Viticultural Information
Autumn Royal
Description
Autumn Royal
Common synonyms: A97-68 Autumn Royal is a late-maturing black seedless table grape developed by David Ramming and Ron Tarailo of the USDA-ARS in Fresno, California. The cultivar, formerly known and tested as USDA selection A97-68, was released in 1996 and resulted from the cross of Autumn Black x C74-1 made in 1981. In addition to several USDA numbered selections, its parentage includes Blackrose, Calmeria, Flame Seedless and Ribier. The cultivar produces large, dark purple to black berries which ripen in late September to mid-October. The commercial appeal of Autumn Royal rests on its large berry size and late maturity, as well as the fact that relatively few inputs are required for the production of high quality fruit. The natural berry size of Autumn Royal is the largest among currently available seedless cultivars, limiting the need for berry sizing treatments. Without gibberellin or girdling, berry weight can average 8 grams or more. In comparison, girdled and gibberellin treated Thompson Seedless berries typically weigh between 6 and 7 grams. Berries are ovoid to ellipsoidal in shape, and purple-black to black in color. The berry flesh is firm and translucent, and the skin low to medium in thickness. A prominent seed trace occurs in some seasons. Approximately 1,600 hectares of this cultivar have been planted since its release in 1996.
Links
Foundation Plant Services at UC Davis is the source of Foundation grapevine material for the nursery industry, and the staff can provide information about possible sources for obtaining this stock. The National Grape Registry (NGR) contains information about varieties of wine, juice, and table grapes, raisins, and grape rootstocks available in the United States. Growers, nurseries, winemakers and researchers can find background information and source contacts for those grape varieties in this single convenient location.
Publications
NGR Match
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