Can silica application enhance vine performance and quality?

Abstract

Consumer awareness of environmental sustainability and concern for food safety and quality is driving increased demand for organic and biodynamic (BD) produce. This is coupled with a more physically and economically challenging environment pushing producers to explore more sustainable management techniques. Biodynamic viticulture has both environmental and marketing benefits as drivers and involves the application of a series of nine preparations to soil and plants. Biodynamic preparation 501 is silica-based and has minimum yearly use requirements for certified growers. There are conflicting reports of silicon-based foliar sprays eliciting favourable plant reactions about improvements in quality, yield, and resistance against pests and diseases. Here, vine growth, yield components, berry and wine composition analyses, and sensory evaluations were conducted in two seasons to compare the effects of biodynamic and commercial silica treatments against a water control on Semillon and Cabernet-Sauvignon (Vitis vinifera L.) vines. In both seasons differences in yield and vine growth were observed. Generally, yield was greater with the application of biodynamic silica and potassium silicate. Basic berry compositional attributes pH, TA, TSS, and total anthocyanins and phenolics showed little to no differences. Sensory descriptive analysis of berries and wine indicated significant differences in attributes related to skin and seed tannins, implying that these analyses may better detect subtle yet important variations in the vineyard. The results of this study suggest a direct correlation between silicon and polyphenols, potentially influencing sensory mouthfeel characteristics through changes in skin thickness and/or structure. This study indicates that applying silica can positively impact vine performance and quality.