Journal of Horticulture and Postharvest Research

Abstract Purpose: This study aimed to valorize the grape genotypes in the oasis of Tozeur, Tunisia, by exploring their salinity tolerance. Research method: The principal genotypes: Arbi, Chetoui, Guelb Sardouk, Kahla, Sfaxi and Muscat d’Italie were subject to two salt treatments: a gradual stress by adding 25 mM NaCl every week until the final doses of 75,100 and 150 mM NaCl and a shock by applying 50 and 100 mM NaCl from the treatment onset. The shoot length and the number of leaves were monitored during salt treatments.  Findings: The first mortalities were registered at the 3^rd week for Sfaxi under gradual stress conditions, Guelb Sardouk, and Kahla under salt shock. The effects of 75 mM NaCl gradually added were expressed only by the decline of leaves number for the genotypes Chetoui, Kahla, and Sfaxi, while those of low salt shock (50 mM NaCl) were manifested by plant height and leaves number reductions. Salinity damages were aggravated by increasing the salinity. Another response was observed for the studied genotypes: they kept their vegetative apparatus almost unaffected to preserve the photosynthetic capacity. Research limitations: No limitations were founded. Originality/Value: The adverse effects of salinity were more relevant at the end of the stress particularly under the high salt dose (150 mM NaCl). The salinity of irrigation water for our grape genotypes shouldn’t reach 150 mM NaCl. The genotype Arbi was the most tolerant genotype while Kahla was the most sensitive to salinity.

Abstract Purpose: A safeguard program was organized to prevent and protect the autochthon fruit species in El Jerid Oasis, Tunisia. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the grapevine varieties in these oases. Research method: A survey was conducted to detect the existing grape varieties and to count their stock. Ampelographic characterization of the bunch and berry (length, width, weight) and organoleptic analyzes (juice percentage, pH, TSS, titratable acidity) were measured for the most frequent founded vines. Findings: The study revealed a genetic wealth of vines in El Jerid Oasis, Tunisia represented by local and introduced table grapevines such as Muscat d'Italia, Cardinal, Superior Seedless, etc. The ampelographic characterization revealed medium-sized bunches for local varieties Chetoui, Arbi and Kahla and larger bunches for Muscat d'Italie, Sfaxi and Guelb Sardouk. Indeed, our grapevines were characterized by low weighted bunches. The varieties Guelb sardouk, Muscat d'Italie and Sfaxi showed berries with higher calibers and weights. The other studied vines had medium-sized and low-weighted berries. The local vines Kahla and Guelb Sardouk revealed fine-tasting berries with low sugar and acidity. Arbi and Sfaxi berries were richer in sugar with low acidity. Research limitations: No limitations were founded. Originality/Value: This study valorized the autochthone vines of El Jerid Oasis, Tunisia, by highlighting their fruit qualities, especially the taste. Therefore, the plantation of these autochthone vines should be favorized for grape table consumptions.