E. Malai^1,2,3,4

1. Eduardo Mondlane University-Faculty of Agronomy and Forestry Engineering, Maputo/Mozambique
2. Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), St. Lucia, Australia.
3. The University of Queensland – School of Agriculture and Food Science.
4. Centre of Excellence in Agrifood Systems and Nutrition of Eduardo Mondlane University

ABSTRACT

Indoor soilless farming systems (IF) are potential alternatives for supplying high-quality food for the increasing global population encroaching over arable land. However, current production know-how on IF is limited to a small range of adapted crops. Expanding the adaptability of IF to a broader range of crops, including fruiting crops, would enable their full potential. Grape microvines (Vitis vinifera L.) are ideal candidates for IF due to their economic value, phenotype, and phenology. However, so far, research has focused on microvines as model plants for conventional grapevine breeding and research. This study aimed to generate data to develop propagation protocols, a critical first step for the successful integration of microvines in the IF market. A propagation experiment was conducted to investigate the cloning success of two microvine verities (0081 and 0032) in response to cutting sections (lower, middle and apical sections of the branch) and misting exposure (from 3 to 7 weeks), followed by a production experiment where the establishment and production of plantlets from variety 0081, under hydroponic system, were assessed. The experiments were conducted in a controlled environment facility at CSIRO-Brisbane from September-2021 to March-2022. A completely randomized design with 10 replicates (propagation) and 5 replicates (production) was used. Multiple methods were used for data analysis, including Binomial regression, Bi-linear models and ANOVA, followed by the Fishers’ LSD or Tukey posthoc tests at a 5% significance level. In both varieties, the rooting and survival success were, respectively, 100% and ~ 80%. The sprouting success was 49.3% (0081) and 27.8% (0032). The mid and lower cutting sections and the 5-week misting promoted higher sprouting. The crop establishment was 100% in all cutting sections, and overall, their production and fruit quality were similar. The variety 0081 can yield 31.25 tonsha^-1year^-1, and the maturation standard (19.46 ^oBrix) is suitable for the Australian market. The rooting and survival of microvine cuttings is remarkably high and would suit the IF market. However, further research is needed to increase the spouting success and enable the propagation under conventional greenhouses. Plantlets from any cutting section are suitable for microvine indoor production.

Key words: microvines, cutting section, bud sprouting, rooting, IBA.