CUTTING PROPERTIES OF DIFFERENT GRAPE VARIETIES

This study was conducted in order to determine the cutting properties such as cutting force, cutting strength, cutting energy of different wine grape branch (cutting) as fonction of moisture content, diamter and variety. The cutting properties were measured at three moisture content levels (35.2, 42.4, and 46 %), four cross-section area (12.56, 28.27, 50.26 and 78.54 mm^2) and eight wine grapes varieties (Tannat, Merlot, Cot, Chardonnay, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Cabarnet Franc). The results indicated that cutting force, cutting strength and cutting energy requirement varied from variety to variety. The maximum cutting force, cutting strength and cutting energy were obtained at Cabernet Franc grape variety as 1397.60 N, 21.68 MPa and 3.68 J, respectively. Followed by varieties Shiraz, Cabernet, Viognar Chardonnay, Cot, Merlot and Tannat, respectively. The minimum cutting force, cutting strength and cutting energy were obtained at Tannat grape variety as 981.65 N, 13.94 MPa, and 2.39 J, respectively. This effect could be related to higher stem wall thickness and cross-sectional area of Cabernet Franc compared to the other examined varieties. Therefore, the obtained data of cutting properties of grape branches are very important for the response of branch to the agricultural operation.