Comparison of methods used determining the stenospermic trait in Vitis vinifera L.

Grape samples from nine progeny populations totaling 580 individual seedlings were evaluated organoleptically for the stenospermic character by four independent judges. These subjective evaluations were correlated to a standard objective procedure for evaluating stenospermy, as well as other variables associated with the sinker content of each sample. Correlations were diverse between organoleptic evaluations and calculated variables. Organoleptic evaluations more closely agreed with the objective stenospermic evaluation for seeded grapes. Highest correlations were realized between organoleptic evaluation and relative seed mass. These results indicate that organoleptic evaluations should not be used in genetic studies to discern between seeded and stenospermic accessions.