The Grape Research Station in Anamalaiyanpatti near Cumbum will soon have a sophisticated “A class” meteorological station to alert grape growers about change in climate, temperature and relative humidity well in advance and help them undertake weather-based plant protective and pest control measures.
The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University will commission the station at an estimated cost of Rs 12 lakh.
Talking to The Hindu , Grape Research Station Scientist S. Parthiban said weather-based information, including wind velocity, temperature, pest control measures and application of fertilizers, would be sent to grape growers through mobile phones. “We have plans to develop 70 new varieties using tissue culture technology. Several varieties of grape seedlings from different parts of the country, especially from Maharashtra and West Bengal, were brought to the research station. Fruits from these plants could be used for different purposes, including table purpose and for making wine, raisins and juice. We will also try exportable grape varieties suitable to Cumbum valley,” he said.
To begin with, 17 varieties were successfully tried.
