RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Ripening Characteristics of the Fruit From Vitis vinifera L. Drying Cultivars Sultana and Merbein Seedless Under Furrow Irrigation JF American Journal of Enology and Viticulture JO Am J Enol Vitic. FD American Society for Enology and Viticulture SP 375 OP 382 DO 10.5344/ajev.1998.49.4.375 VO 49 IS 4 A1 Birgit A. Uhlig A1 Peter R. Clingeleffer YR 1998 UL http://www.ajevonline.org/content/49/4/375.abstract AB Berry composition, maturation, productivity and growth characteristics of the new drying vine cultivar Merbein Seedless were compared with the traditionally grown cultivar Sultana H5. Merbein Seedless had 58% to 60% higher yield than Sultana H5 and ripened about one week earlier. The concentration of soluble solids, the pH and the titratable acidity in fruit juice proved to be reliable parameters to determine grape berry maturity and optimum harvest date. Chlorophyll, carotenoids and total phenols concentration and polyphenol oxidase activity were determined as parameters important for color formation. Merbein Seedless because of its good fruit quality, high vigor, and yield may be a suitable alternative cultivar to Sultana H5.