BIO-EFFICACY STUDIES OF BIO-STIMULANT (CALSIB++) FOR IMPROVING BERRY QUALITY IN THOMPSON SEEDLESS GRAPES

In the present study, Thompson Seedless grapes grafted on Dogridge rootstock were treated with CalSiB ++ (Biostimulant), a foliar nutrient to enhance yield, quality and shelf-life.Four different dosages of CalSiB ++ were used at three critical growth stages (berry setting, 8-10 mm berry size and 12-14 mm berry size) and was compared with untreated control.The treatment T 2 (CalSiB ++ @ 2.0 g/L) significantly improved bunch weight (451.25 g), 50-berry weight (189.88 g), total yield (34.65 t/ha) and reduced PLW to 5.19%.However, T 2 recorded higher nutrient levels in the grape berries, with increased level of phosphorus, calcium and magnesium.The additional benefits included enhanced berry firmness (74.50%), skin thickness (0.30 mm) which were the critical factors for preserving fruit quality during storage and transport.These findings indicated that foliar application of CalSiB ++ @ 2.0 g/L, applied at three growth stages has optimally improved both yield and quality, supporting its recommendation as an effective practice for grape production.