K.C. Dahal, S.P. Bhattarai, D.J. Midmore, D. Oag and K.B. Walsh
Institute of Future Farming Systems, Central Queensland University, QLD Government, Australia
Corresponding author: k.dahal@cqu.edu.au
Received on: 9-7-2017, accepted on: 30-8-2017

DOI

ABSTRACT

Common grapevine (Vitis Vinifera L.) originated in moderate temperate climates; however, its
commercial production is extended to subtropical and tropical climates around the world. Grape
cultivation in Nepal started during the Rana regime (>70 years ago) yet there is no expansion of
commercial crop production in the country. The western terai region is a prospective area for commercial
table (fresh) grape production in Nepal. However, production constraints for this agro-ecological domain
require further investigation. Diseases associated with the high rainfall during berry maturity are
considered the major problems in the terai and mid-hills. Forcing budburst to shift harvesting time to
before the monsoon (June-July) could be considered a plausible strategy for successful viticulture in
comparatively warmer and drier subtropical climate zones of western Nepal. Effective implementation of
this strategy will require focus on selection of early maturing disease resistant cultivars and vineyard
management practices to achieve earlier and uniform budburst leading to synchronized flowering and
crop harvesting.