Table grape production in the subtropics and prospects for Nepal

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 wanner and drier subtropical climatic 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 synchronised flowering and crop harvesting.