Abstract
Compact bunches have been often associated with higher susceptibility to Botrytis cinerea and therefore reduction in berry quality in grapevine. The objective of this study was to evaluate three management methods (early leaf removal, gibberellic acid, and their combination) for reducing bunch compactness in Vitis vinifera cv. Pinot gris trained in two different training systems with contrasting vigor (Guyot and pergola). Treatments were applied at BBCH 62 or BBCH 65 and yield components, total soluble solids, fruit set, and bunch compactness parameters were evaluated. Both treatments individually reduced berry number, mean bunches weight and bunches compactness as well as yield per vine when compared to control-untreated vines. However, no major differences were observed when both the treatments were applied in combination for Guyot or pergola although a higher reduction in yield was detected for Guyot and a significant increase in total soluble solids was observed in pergola. Our study suggests that intense leaf removal and gibberellic acid applied at early flowering can help reducing bunch compactness in Pinot gris and showing it in two training systems. In particular, leaf removal represents a valuable alternative to plant growth regulators (i.e., gibberellic acid) as applicable in organic viticulture.
Highlights
Academic Editor: Boris BasileCanopy management is a key factor in determining berry quality [1] in cool and humid areas [2]
The combination of high vigor, dense canopies and sub-optimal environmental conditions has been shown to be tightly associated with a delayed berry ripening [3]. This can result in an increased frequency of bunch rot such caused by Botrytis cinerea owing to elevated relative humidity and poor ventilation within the canopy [4,5,6]
Bunch rot control can be successfully achieved via fungicides application, this often results in economical efforts for farmers and a negative impact on the environment [7]
Summary
Academic Editor: Boris BasileCanopy management is a key factor in determining berry quality [1] in cool and humid areas [2]. The combination of high vigor, dense canopies and sub-optimal environmental conditions (e.g., limited irradiance, high precipitations pattern) has been shown to be tightly associated with a delayed berry ripening [3]. This can result in an increased frequency of bunch rot such caused by Botrytis cinerea owing to elevated relative humidity and poor ventilation within the canopy [4,5,6]. Compact bunches are more susceptible to diverse diseases and significant intra-bunch heterogeneous ripening often reported in compact bunches [9] This causes important economic losses through a reduction in crop yield and berry and wine quality.
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