Super Glossary

Muscadine

Life Style / Wine Grapes / Muscadine: Is a native American species of grapevine commonly found in the Southern states of the U.S. and Mexico. Technically classified as 'Muscadinia rotundifolia', this genus has 40 chromosomes as opposed to the 38 chromosomes of genus 'Vitis'. It does not bear its fruit in bunch form but as clusters of single berries (presumably as an evolved strategy against the fungus rots so common in humid regions such as its habitat) that drop from the clusters when ripe. The berries do not keep and must be consumed or used within about a week. Possibly the most familiar variety name of this species is the Scuppernong. In common with certain seedless V.vinifera tablegrapes this species requires 'girdling' (a.k.a 'dry scarring' or 'cincturing') vine trunks (or canes) to increase berry weight and uniformity at harvest. Normal practice involves removing a thin ring about 1/10 to 3/10ths inch (approx. 3-8 mms) wide, with a dedicated tool, of conducting material from around the complete circumference of a vine cane/trunk (ie. so severing the phloem connections through to the cambium and interrupting the flow of nutrients). Legend tells that this technique was discovered by a farmer who tethered his donkey to a vine trunk and observed that the resulting injury to the vine caused beneficial effects for the grower. Girdling at veraison (when berries begin to soften) reportedly hastens maturity but does not usually increase berry size. Often the operation is carried out about a week after post-flowering shatter and should be completed before the berries reach about 6-8 mm in diameter. Girdling before the completion of post-flowering shatter or during bloom is reported to result in a heavier set and subsequent tighter clusters. Double girdling is normally reserved for varieties having vigorous growth and should not be carried out every year unless the vines are exceptionally strong. It is then advisable to reopen the original wound rather than create a new girdle at another location on the trunk.
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