

The authors’ views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government.

KOSOVO NOA: TABLE GRAPES ASSISTANCE REPORT – OCTOBER 2012 i

CONTENTS

CONTENTS .................................................................................................... i

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................... ii

1.0 BACKGROUND

2.0 PURPOSE OF ASSIGNMENT

3.0 TRAINING AND FIELD ACTIVITIES TO ACHIEVE PURPOSES

4.0 TASK FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE

ACTIVITY

ANNEX I: PICTURES SHOWING TRAINING AND FIELD

DEMONSTRATION ACTIVITIES, TABLE GRAPE BUNCHES AND

INNOVATIVE GREEN PRUNING TECHNIQUES PROPOSED

ii KOSOVO NOA: TABLE GRAPES ASSISTANCE REPORT – OCTOBER 2012

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The assignment aimed at improving cultivation, harvest and post-harvest techniques, adopted for table grape in Kosovo, in order to enhance fruit yield and quality standards and overcome the need to import table grape from abroad (30% of Kosovo's table grape consumption).

The report focuses on the implementation into table grape vineyards of sustainable green pruning, fertilization and soil management techniques, harvest and post-harvest practices, based on up-dated scientific and technical information, for increasing marketable yield and fruit quality, preventing plant diseases and environmental stresses (eg. drought, frost). As highlighted in previous reports (USAID

Mr Karniel's and Professor's Rombola reports), in spite of the high potentialities due to climatic and historical reasons, the development of the table grape sector in Kosovo is considerably impaired by several agronomic constrains, in part due to the lack of distinction between table and wine grape cultivation.

During two visits performed in June and August 2012, useful information has been gained through field activities and daily interviews and discussions with the experts of the USAID Program and the

Wine Institute, trainers and grape growers. A real picture of the table grape agronomic management and level of implementation of previous technical recommendations into vineyards was achieved.

After the training activities and the table grape workshop performed in February 2012, most of the vines were converted from double-guyot to single guyot and the modified double-T trellis system was established in the demonstrative plots. Four new plantations of cultivars Red Globe and Crimson

Seedless were established in April/May 2012.

Practical guidelines for executing green pruning and collecting the experimental data for comparing innovative and traditional trellis systems were given. The adverse effects of the repeated soil tillage on berry quality, plant vigor and susceptibility to diseases, along with the tremendous impact on soil fertility and risk of soil erosion were constantly emphasized during field discussions with trainers and grower. The need of changing soil management techniques introducing cover crops in the vineyards was explained. The impact of innovations of new technologies on grape quality and vineyard status is certainly encouraging. Attractive bunches were obtained in demonstrative plots were technical guidelines were properly followed. The physiological, technical and economic reasons of all the recommended practices were presented and discussed during the workshops.

Growers understood the benefits of the new training and trellis systems and some of them shared the ideas of converting guyot-trained vines into Y-trained vines planning to buy new smaller tractors compatible with between-rows short distance currently adopted (mostly 2.4 m). The proposed changes of canopy management were generally accepted although not always correctly transferred into practice.

The quality of the table grape in properly managed demonstrative plots clearly indicated real perspectives for future export. Shed packing of fruits is recommended. The contribution of women in harvest and post-harvest activities will give a precious support. In the new plantations, table grape varieties demanded on the international market along with rootstocks resistant to drought stress are advised. Vegetal material, free of virus and other pathogens is highly recommended. The establishment of a nursery in Kosovo for providing healthy and cheap plants is proposed.

Some of the existing young wine grape vineyards (12-15 year old) which are not profitable due to the low prices currently paid for grapes of wine cultivars can be re- grafted with pathogens-free table grape cultivars after adequate monitoring of eligible vineyards and appropriate training. The adoption of the organic method in table grape cultivation should be seriously considered. The consultant highly recommends to concentrating and increasing the efficiency of technical, practical and economical efforts accurately selecting vineyards and extremely motivated trainers and growers.

KOSOVO NOA: TABLE GRAPES ASSISTANCE REPORT – OCTOBER 2012 1

1.0 BACKGROUND

USAID supports economic growth in Kosovo through programs that strengthen and improve competitiveness of Kosovo agribusinesses, improve the business environment, and encourage local economic development. Accordingly, USAID/Kosovo has awarded Tetra Tech ARD the task order for the New Opportunities in Agriculture in Kosovo Program.

The goal of the program is to increase economic growth in Kosovo through expanded, environmentally sustainable production and sales of value-added agricultural products by enabling producers and processors to compete regionally and globally. The program has the following components:

1. Products and farmers linked with markets:

2. Agriculture products diversified and increased;

3. Food quality and safety improved;

4. Increased affordable and accessible credits;

5. Improved coordination with the agriculture sector.

One of the traditional crops recommended to focus on in Kosovo is table grapes. Kosovo has many quality grape vineyards, but a majority of the vineyards have grown table grapes by utilizing wine vineyard cultivation techniques. Accordingly, the Program has sought technical assistance to promote and train growers on modern technologies for the production of table grapes in Kosovo.

2 KOSOVO NOA: TABLE GRAPES ASSISTANCE REPORT – OCTOBER 2012

2.0 PURPOSE OF

ASSIGNMENT

Providing training for trainers in order to improve their knowledge on green pruning techniques such as leaf thinning, bunch thinning, berry thinning. These new table grape growing practices will be introduced by assisting growers to manage the new modified "T" trellising system and by improving the cultural practices and production techniques meant specifically for table grapes. Fertilizer recommendations to enhance fruit yield and quality along with guidelines for sprayer calibrations will be provided. Guidelines for performing good practices at harvest and during the post-harvest period, in order to improve fruit quality and storability will be also given. Recommendations will be focused on bunch preparation for packing, packaging materials, field and shed packing, sulfur-dioxide treatment, pre-cooling and storage. Training activities will be demonstrated under field conditions.

Participation as key note speaker at two one-day Symposia in Rahovec on 1) table grape growing and introduction of new cultural practices and sprayer calibration instructions and 2) introduction of new harvest and post-harvest practices for table grape.

KOSOVO NOA: TABLE GRAPES ASSISTANCE REPORT – OCTOBER 2012 3

3.0 TRAINING AND FIELD

ACTIVITIES TO ACHIEVE

PURPOSES

In two different periods of the table grape vegetative season (June and August), training and demonstrating activities have been performed through daily field visits to the vineyards hosting the new modified T trellis system. New plantations of varieties Red Globe and Crimson Seedless were also visited. Mike Kimes, the USAID Chief Technical Officer, Maxhun Shehaj, USAID Fruit

Production Specialist, the USAID Agronomist Kujtim Lepaja, representatives of the Wine Institute

(Sulejman Bala and Nesim Morina), the supervisor grantee (Qamil Cena) participated to several field activities.

In June, during meetings and field visits the fundamental and technical basis of table grape management, especially summer pruning, thinning practices, fertilization and soil management, disease prevention and management, were presented and discussed with trainers in charge of the various demonstrative plots. Such aspects, along with the guidelines for performing sprayers calibration were presented to table grape growers within a Table Grape Workshop, After the workshop, a practical field demonstration on summer pruning practices and sprayers calibration was given.

In August, the activities consisted in providing further guidelines for properly managing canopy according to the environmental conditions and the table grape cultivar. Special attention was devoted to bunch preparation for packing, packaging materials, field and shed packing, use of sulfur-dioxide, pre-cooling and storage showing experiences of other table grape producing countries. These issues were presented and discussed within a second Table Grape Workshop, followed by a field demonstration on pre-harvest and harvest practices along with calibration of a new duster provided by the NOA project.

The electronic material employed for the oral presentations of both symposia were provided for translation and dissemination and are available upon request. A real picture of the table grape agronomic management and level of implementation of previous technical recommendations into vineyards was gained through the program of visits to the established demonstrative plots and the discussions and interviews with grape growers. After the training activities and the table grape workshop performed in February 2012, most of the vines were converted from double-guyot to single guyot and the modified double-T trellis system was established in the demonstrative plots. In a vineyard with suitable distances between vine rows, a V-shaped system, with 3 arms and 3 couples of wires (Fig. 1), was also established.

Four new plantations of cultivars Red Globe and Crimson Seedless were established in April/May

2012.

4 KOSOVO NOA: TABLE GRAPES ASSISTANCE REPORT – OCTOBER 2012

4.0 TASK FINDINGS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS

The following tasks were specified in the Scope of Work for the assignment:

Task 1: Provide training for introducing new thinning cultural practices, and best harvest and post-harvest practices to increase fruit yields and quality.

Task 2: Conduct two field days to show new cultural practices in demonstrative plots converted to the modified T trellis system.

Task 3: Conduct two one-day workshops in order to give recommendations for implementing new cultural practices, harvest, post-harvest, packaging to improve marketable quality.

Findings and recommendations for each task are below reported.

Task 1: Daily training on green pruning management was provided to trainers during field visits performed in June and August to all the 20 table grape demonstrative plots located in Rahovec and

Suhareca.

Most of vineyards were characterized by excessive shoot vigor, exacerbated by the repeated soil tillages. As expected, the implementation of the modified T improved light interception and air circulation within the canopy. In addition, in windy areas, the presence of the T arms reduced the incidence of shoots damaged by the wind. Practical guidelines for executing green pruning and collecting the experimental data for comparing innovative and traditional trellis systems were given.

Major recommendations for the demonstrative plots included managing the canopy with the aim to obtain a vegetative wall formed by long shoots (around 18 nodes in cv Black Magic) homogenously distributed along the supporting wire. By this approach, the distal part of the shoots, will create shadow conditions at bunch level decreasing the risk of maturation anomalies (berry sunburn, berry dehydration). The "umbrella effect" of long shoots (Fig. 2) is particularly important in cultivars sensitive to excessive light, resulting in poor berry skin colour (eg. Cardinal). The indication of removing early in the season (after flowering) few basal leaves (1-3 leaves, inserted below bunch insertion) was given for improving microclimatic conditions and effectiveness of sprays (important for controlling powdery mildew). Following late (after veraison) removals of basal leaves covering bunches were recommended in late-maturing cultivars (Muscat Italia, Muscat Hamburg). This practice, essential for improving berry color and decrease susceptibility to diseases (especially botrytis), should be delayed in hot and drought years.

The recommendation of performing early (after fruit-set) bunch thinning and bunch trimming was given.

The adverse effects of the repeated soil tillages on berry quality, plant vigor and susceptibility to diseases, along with the tremendous impact on soil fertility and risk of soil erosion were constantly emphasized during field discussions with trainers and grower. The need of changing soil management techniques introducing cover crops (eg. grasses, legumes, crucifers) in the vineyards was explained.

Seeds of several species (eg. Festuca rubra, Festuca pseudovina putza, Trifolium spp., barley) are available on the market. The choice and the management of such species should be done according the specific conditions (water availability, temperature, soil, pH and texture, etc.) of the vineyards. A major constraint for introducing such innovation is currently represented by the lack of available machines for cutting the herbaceous plants. The Project could contribute to buy such machines.

KOSOVO NOA: TABLE GRAPES ASSISTANCE REPORT – OCTOBER 2012 5

In 2012 berry quality was good, mainly because of favorable meteorological conditions decreasing the incidence of fungal diseases (mildew, powdery mildew, botrytis). The impact of innovations of new technologies on grape quality and vineyard status is certainly encouraging. Attractive bunches were obtained in demonstrative plots were technical guidelines were properly followed (Fig. 3).

However some concerns arise from the correct execution of technical guidelines and the proper collection of experimental data from a large number (20) of demonstrative plots established during

2012. I suggest the Project should focus on a restricted number of well-designed trials involving the best trainers and growers.

During harvest time, improper management of harvested bunches was observed. In particular, damages to the berry bloom, overloaded boxes, boxes exposed to the sun, boxes lied on the soil. The physiological, technical and economic reasons of all the recommended practices were presented and discussed during the workshops (presentation materials are available upon request).

The vineyards recently planted (cultivars Red Globe and Crimson Seedless) were visited. Due to low temperature and high rainfall during the early spring period, plantation took place in late April/May.

Plantation depth deserves some agronomical considerations for its important practical implications.

Particularly in the hilly areas, being afraid of drought and erosion risks, growers, including NOA beneficiaries, often plants young vines too deep in the soil (35 cm) , in some cases with the grafting point below the soil level (plant depth more than 40 cm). Such plant depth should be avoided because, especially in wet and clay-textured soils, it can impair root and consequently shoots growth and even increase high vine mortality after plantation.

The recommendation for new plantations consists in covering the root system with only 15-20 cm of soil layer, maintaining the grafting point above the soil level. In slope vineyards, erosion phenomena should be reduced by proper soil management, maintaining strips of weeds/grasses perpendicularly to the slope in order to reduce water run-off. In some vineyards of cultivars Red Globe and Crimson an unsatisfactory development and an elevated mortality of young plants was observed, Therefore extreme care it is recommended in handling vines after their arrival and it is suggested to test some vines already planted in the field for possible infections (eg. closterovirus).

Task 2: Two field days showing new cultural practices in demonstrative plots converted to the modified T trellis system, sprayer and duster calibration were conducted.

On June 13, different green pruning practices were performed on the vines: de-suckering, shoot thinning, shoot positioning (Fig. 4), removal and trimming of laterals (Fig. 5-6), leaf removal, bunch thinning, berry thinning, trimming. A practical demonstration of sprayer calibration was also performed.

On August 31, a practical demonstration of a new duster, useful for the application of elemental sulfur and provided by the project, was performed for trainers and growers. In addition, removal of leaves in the bunch zone was shown and the canopy structure (umbrella effect) in properly managed vines was commented in the field.

Both field days took place after the symposia.

Task 3: During the two workshops the proposed changes concerning agronomic and post- harvest management were presented and discussed.

The first workshop (Development of the Table Grape Sector in Kosovo) took place on June 13 in

Rahovec, at the Hotel Jaha Petrol. It was divided in three parts focused on Canopy Management

Strategies (Part I), Agronomic strategies for controlling vine vigor, decreasing diseases incidence and improving fruit yield and quality (Part II) and Sprayer calibration (Part III). The speaker presented and discussed the conditions and causes of improper management of vineyards in Kosovo (planting density, soil management, etc.) and the actions to be implemented for improving fruit yield and quality by sustainable agronomic strategies giving information on sprayer calibration.

6 KOSOVO NOA: TABLE GRAPES ASSISTANCE REPORT – OCTOBER 2012

The second workshop took place on August 31 in Rahovec, at the Park Plazha. It was divided in three parts concerning Cultural practices implementation and effects on the post-harvest activities (Part I), Experimental data 2012 (Part II) and Ideas for the future. The speaker presented and discussed the effects of new practices on fruit yield and quality and plant diseases and elucidated proper harvest and post-harvest practices. Moreover ideas for undertaking actions aimed at developing the table grape sector in Kosovo were presented.

Meetings with key stakeholders (farmers, manufacturers, traders, agricultural organizations, USAID representatives) were established.

KOSOVO NOA: TABLE GRAPES ASSISTANCE REPORT – OCTOBER 2012 7

5.0 CONCLUSIONS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS

FOR FUTURE ACTIVITY

Vineyard management, harvest and post-harvest practices currently adopted for table grape in Kosovo need a rapid and sustainable innovation. Most of the required interventions (eg. training and trellis systems, cultural practices, plant protection programs and effective sprayers/dusters) were proposed by the previous report (see Prof. Rombola USAID Report 2012). Data and field observations of 2012 indicate that the innovations in training/trellis system and canopy management improve the quality and add economic value to the production. The training activity, field visits and demonstrations, presentations and discussions within the table grape workshops certainly stimulated the implementation of agronomic innovations.

Growers understood the benefits of the new training and trellis systems and some of them shared the ideas of converting guyot-trained vines into Y-trained vines planning to buy new smaller tractors compatible with between-rows short distance currently adopted (mostly 2.4 m). Since the Y system brings several advantages, it is very widespread in the main table grape producing countries (eg.

California) and also Italian growers are increasingly adopting such system. In practice, Y system is being preferred to both pergola and VSP (including guyot) systems. For vineyards that will be converted into Y, special attention must be devoted to trellis conditions, especially posts stability and wires stretching.

The proposed changes concerning canopy management were generally accepted although not always properly transferred into practice. However growers are not yet completely aware of the importance of innovating also soil management (delaying soil tillage, reducing tillages, introducing cover crops) for successful cultivation and also for decreasing plant susceptibility to environmental stresses like frost and drought.

Concerning the implementation of harvest and post-harvest practices, growers appreciated the proposed innovations (field packing, shed packing, innovative boxes), however they are not currently stimulated because the local market does not recognize adequately the higher quality achievable by the implementation of such practices. However the quality of the table grape in properly managed demonstrative plots showed in some cases very good appearance and excellent sensorial attributes clearly indicating real perspectives for future export. Proper sensorial analysis techniques and tools for assessing table grape quality would greatly contribute to recognize the best table grapes produced in Kosovo. New methodologies and instruments can be implemented in the laboratories of the Wine

Institute located in Rahovec.

Considering the peculiar conditions of the viticultural sector in Kosovo, shed packing of fruits is recommended for export. The contribution of women in harvest and post-harvest activities would give a precious support during these steps. Currently the market demands requires fruits with low sulfite residues, sulfur dioxide causes healthy risk to allergic individuals and the use of SO2 has been restricted in many countries. Therefore it is crucial to implement technological alternatives to sulfur dioxide such as calcium chloride (in pre and post-harvest) and ozone, two promising treatments that are beginning to be adopted on a commercial scale.

In the new plantations, table grape varieties demanded on the international market are recommended, in particular seedless varieties (eg. Sugraone, Autumn Royal) but also seeded varieties well appreciated and recognized by consumers (eg. Michele Palieri). In areas with scarce water

8 KOSOVO NOA: TABLE GRAPES ASSISTANCE REPORT – OCTOBER 2012

availability, it is recommended to choose rootstocks resistant to drought stress (eg. 140 Ruggeri, 1103

Paulsen). Special care must be devoted to adapt plantation distances to rootstock/variety combination and site potentialities. Current planting distances are too narrow.

Certified material, free of virus and other pathogens is highly recommended in order to avoid to weakening the results the USAID NOA Program. However current certification system does not always guarantee healthy material, therefore specific tests (eg, for closteroviruses) should be requested to the nursery. The establishment of a nursery in Kosovo for providing healthy and cheap plants is advised.

Some of the existing young wine grape vineyards (12-15 year old) which are not profitable due to the low prices currently paid for grapes of wine cultivars can be re- grafted with table grape cultivars. The main technical issues (eg. eligible vineyards, compatibility between table grape variety and existing rootstock/variety) arising from this technique are being discussed with the USAID specialists. The vegetal material that will be employed should meet the requirements elucidated for new plantations.

Adequate monitoring of eligible vineyards (eg. absence of symptoms associated to chronic pathogens like viruses, esca disease, flavescence doreee and bois noir (phytoplasma). Armillaria root-rot, before re-grafting operations is essential. Training for learning proper re-grafting techniques is necessary.

Planning innovations aimed to further improve grape quality for export and increase profits of kosovar growers deserves scientific and economical support. However a critical evaluation of the management of a large number of demonstrative plots during 2012 suggests to restrict the number of demonstrative plots to 3 plots according to vineyards age (new plantations, young and mature vineyards) assigning the responsibility of the plots only to the best skilled trainers.

The consultant highly recommends to concentrating and increasing the efficiency of technical, practical and economical efforts accurately selecting vineyards and extremely motivated trainers and growers.

KOSOVO NOA: TABLE GRAPES ASSISTANCE REPORT – OCTOBER 2012 9

ANNEX I: PICTURES

SHOWING TRAINING AND

FIELD DEMONSTRATION

ACTIVITIES, TABLE GRAPE

BUNCHES AND INNOVATIVE

GREEN PRUNING

TECHNIQUES PROPOSED

Fig. 1. Triple T trellis system. Rahovec, June 2012.

Fig. 2. Umbrella effect, obtained by maintaining long shoots, in a demonstrative vineyards (cv Black Magic) with rows East- West- oriented. Rahovec, August 2012.

Fig. 3. Good appearance of cv Italia bunches after late leaf removal. Rahovec, August 29 2012.

10 KOSOVO NOA: TABLE GRAPES ASSISTANCE REPORT – OCTOBER 2012

Fig. 4. Triple T system. Well-positioned shoots after removal of basal laterals. Rahovec, February 2012

Fig. 5. Double T system. Removal of laterals inserted on the basal part of the main shoots.

Rahovec, June 2012.

Fig. 6. Double T system. Appearance of main shoots after removal of basal laterals. Rahovec, February

2012.

Fig. 7. Sunburn damages on cv Italia bunches in vines submitted to early shoot trimming. Rahovec, August 2012.

Fig. 8. Unproper shoots positioning (shoots parallel to the row). Rahovec, August 2012.

Contents

U.S. Agency for International Development Kosovo

Arberia (Dragodan) Ismail Qemali St., No.1 Pristina, Kosovo, 10130

Tel: ++ 381 (0)38 59 59 2000 Fax: ++ 381 (0)38 249 493 www.usaid.gov/kosovo

U.S. Agency for International Development Kosovo Arberia (Dragodan)

Ismail Qemali St., No.1 Pristina, Kosovo, 10130

Tel: ++ 381 (0)38 59 59 2000 Fax: ++ 381 (0)38 249 493 www.usaid.gov/kosovo