Breeding report of a new grape cultivar‘Hongmei'

Abstract: ‘Hongmei'is a late-ripening table grape cultivar derived from the cross of Vitis vinifera ‘Flaming Muscat'and V. vinifera‘Manicure Finger'. The aim of the breeding program was to select high quality red table grapes with muscat flavor suited to Henan province conditions. After artificial hybridization pollination in 2009, 331 hybrid seeds were got. The seedlings came into flowering and fruiting successively from 2012. It was initially selected for its good sugar to acid ratios, good color, flavor and high yield. After extensive evaluation of the selection in three growing regions in Henan province from 2013 to 2015, it was finally approved by Henan Provincial Variety Approval Committee in 2015. Tree of‘Hongmei'has strong vigor, hermaphrodite flower and diploid. Young shoots tip is half-open, prostrate hairs density is very sparse, erect hairs density is absent. Young leaf is yellow-green and sheen. Mature leaves are pentagonal shape with five lobes, medium depth of upper sinuses, slightly overlapping lobes, V-shaped of base of petiole sinus. The clusters are large, cone shape without shoulder, average cluster weight was 636.7 g, maximum cluster weight was 1 150.0 g, uniform maturation on same bunch, medium density. Berries are long elliptic, have red-violet skin color, big size, average berry weight was 6.3 g, medium thickness of bloom. The content of soluble solid is 19.0%, the content of total sugar is 15.55%, content of total acid is0.50%, slight muscat flavor. Seeded, seed number per berry is 2-3. Quality is excellent. The berry development period is about 110 d and it matures at the end August in Zhengzhou, Henan province. 76.5% bud burst, 95% bearing shoots. Average cluster number per bearing shoot is 1.2. Position of first inflorescence is on node 3-6. Early bearing, this variety can bear fruits next year after planting, has high yield potential.Its leaf is susceptible to downy mildew. Suitable for arid and semi-arid areas. Vineyard should choose neutral sandy soil which is flat and has ability of moisture and fertilizer retention; suitable for scaffolding cultivation, medium shoot pruning. High yield ability, recommended pinching and berry thinning to control the yield.