LAUSR

Eleven grapes cultivars (comprising 4 local and 7 exotics genotypes) were investigated for physicochemical evaluation and to identify early maturing cultivars before monsoon rains that are suitable for arid subtropical climate of Pakistan. Completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications was used in study and differences among means were calculated by Tukey HSD test. On the base of phenological attributes ‘Flame Tokay’, ‘NARCBlack’, ‘King Ruby’ and ‘Early white’ cultivars exhibited early ripening before monsoon rains. Physical parameters were dominantly present in local cultivars. Local genotype ‘Gola’ showed highest bunch length (27.50 cm), berry diameter (17.97 mm) and berry weight (5.37 g). While maximum bunch weight (583.55 g) and bunch width (12.33 cm) was observed in ‘Kishmish’ followed by ‘Haita’ (579.50 g & 11.70 cm), respectively. However, maximum biochemical attributes were observed in exotic cultivars. Maximum TSS (19.10%), TA (1.36%), total sugars (11.77%) and non-reducing sugars (5.03%) were observed in ‘Flame Tokay’ while maximum TSS/TA ratio (41.99) was observed in King Ruby and reducing sugars (7.38%) was observed in Sultanina cultivar. ‘NARC-Black’ was only black color cultivar and was found rich in ascorbic acid contents (28.57 mg 100 g). Cluster analysis performed on the bases of biochemical attributes divided into three main groups. Group A was consisted of four exotic genotypes Sultanina, Thomson Seedless, Flame Tokay and Muscat Hambourg, Group C was consisted of only local cultivars Kishmish and Haita while Group 2 was admixture of both local and exotic genotypes. All phenological, physical and biochemical studies showed useful attributes for future grapes improvement programs.