Grape Quality Research Articles

Geographical location influence ‘Cabernet Franc’ fruit quality in Shandong province

Grape quality is a key factor in determining wine quality, and it depends not only on management skills, but also on the geographic location of the producing area. In China, Shandong is the province with the largest wine production, and ‘Cabernet Franc’ is widely planted. This study evaluated the ‘Cabernet Franc’ fruit quality in relation to geographical conditions in five ‘Cabernet Franc’ producing districts of Shandong province, China, including Dezhou Aodeman Winery (DZ), Tai’an Zhongqingsongshi Winery (TA), Penglai Longhu Winery (PL), Rushan Taiyihu Winery (RS), and Rizhao Taiyangcheng Winery (RZ). At the time of veraison and maturity, fruit was harvested from five areas, and compared for cosmetic and internal fruit quality. The soluble sugar content in the Rizhao area was rich, and the weight and volume of single fruit were relatively large. The titratable acid of the berries in Tai'an area was high. RNA-seq analysis showed that the number of genes in the véraison stage was 19,571–20,750, and the number of genes in the mature stage was 19,176–20,735. The analysis found that areas with multiple high-quality characteristics tended to have more DEGs (differential expressed genes). And the DEGs in different areas were mainly distributed on chromosome 7, and at least on chromosome 15. DEGs in 5 areas were enriched on 855 GO terms and 116 KEGG pathways during berries development. Among them, it was found that the up/down-regulation of DEGs was related to the formation of berry quality, which helps to explain the impact of environment on grape quality components. In summary, this study is helpful to understand the influence of cultivation location on the quality of 'Cabernet Franc' in different production areas in Shandong province, and further provide a reference for the production of high-quality wine grapes and winemaking.

ОСНОВНЫЕ ИТОГИ НАУЧНО-ИССЛЕДОВАТЕЛЬСКОЙ РАБОТЫ ДАГЕСТАНСКОЙ СЕЛЕКЦИОННОЙ ОПЫТНОЙ СТАНЦИИ ВИНОГРАДАРСТВА И ОВОЩЕВОДСТВА ЗА 2023 ГОД

The article presents the main results of the research work of scientists of the DBESVVG – branch of NCFSCHVW, carried out in accordance with the State Task for 2023 and the Research Plan for 2022-2026 on the basis of the PFSR of the state Academies of Sciences for 2021-2030. The research results reflect the main directions of the research station: genetic resources, breeding and variety studies of grapes, vegetable and subtropical fruit crops; development of a methodology for the creation and operation of intensive own-root plantations of grapes in the phylloxera infestation zone; obtaining environmentally safe products of grapes, vegetables and subtropical fruit crops. The main objectives of the research work are the creation of new genotypes of grapes, subtropical fruit and vegetable crops based on the mobilization of the potential of wild species, native and high-value introduced varieties with high productivity, product quality and resistance to abiotic and biotic stressors; improvement of the methodological base to accelerate the breeding process of grapes; identification of mechanisms for the realization of the genetic potential of indigenous and promising introduced grape varieties against the background of phylloxera infection, mechanisms for the formation of genetic and functional tolerance to the pest and scientific (biological) foundations for the creation of intensive own root plantations of grapes; identification of patterns of accumulation of dry matter and BAS in raw materials obtained from young broccoli plants and secondary products of grape and tomato processing depending on from varietal characteristics, stages of development, harvest period, processing methods; development of scientific and applied bases for obtaining environmentally safe raw materials for the production of functional food products and dietary supplements intended for the prevention of cardiovascular and oncological diseases. The research results expanded the base of genetic sources and methodological approaches for the creation of adaptive grape varieties in the changing climatic conditions of southern Russia, allowed to expand methodological approaches to the creation of root-related grape plantations and management of resistance to stressors, confirmed the fundamental possibility and effectiveness of hormonal management of the development of grape plants from the first year of life, as well as the quality of raw grapes, tomatoes and broccoli to create environmentally safe functional food products and dietary supplements, focused on the prevention of socially significant diseases.

НАГРУЗКА КУСТОВ БЕССЕМЯННЫХ СОРТОВ ВИНОГРАДА ПОБЕГАМИ И ГРОЗДЯМИ: ОБЗОР

The article considers the issue of loading bushes of seedless grape varieties with shoots and bunches in the world practice. The analysis is presented on the timing and length of pruning shoots, the load of bush by shoots, the load of bushes by bunches and methods for regulating the compactness of bunches of seedless grape varieties. The timing of pruning regulates the growth strength of shoots and the maturation time of early seedless grape varieties. Experiments on the timing of pruning often combined with subsequent treatment with growth regulators to increase yields. The length of the pruning of shoots affects the condition and death of the buds, the timing of the passage of phenological phases, productivity and quality of seedless varieties. Variety specificity and pruning dependence are noted: some varieties prefer short pruning (Perlett in India, White Seedless and Red Seedless in Iran), some – long (Beauty Seedless in India, Kishmish Batir in Uzbekistan, etc.). With an increase in the number of shoots per bush, yield capacity increase, however, the quality of grapes decreases, which also happens when the load of bunches increases. For the Jumba Seedless variety, despite the high performance with a low load of bushes with bunches, a higher one is recommended for an optimal ratio of productivity and quality. Thinning of bunches is also a common technique for regulating yield and quality, however, it is necessary to take into account the timing of thinning – too early removal of part of the inflorescences can lead to the formation of an excessively loose bunch, as in the BRS Vitoria variety in Brazil. Studies of the load of bushes of seedless grape varieties with shoots and bunches are relevant, especially in view of modern climate changes and increasing demand for high-quality products. Such studies are few in number in Russia, which requires closer study for the development of table seedless viticulture.

СОВРЕМЕННЫЕ ЗАДАЧИ НАУЧНЫХ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЙ В ОБЛАСТИ ВИНОДЕЛИЯ

The article presents the results of research activities for 2023 of the Federal State Budget Scientific Institution All-Russian National Research Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking Magarach of the RAS in the field of winemaking, carried out in accordance with the Program of Fundamental Scientific Research in the Russian Federation for the long term (2021-2030). The methodology of wine quality management with ecostatus has been created, aimed at revealing the individual characteristics of wines caused by natural factors and reducing the risks of negative effects on humans. Promising yeast strains have been identified: Steinberg, Champanskaya G-14, ShM-30, Novocimlyanskaya 3 with a description of their taxonomic affiliation, morphological and physiological-biochemical properties. Two strains of O. oeni active acid-reducing agents are recommended for practical use. The application of technology for the production of young sparkling wines of Crimean autochthonous grape The article presents the results of research activities for 2023 of the Federal State Budget Scientific Institution All-Russian National Research Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking Magarach of the RAS in the field of winemaking, carried out in accordance with the Program of Fundamental Scientific Research in the Russian Federation for the long term (2021-2030). The methodology of wine quality management with ecostatus has been created, aimed at revealing the individual characteristics of wines caused by natural factors and reducing the risks of negative effects on humans. Promising yeast strains have been identified: Steinberg, Champanskaya G-14, ShM-30, Novocimlyanskaya 3 with a description of their taxonomic affiliation, morphological and physiological-biochemical properties. Two strains of O. oeni active acid-reducing agents are recommended for practical use. The application of technology for the production of young sparkling wines of Crimean autochthonous grape varieties: Kokur belyi, Sary Pandas, Soldaiya and Kefesiya is justified. The system of criteria indicators for assessing the quality of grapes for the production of high-quality cognac distillates and cognacs is substantiated. A working collection of 63 natural strains of lactic acid bacteria has been formed. The optimal technological factors of the process of single-stage extraction by infusing with a food water-alcohol solution of green grape shoots of the Vitis vinifera, Vitis abrusca species have been established, allowing to increase the yield of total polyphenols by at least 2.6 times for the production of functional products. The most optimal technological modes of cold treatment of dry and fortified wine materials have been established to substantiate the constructive solution of an energy-saving installation for the purpose of cold treatment of wine materials based on the study of the main factors affecting the mass transfer process of potassium bitartrate crystallization. The obtained results of research work contribute to improving the quality of domestic wine products and expanding its production, including winemaking with ecological and geographical statuses, the production of domestic cognac and grape processing products of a functional orientation. The introduction of scientific developments into production will increase the competitiveness of domestic wine products, accelerate import substitution and ensure the country's food independence.

Potassium fertigation and organic fertilisation in ‘Syrah’ grape in Northeastern Brazil: yield, must characteristics and phenolic compounds

The effect of both potassium and organic fertilisation on grape yield and must composition originating from wine grapevines cultivated in the São Francisco river basin, in the semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil, is not well known. Since soils from that region usually have low organic matter content, we hypothesise that soil application of organic fertiliser and potassium application through drip irrigation enhances the availability of this nutrient in the soil, and it influences grape yield and quality. Hence, five doses of potassium (0, 20, 40, 80 and 160 kg ha-1) applied through a drip irrigation system and two doses of goat manure as organic fertiliser applied into the soil (0 and 7.5 m3 ha-1) after pruning were evaluated concerning yield and berry quality of grapevine ‘Syrah’ over four growing seasons (April 2013 to July 2015) in Petrolina, state of Pernambuco, Brazil. The experimental design was randomised blocks with 5 replications. We evaluated yield (t ha-1), weight of 100 berries (g), must volume (mL), total soluble solids (°Brix), pH and total titratable acidity (‰), K, Mg and Ca contents and phenolic compounds (total polyphenols, anthocyanins and flavonoids). The increasing application of potassium at the different doses of organic fertiliser did not alter the crop yield, except in the second season. Nonetheless, K concentration in grape must was influenced in the four growing seasons, with higher values at fitted K2O doses by polynomial regression of 83.62 kg ha-1 (first season), 101.25 kg ha-1 (second season), 120.00 kg ha-1 (third season) and 77.99 kg ha-1 (0 m3 ha-1 organic fertiliser) and 96.07 kg ha-1 (7.5 m3 ha-1 organic fertiliser) in the fourth season. The addition of increasing doses of potassium interfered with the wine grape quality, which is an important factor to be considered in relation to its acidity. Organic fertilisation did not affect the most quality characteristics of the grapes.

Fine-Tuning Grape Phytochemistry: Examining the Distinct Influence of Oak Ash and Potassium Carbonate Pre-Treatments on Essential Components

Understanding the impact of pre-treatment methods on the phytochemical composition of grapes is essential for optimizing grape quality and producing raisins with desirable characteristics. Therefore, this study meticulously analyzed the impact of two distinct pre-treatment methods, oak ash and potassium carbonate (K2CO3), on the composition of essential phytochemical components in grapes. This research encompassed phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and phytoalexins. This study investigates the impact of pre-treatment methods, oak ash and K2CO3, on the phytochemical composition of grapes. Significant differences were observed in anthocyanins, flavonoids, phytoalexins, and phenolic acids between the treatments. Oak ash exhibited advantages in preserving specific compounds, including higher levels of anthocyanins, flavonols, flavones, flavanones, catechins, resveratrol, pterostilbene, and viniferin, compared to K2CO3. Notably, the delphinidin-3-O-glycoside content was significantly higher in the oak ash treatment. An analysis of phenolic compounds revealed distinctions in hydroxycinnamic acids, hydroxybenzoic acids, benzaldehyde, and phenylacetaldehyde. Additionally, gallic acid, vanillic acid, trans-caffeic acid, trans-p-coumaric acid, and (-)-epicatechin were significantly more prevalent in the K2CO3 treatment, while ferulic acid and quercetin were more prevalent in the oak ash treatment. These findings underscore the pivotal role of pre-treatment methods in shaping the phytochemical content of grapes, thus holding critical implications for grape-derived products’ quality and potential health benefits.

Incorporation of cellulose nanocrystals to improve the physicochemical and bioactive properties of pectin-konjac glucomannan composite films containing clove essential oil

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) isolated from cotton in augmenting pectin (PEC)/konjac glucomannan (KGM) composite films containing clove essential oil (CEO) for food packaging application. The effects of CNC dosage on film properties were examined by analyzing the rheology of film-forming solutions and the mechanical, barrier, antimicrobial, and CEO-release properties of the films. Rheological and FTIR analysis revealed the enhanced interactions among the film components after CNC incorporation due to its high aspect ratio and abundant hydroxyl groups, which can also prevent CEO droplet aggregation, contributing to form a compact microstructure as confirmed by SEM and 3D surface topography observations. Consequently, the addition of CNC reinforced the polysaccharide matrix, increasing the tensile strength of the films and improving their barrier properties to water vapor. More importantly, antibacterial, controlled release and kinetic simulation experiments proved that the addition of CNC could further slow down the release rate of CEO, prolonging the antimicrobial properties of the films. PEC/KGM/CEO composite films with 15 wt% CNC was found to have relatively best comprehensive properties, which was also most effective in delaying deterioration of grape quality during the storage of 9 days at 25 °C.

A New Approach for Element Characterization of Grapevine Tissue with Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

The determination of grape quality parameters is intricately linked to the mineral composition of the fruit; this relationship is increasingly affected by the impacts of climate change. The conventional chemical methodologies employed for the mineral quantification of grape tissues are expensive and impracticable for widespread commercial applications. This paper utilized Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) to analyze the mineral constituents within the skin, pulp, and seeds of two distinct Vitis vinifera cultivars: a white cultivar (Loureiro) and a red cultivar (Vinhão). The primary objective was to discriminate the potential variations in the calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and nitrogen (N) concentrations and water content among different grape tissues, explaining their consequential impact on the metabolic constitution of the grapes and, by extension, their influence on various quality parameters. Additionally, the study compared the mineral contents of the white and red grape cultivars across three distinct time points post veraison. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between the Loureiro and Vinhão cultivars in Ca concentrations across all the dates and tissues and for Mg in the skin and pulp, N in the pulp and seeds, and water content in the skin and pulp. In the Vinhão cultivar, Ca differences were found in the pulp across the dates, N in the seeds, and water content in the skin, pulp, and seeds. Comparing the cultivars within tissues, Ca exhibited differences in the pulp, Mg in the skin and pulp, N in the pulp and seeds, and water content in the skin, pulp, and seeds. These findings provide insights into the relationship between the grape mineral and water content, climatic factors, and viticulture practices within a changing climate.

Genome-wide association analysis to identify genomic regions and predict candidate genes for bunch traits in grapes (Vitis vinifera L.)

Grape quality traits like bunch and berry size are important as they influence consumer acceptance and marketability of the produce. Therefore, a deeper understanding of their genetic determinant is crucial for varietal improvement. In this study, association mapping was performed using SNP marker data and three season phenotyping data of 122 diverse grapevine genotypes. Genotyping by sequencing (GBS) identified 1,08,777 high quality SNPs distributed on all the chromosomes. A good correlation was observed across three seasons for berry size and bunch length. Genome-wide association analysis using six different models identified significantly associated SNPs for each of the traits. We identified 13 significant SNPs associated with bunch length, seven of them were located on linkage groups (LGs) 9 and 15. For berry diameter, 18 significantly associated markers located on LGs 4, 5, 17 and six other LGs were identified. Fourteen SNPs mainly on linkage groups 3 and 5 were identified for berry weight. Three closely linked markers on LG3 explaining about 20-25 % variation suggested presence of major QTL for berry weight on LG3. Candidate genes were mined in the genomic regions containing significant SNPs explaining large phenotypic variation. Twenty-one genes for bunch length, 28 genes for berry length, 22 genes for berry diameter and 25 genes for berry weight were predicted. Several predicted genes were found to have function related to cell enlargement, cell morphogenesis and other physiological processes required for cell growth and development.

Postharvest application of natamycin to control gray mold in table grapes

Gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea is the most economically important postharvest disease of table grapes in California. In this study, the efficacy of the new biofungicide natamycin in controlling gray mold and its effects on fruit quality of table grapes were evaluated on two varieties. Four rates of natamycin treatment, ‘full’ (a.i. 920 mg L−1), ‘half’ (a.i. 460 mg L−1), ‘quarter’ (a. i. 230 mg L−1), and ‘eighth’ (a.i. 115 mg L−1) of the label rate, administered through dipping or spraying, were tested on grape berries that were with or without inoculation with B. cinerea prior to the treatment at 20 °C for 4 d or at 1 °C for 4 w. Natamycin significantly reduced percentage and severity of gray mold on the grape berries inoculated with B. cinerea, regardless of application methods, grape varieties, and incubation temperatures. Natamycin at all four rates also significantly reduced the percentage of grape berries showing fruit rots resulting from naturally occurring infections after the storage at 1 °C for 4 w, in comparison with the non-treated control, and remained effective when the fruit were evaluated after four-week cold storage followed by additional two days at 20 °C. Natamycin, however, had little effect on the spread of gray mold (nesting) within the grape cluster via fruit contact by mycelium of B. cinerea. Natamycin did not have any negative effects on the fruit quality parameters such as the appearance of grape rachis, firmness of berries, soluble solids, and titratable acidity. Our findings indicated that natamycin can be an effective postharvest treatment for managing gray mold on table grapes during storage.

1‐MCP combined with laser microporous film packaging maintains the quality and prolongs the storage period of Xiahei grapes

SummaryThe effects of a 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) treatment combined with laser microporous film (LMF) packaging on the quality of postharvest Xiahei grapes during storage at 4 ± 1 °C were investigated. Compared with the control group, the 1‐MCP + LMF treatment significantly decreased the weight loss and respiration rate of the grapes (P < 0.05). Additionally, the combination of 1‐MCP and LMF maintained relatively high titratable acid, ascorbic acid, and total soluble phenol contents, as well as low levels of soluble solids. The combined application of 1‐MCP and LMF also reduced the accumulation of superoxide anions, hydrogen peroxide, and malondialdehyde. Except in a few samples, the superoxide dismutase, ascorbic peroxidase, and catalase activities were higher under 1‐MCP + LMF treatment. Conversely, lipoxygenase, polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, and cellulase activities were lower than in the control. The results suggested that the combined application of 1‐MCP and LMF significantly mitigated water evaporation, retarded nutrient consumption, induced catabolism, and minimised oxidative damage of grapes during storage. These changes prolonged the shelf life of Xiahei grapes to 60 days at 4 ± 1 °C.

Multivariate Analysis and Optimization of the Relationship between Soil Nutrients and Berry Quality of Vitis vinifera cv. Cabernet Franc Vineyards in the Eastern Foothills of the Helan Mountains, China

The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between soil nutrients and berry quality for the wine grape Vitis vinifera cv. Cabernet Franc in the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains, and subsequently to optimize soil nutrient conditions for optimal berry quality, thus providing guidance for vineyard soil management. Based on the basic data on soil nutrients and berry quality indicators, a partial least squares regression method was used to screen for major soil nutrient factors affecting the grape quality index. Then, the selected soil nutrient factors were taken as independent variables and the corresponding grape quality indicators were taken as dependent variables and a multilinear regression equation was formulated by the method of multivariate linear regression. Finally, the optimal solution for fruit quality and soil nutrients was solved using linear programming equations. The results showed that there was a lack of total nitrogen, organic matter, nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, and available phosphorus in the soil nutrients, and an alkaline soil. There is a significant positive correlation between some soil nutrient indices, and there is also a multivariate linearity problem. Among all berry quality indices, titratable acid, tannin, and anthocyanin were negatively correlated with eleven and ten soil indices, respectively, while other berry quality indices were positively correlated with most soil nutrient indices. The optimal parameters for grape quality were determined using the method of linear programming equations, and the corresponding soil nutrient indicators content were defined.

TERRITORIAL FEATURES AND THEIR EFFECTIVE USE IN THE CULTIVATION OF VITICULTURE PRODUCTS

This article explores the significance of territorial characteristics and their effective use in the cultivation of viticulture products. Territorial characteristics, including soil composition, climate, topography, biodiversity, and cultural practices, play a crucial role in shaping the quality, flavor profiles, and identity of wines. By understanding and leveraging these characteristics, wine producers can create wines that reflect a sense of place and terroir. The article reviews existing literature on the topic, highlighting the impact of soil composition on grapevine growth and grape quality, the influence of climate on grape ripening and wine characteristics, the role of topography in creating diverse microclimates, the importance of biodiversity in supporting vine health and wine complexity, and the significance of cultural practices in preserving heritage and guiding vineyard management. The effective use of territorial characteristics enables wine producers to differentiate their products, establish a strong sense of provenance, and satisfy the preferences of discerning consumers. The findings emphasize the importance of understanding and harnessing these characteristics to cultivate exceptional viticulture products.

Ultrasound synergistic slightly acidic electrolyzed water treatment of grapes: Impacts on microbial loads, wettability, and postharvest storage quality

Microbial contamination is the principal factor in the deterioration of postharvest storage quality in grapes. To mitigate this issue, we explored a synergistic treatment which combines ultrasound (US) and slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW), and rigorously compared with conventional water cleaning (CW), exclusive US treatment, and standalone SAEW treatment. The US + SAEW treatment proved to be markedly superior in reducing total bacterial, mold & yeast counts on grapes. Specifically, it achieved reductions of 2.23 log CFU/g and 2.76 log CFU/g, respectively, exceeding the efficiencies of SAEW (0.78, 0.75), US (0.58, 0.65), and CW (0.24, 0.46). The efficacy of this synergistic treatment is attributed to the ultrasound removal of the wax layer on grape skins, which transitions the skin from hydrophobic to hydrophilic. This alteration increases the contact area between the grape surface and SAEW, thereby enhancing the antimicrobial efficacy of SAEW. From a physicochemical quality standpoint, the US + SAEW treatment exhibited multiple advantages. It not only minimized weight loss, color deviations, polyphenol oxidase activity and malondialdehyde synthesis in comparison to CW-treated samples but also preserved firmness, sugar-acid ratio and the activities of key enzymes including phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, superoxide dismutase and catalase, and thus maintaining high levels of total phenolics, total ascorbic acid, total anthocyanins, and antioxidants. Consequently, US + SAEW treatment put off the times of decay onset in grapes by 12 days, outperforming both SAEW (8) and US (4) in comparison to CW. These results highlight the potential of US + SAEW as an effective strategy for maintaining grape quality during their postharvest storage period.

Dissecting the complex genetic basis of pre- and post-harvest traits in Vitis vinifera L. using genome-wide association studies.

Addressing the pressing challenges in agriculture necessitates swift advancements in breeding programs, particularly for perennial crops like grapevines. Moving beyond the traditional biparental quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) encompassing 588 Vitis vinifera L. cultivars from a Chilean breeding program, spanning three seasons and testing 13 key yield-related traits. A strong candidate gene, Vitvi11g000454, located on chromosome 11 and related to plant response to biotic and abiotic stresses through jasmonic acid signaling, was associated with berry width and holds potential for enhancing berry size in grape breeding. We also mapped novel QTL associated with post-harvest traits across chromosomes 2, 4, 9, 11, 15, 18, and 19, broadening our grasp on the genetic intricacies dictating fruit post-harvest behavior, including decay, shriveling, and weight loss. Leveraging gene ontology annotations, we drew parallels between traits and scrutinized candidate genes, laying a robust groundwork for future trait-feature identification endeavors in plant breeding. We also highlighted the importance of carefully considering the choice of the response variable in GWAS analyses, as the use of best linear unbiased estimators (BLUEs) corrections in our study may have led to the suppression of some common QTL in grapevine traits. Our results underscore the imperative of pioneering non-destructive evaluation techniques for long-term conservation traits, offering grape breeders and cultivators insights to improve post-harvest table grape quality and minimize waste.

Prevention of drought damage through zeolite treatments onVitis vinifera: A promising sustainable solution for soil management

AbstractViticultural activity is intrinsically interlocked with climatic fluctuations and awful subjected to soil management. Increasing temperatures and reduced precipitation originate several alterations in the metabolic plant pathway and a depletion in grapes quality. The main aspiration of soil management is to keep and retain a microenvironment that considers all vine requirements to upgrade the balance between vegetative growth and cluster quality intensifying its resilience towards abiotic stress. Aiming to establish match and dissimilar drought stress responses among Sangiovese grapevines, we scouted ecophysiological and biochemical alterations after zeolite and irrigation soil application (combined and/or alone), using as control plants naturally exposed to abiotic stress in a Chianti Classico vineyard. When grapevines were exposed to water stress alone, the main reactions encompassed dwindled leaf midday water potential (Ψleaf) and increased proline content. These were accompanied by augments in zeaxanthin and lutein leaf contents, symptomatic of oxidative stress. Positive metabolic alterations in grapes triggered by zeolite and/or water showed some influence on the ripening of the berry differently depending on the year. They created a situation of resilience in berry avoiding arrest in the anthocyanin synthesis pathway during the warmest season and produced a more balanced maturation, closer to the objectives of the modern producer of classic Chianti (i.e. fresher and less alcoholic wines) during the fresher one. Under severe drought, it was activated the shikimic acid pathway and in stressed vines treatment, (WS) a reduction in malic acid content was found. Sugar and phenolic compounds were enhanced by zeolitic and undrought treatments. A negative effect enkindled by the drought and high temperatures combined with stress was the accumulation of quercetin‐3‐O‐rutinoside (Qrut), quercetin‐3‐O‐galactoside (Qgala), quercetin‐3‐O‐glucoside (Qgluc) and quercetin‐3‐O‐glucoronide (Qgluco) in WS treatment. These results summarize that clinoptilolite applied to the soil, both combined with water as well in purity, noteworthy protectorship from more detrimental repercussions of drought‐stressed grapevines, suggesting that new sustainable approaches in soil management are useful for the wellness of vines.

Effect of Zinc and Boron on Fruit Quality of Early Sweet Grape under Desert Conditions

Effect of Zinc and Boron on Fruit Quality of Early Sweet Grape under Desert Conditions

WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN IDENTIFIED PACKHOUSES FOR GRAPES AT NASHIK DISTRICT, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA

This research work was conducted on “Waste Management Practices in identified packhouses for grapes at Nashik District, Maharashtra”. The pack house plays a crucial role in the export of grapes (Vitis vinifera), and several operations were carried out to preserve the grapes quality. Different wastes generated in the packhouses were surveyed and their utility was analyzed. A total of nine packhouses were included in the survey. Plant managers, executive officers in charge of quality control, and production executives were interviewed. A standard questionnaire was created for data collection. Various parameters to fulfill the objectives were included in the questionnaire. Observations showed 4 pack houses showing damage and no loss during transportation in 5 packhouse from farm to packhouse. Upon reception, the weight of the grapes was recorded and the waste generated by each of the eight packhouses was noted that ranged from 26.23% (packhouse 4) to 37.6% (packhouse 3) over the period of ten days. The different packhouses utilize their waste as raisins and animal feed (44%) and vinery (6%) etc. Wastes were also utilized as by-products such as manure (21%), animal feed (21%) and new product development, (NPD) (58%). This data can be beneficial to the packhouse to review their process and to reduce the waste thereby increasing the economic return of the packhouse and reducing the pollution to the environment.

Efeito do Ethephon na desfolha da zona de cacho, podridão cinzenta de cachos e desempenho vitícola da uva ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ em região serrana do sul do Brasil

ABSTRACT: Phytoregulators have been used as grapevine defoliants in cluster zones to manage and improve grape quality and production. The present study evaluated the effect of the phytoregulator ethephon on the grapevine defoliation of the cluster region, Botrytis bunch rot (BBR) epidemiology, and the viticultural performance of ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’, during the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 growing seasons, in the highland region of the Santa Catarina State, Southern Brazil. Ethephon was applied in the bunch region of both sides of the grapevine vegetative canopy, at the phenological stage of beginning of ripening (BBCH-81) in five active ingredient doses (0 mg L-1 (control); 720 mg L-1; 1,440 mg L-1; 2,160 mg L-1; and 2,880 mg L-1), following a randomized block design with four replications and five plants per replication. The following parameters were evaluated: BBR epidemiology, vegetative, productive, and technological and phenolic maturation. The increasing ethephon doses significantly reduced the linear leaf drop and affected the technological and phenolic grape maturation parameters, improving the must pH, total polyphenols, color 420, 520, and 620 ղm, color intensity (°hue angle), and anthocyanin, and reducing the total solubre solids in the ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ grapevine. However, this significant effect on the linear leaf drop and the technological and phenolic maturation parameters did not interfere with other vegetative, productive, and BBR epidemiology parameters evaluated in the edaphoclimatic conditions of the highland region of southern Brazil.

Produção e qualidade da uva Niágara rosada (Vitis labrusca L.) produzida com e sem cobertura plástica

The objective of this work was to evaluate the productivity and quality of Niagara rosada grape grown without and with plastic cover. Analyzed variables: leaf area (af), sprouting index (Ib) and fertility (If), bunch mass, bunches per plant and yield, bunch quality (Type 1 and 2), total soluble solids (ºBrix). The experiment was carried out in the 2022/2023 harvest, in a 5-year-old vineyard, with spacing of 1.5 between plants by 2.5 m in the row, located in the municipality of Bento Gonçalves/RS, Serra Gaúcha, with two treatments, T1 - environment without cover, T2 - environment with impermeable plastic cover, a randomized block design was used, with 6 plants per treatment. Treatments did not differ for ºBrix, Ib, If, bunch mass, bunches per plant and estimated production per ha. Harvesting the grapes in the plastic cover delayed the harvest by two weeks. As for the qualitative factor, T1 obtained for Type 1 grapes, 81% of the production/ha and treatment T2, 98.5%, grapes that have superior quality. The production of Niagara rosada under the plastic cover did not differ in terms of the production of T1, but presented a higher added value due to the higher % of production of superior quality grapes.