“GRAND NEGRA” (GRAND NAIN SELECTION) – code 38/17

Main ratoon characteristics of GRAND NEGRA in relation to standard Grand Nain and Williams in South Africa. (see notes)

Morphological Characteristics "Grand Negra"
(mean of 2 ratoons) 		Grand Nain
(mean of 2 ratoons) 		Williams
(mean of 2 ratoons)
Plant height (m) 3.40 3.30 3.40
Bunch Mass (kg) 50.0 43.0 40.5
Hands / bunch 14.5 12.5 12.8
Average cycle time (mths) 13.5 12.6 13.4
Plant density = 1666 plants/ha
Main characteristics of “Grand Negra ”
  1. Tall selection (3% taller than standard Grand Nain). Similar height to Williams.
  2. High yielding bunches (15% larger than standard Grand Nain and 2 more hands per bunch.
  3. Long- cycling selection (1 month longer than standard Grand Nain). This is the main disadvantage of the selection which obviously impacts negatively on yield/annum potential.
  4. Ratoon bunches have a significantly longer peduncle (fruit stalk) than other Grand Nain selections. This means the bunch is thrown well clear of the pseudostem neck and bunch management becomes easier. This also compensates for the extra height of the selection.
  5. The name of this selection is derived from the fact that the pseudostem of the plant has a characteristic black colouration. This is a genetic characteristic which differentiates Grand Negra from all other Grand Nain selections. It gives the plantation a vigorous and healthy appearance.
  6. Although derived from Grand Nain by somaclonal variation breeding, Grand Negra cannot be considered a Grand Nain selection since it differs significantly.
NOTES:
• Standard Grand Nain and Williams data were obtained from a long term cultivar trial using unimproved sucker planting material of these cultivars at a Government research Station (Kiepersol), under optimal growth and management conditions. These data are thus not strictly comparable (only indicative).
     
• The main characteristics described are extrapolations from several trial blocks in RSA. In tropical localities results may be somewhat different (comparative selection trial in Cameroon showed Grand Negra did not outyield other Grand Nain selections). Note that comparative results can differ considerably from country to country and from site to site.