In the region of Jales (SP) the 'Niagara Rosada' grape yield obtained of grapevines pruned in periods of occurrence of low temperatures is in general unsatisfactory, presenting small yield and clusters with inadequate quality to commercialization. This quality of the yield is related to effective sprouting. Thus, this work rad the objective to evaluate the application of ethephon in different levels before the pruning, aiming the improvement of sprouting and clusters quality, in six experiments during the years of 2001 and 2002. Levels of 0, 3, 6 and 9 L.ha-1 of ethephon were applied by leaf. It was concluded that the use of ethephon, in level of 9 L.ha-1, provided bigger clusters and berries with greater weight, length and width, improving their aspect. The application of ethephon did not affect the tenor of total soluble solid and the titulabre total acidity, not modifying the flavor of grape 'Niagara Rosada'.
Vitis sp; growth regulator; cluster quality; ethephon
