The aim of this research was to evaluate the ripening evolution, the physicochemical and productive characteristics of 'BRS Carmem' (Vitis labrusca) and 'Isabel' (V. labrusca) vines grafted on IAC 766 'Campinas' rootstock, for grape juice production in Northern Paraná, Brazil. The vines were trained in bi-lateral cordon system, in a 1,5 x 2,5m spacing. The chemical characteristics of the berries of 20 representative plants of each cultivar, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), maturation index (TSS/TA) and pH were evaluated weekly from early ripening to harvesting. The ripening evolution was compared by means of regression analysis. At harvest, the mass and length of the clusters, the mass of the berries and the number of clusters per plant were evaluated. The production (kg.planta-1) and the productivity of cultivars (t.ha-1) were estimated, as well. 'Isabel' presented higher TSS and TSS/TA contents (15,3ºBrix and 19,2); 'BRS Carmem' (13,7ºBrix and 15,7). However, for the TA and pH there was no significant difference between the cultivars. For the mass and length of clusters, 'BRS Carmem' presented higher values (0,09 kg and 15,0 cm) when compared to 'Isabel' (0,06 kg and 10,9 cm), and there were no significant differences among cultivars concerning the production characteristics. The 'BRS Carmem' and 'Isabel' vines present a potential to be grown in the Northern Paraná, Brazil, for grape juice production.
Vitis labrusca; grape; grape juice
