Database and Literature search for Brix enhancement in Ribes Nigrum and similar fruit crops

The database and literature review has produced several papers concentrating on:

•architecture  of  the  plant  and  associated  light  interception  with  high  levels  of  light resulting in higher 0Brix levels and low levels of light resulting in lower 0Brix

•partial  defoliation  where  removal  of  a  portion  of  photosynthetically  active  leaves  results  in  increased  photosynthetic  rate  of  the  remaining  leaves  which  can increase 0Brix

•thinning of fruit which has been shown to increase 0Brix

•irrigation where mild water stress or adequate water supply has been shown to produce fruit with the highest 0Brix

•nitrogen  application  where  nitrogen  has  been  shown  in  some  cases  to  be  a  limiting factor

•potassium applications which have been shown to increase 0Brix levels

•phytohormones which have been shown to affect sugar accumulation

It  was  felt  that  the  UK  blackcurrant  industry  would  benefit  from  a  detailed  literature  and database search on blackcurrant to investigate factors reported to affect yield and juice  quality.  This  project  will  further  British  growers  knowledge  and  direct  future  proposals  that  would  enable  targeted  research  to  be  carried  out.  A  detailed  database  and literature search investigating Brix enhancement in blackcurrants and grapes, with the aim of obtaining copies of 15 to 20 relevant research papers was conducted