In this article:
Empirically. it seemed that a temporary reduction of available nitrogen for the Sultana vine during the period in which the inflorescence primordial are differentiated might increase fruitfulness without sacrificing bunch size.
A field trial was accordingly laid down to test this idea.
In the second season there was a 27% increase in bunches per vine on such vines, compared with vines treated according to good district practice and already yielding more than district average.
Since there was no sign of moisture stress due to the cereal the increase in bunch number is associated with reduced nitrogen, but the treatment caused weakening of some of the vines and reduced yield n the following year and was discontinued.
Further attempts to lower soil nitrogen enough to increase number without seriously affecting vine vigor have not succeeded .
The Effect of Some Cultural Practices on Nitrogen and Fruitfulness in the Sultana Vine.
1966, American Journal of Enology and Viticulture, vol 17, issue 1, pages 58 – 62
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