Grape Varieties Research Articles

Sustainability in the winemaking industry and the assessment of grape seed characteristics during processing: Evidence from Azerbaijan

In the context of Azerbaijan’s evolving winemaking landscape, this study investigates the sustainability of viticulture with a particular focus on grape seeds, which are crucial for grapevine propagation, oil extraction, and overall vineyard health. The research aimed to examine the morphological, technological, and biochemical characteristics of grape seeds to optimise grape production methods and promote sustainable viticultural practices. To achieve this, seed samples from twelve grape varieties, both local and introduced, were carefully collected and analysed under varying irrigation conditions, including both irrigated and rainfed settings, to allow for a comprehensive assessment. The investigation revealed significant effects of irrigation on seed properties. Specifically, seeds from irrigated grapes were found to be larger, heavier, and richer in oil content compared to those from rainfed grapes. Detailed analyses showed that the nitrogen content of the seeds ranged from 0.96% to 1.46%, cellulose content varied from 18.8% to 25.3%, ash content ranged from 1.9% to 3.1%, nitrogenous compounds fluctuated between 5.5% and 7.2%, and non-nitrogen extractive substances registered between 16.6% and 22.0%. Notably, correlations between seed properties and the efficiency of cold press oil extraction were identified, providing valuable insights. This research ultimately contributes to the advancement of sustainable viticulture practices in Azerbaijan, ensuring the long-term health and productivity of vineyards within the region

Stilbenes from Stems of Primorsky Grape Variety Alpha and their Antioxidant Activity

Stilbenes from Stems of Primorsky Grape Variety Alpha and their Antioxidant Activity

The effectiveness of plant protection products against Lobesia botrana Den. U Schift. in Zakarpattya

Goal. To establish the effectiveness of chemical protection of vineyards against pests, taking into account the peculiarities of their biology, distribution, harmfulness, seasonal dynamics of flight in Zakarpattya Ukraine. Methods. The research was conducted in accordance with the generally accepted methods in entomology and viticulture in 2021—2022 on the basis of Chateau Chizay LLC. The dynamics of the pest’s flight were studied in the field using the pheromone monitoring method using «Atrakon» pheromone traps and synthetic sex pheromones from the company «Csalomon» (Hungary). The research was conducted on Muscat, Chersegui, Sovignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sovignon, Merlot, Rhine Riesling, and Pino Blan varieties. In 2022, in the vineyards of Chateau Chizay LLC, Zakarpattia Oblast, chemical plant protection agents were tested against grape leaf curl: Karate Zeon 050 CS, SK (liambda-tsyhalotryn, 50 h/l), 0.65 l/ha, Korahen 20, KS (khlorantraniliprol, 200 h/l), 0.15 l/ ha, Mavrik, EV (tau-fliuvalinat, 240 h/l), 0.2 l/ha, Voliam Fleksi 300 SC, KS (tiametoksam, 200 h/l + khlorantraniliprol, 100 h/l), 0.3 l/ha according to generally accepted methods. Results. Prolonged spring cooling in 2022 delayed the start of the flight of the first generation of cluster leafhopper, which began only in the first days of May. The second generation of this pest has been actively developing since the end of June. Grape damage on different varieties ranged from 2.1% on Muscat to 8.0% on Pino Blan. In the control (not treated with insecticides) plots, this indicator averaged 96.1%. The yield in the farm by variety averaged about 8 t/ha and ranged from 7.1 t/ha for the Muscat variety to 9.0 t/ha for the Merlot variety. In the control plot, the yield was low, only 1.4 t/ha. The effectiveness of protective measures on all grape varieties reached 90.5%. Conclusion. It was established that the protracted spring cooling caused the late start of flight of the grape leafhopper, which made adjustments to the calendar of protective measures, especially chemical ones. At the same time, thanks to pheromone monitoring, it was possible to establish the exact date of the start of Lobesia botrana’s flight and specify the timing of the application of chemical insecticides at the most favorable time, which made it possible to achieve an efficiency of more than 90%. Use of plant protection products against Lobesia botrana Den. et Schiff. in vineyards, LLC «Chateau Chizay», Zakarpattia Oblast contributed to the reduction of grape damage up to 94% and the preservation of the harvest up to 6.5 t/ha.

Exploring Corbières red wine typicity: evaluation of the impact of winemaking processes on the chemical composition and organoleptic properties of wines from different terroirs

Aromatic and polyphenolic compounds play an important role in the quality of red wines, contributing not only to flavour, but also to colour, astringency and bitterness. To explore the influence of climate and oenological practices on the chemical and sensory profile of wines, red blends from five terroirs of the Corbières appellation were analysed, taking into account two production years (2018 and 2019). The wines were a blend of at least two of four main grape varieties: Syrah, Grenache, Carignan and Mourvèdre. Volatile compounds were evaluated by HS-SPME-GC-MS, while wine pigments and derived pigments were evaluated by spectrophotometric measurements. In addition, the wines were compared using a quantitative descriptive analysis sensory profile method. The percentage of the blend significantly influenced the polyphenolic and aromatic characteristics of the wines, showing distinct 'typicity' characteristics between sub-regions. Maceration techniques, on the other hand, did not did not allow us to discriminate between sub-regions, but enabled a better understanding of chemical and sensory differences between samples.

Aggregation and assessment of grape quality parameters with visible-near-infrared spectroscopy: Introducing a novel quantitative index

Grape quality is generally assessed by measuring individual indicators rather than utilizing a comprehensive metric. A flexible approach to aggregating multiple quality-related parameters of grapes is introduced in this study, and an aggregative index was proposed for the synthetical evaluation of grape quality. First, visible-near-infrared (Vis-NIR) spectral data of two grape varieties were obtained, and the physical and chemical quality indicators were measured as reference standards. The variation trends and correlations of the indicators were analyzed, and an aggregative quality indicator (AQI) was proposed using the min-max normalization and factor analysis methods. The maturity stages of grapes were categorized by analyzing the AQI values. The spectral data underwent preprocessing using multiplicative scatter correction (MSC), Savitzky-Golay smoothing (SG), first-order derivative (FD), SG+FD and de-trending (DT) methods. Feature wavelengths were extracted using uninformative variable elimination (UVE), competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS), and the UVE-CARS algorithms. Three regression models for the AQI were established based on partial least squares regression (PLSR), support vector machine regression (SVR) and convolutional neural network (CNN). Results indicated that the PLSR combined with the FD+SG preprocessing and CARS-selected feature wavelengths achieved optimal performance for Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, with the coefficient of determination for the prediction set (Rp2)=0.972, for the calibration set (Rc2)=0.995, the root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP)=0.040 and residual predictive deviation (RPD)=6.064. In addition, for the Muscat Kyoho grape, CNN combined with DT preprocessed full-spectrum data yielded the best prediction for the AQI, with Rp2=0.989, Rc2=0.981, RMSEP=0.103 and RPD=9.482. This research demonstrated that the non-destructive prediction of grape aggregative qualities can be achieved through the combination of Vis-NIR spectroscopy and a chemometric analysis, offering a practical and comprehensive metric for determining grape maturity stages and optimal harvest times. This approach is particularly valuable for the wine industry, as it facilitates better decision-making and quality control.

Методические подходы (гипотезы) к оценке пригодности сортов винограда к возделыванию в корнесобственной культуре

Abstract. One of the ways to reduce the cost of grapes and intensify the industry is to preserve and expand the own-root culture of phylloxera-tolerant grape varieties. Currently, there are all the prerequisites for expanding the own-root grape culture – a number of varieties have been obtained that are resistant to phylloxera and root rot with good quality of grape berries and their processed products. To extend the life of plantings and increase their profitability, it is important to identify grape varieties for cultivation in ownroot culture. However, comparative pairwise studies of varieties in own-rooted and grafted culture are lengthy and costly. The purpose of the research is to search for criteria for the accelerated assessment of Vitis vinifera L. varieties for suitability for cultivation in own-root culture using the example of genotypes of the DBESV&VG breeding. The research was carried out at the experimental base and the Ampelographic Collection of DBESV&VG in 2017-2023. The object of research is model and fruit-bearing rooted and grafted plants of different grape varieties with different resistance to phylloxera, 47 seed varieties of the Ampelographic Collection of DBESV&VG, 16 varieties and hybrid forms of DBESV&VG breeding. It has been assumed and experimentally confirmed that the higher the seed productivity of a grape variety (high proportion (mass) of seeds in a bunch, low seed index of the berry), the higher the tolerance of the variety to root phylloxera. Grape varieties, the reaction of which is expressed in an increase in seed progeny (“mass of seeds in a bunch”) with hormonal regulation of the development of rooted plants, can be cultivated in a rooted culture against the background of phylloxera. Keywords: grapes, phylloxera, root culture, phylloxera tolerance, seed productivity, phylloxera resistance criteria, hormone regulation

Maximizing Wine Antioxidants: Yeast's Contribution to Melatonin Formation.

Melatonin is commonly found in various fruits, juices, and some fermented beverages. Its concentration in wine is influenced by soil properties, climatic factors, and yeast activity. Even if it is found in fermented beverages in relatively low proportions, melatonin still holds significant nutritional value, giving anti-aging properties, anti-inflammatory actions, and antidepressant effects. In this context, this article focuses on evaluating the impact of different Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces yeast species on the formation of melatonin and its contribution to wines' total antioxidant capacity. Considering that the antioxidant activity of wine is usually related to the content of phenolic compounds, ten such compounds were analyzed. The evaluation of bioactive compounds was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with mass spectrometry. The total antioxidant capacity of wine samples was evaluated by the ABTS+ method. The administration of bâtonnage products increased the efficiency of non-Saccharomyces yeasts. The mixtures of Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces yeasts generated higher values for melatonin. The results confirm a significant impact from the grape variety and the specific yeast strains on the melatonin concentration. Also, a strong dependence between antioxidant activity and melatonin levels was observed. Given the limited existing studies on the presence of melatonin in wines, new perspectives are needed for future exploration and understanding.

Deciphering Terroirs’ Code: Vineyard Site Selection for Phenolic Performance in ‘Kalecik Karası’ Grape Cultivar (V. vinifera L.)

AbstractUnderstanding the complex interplay between environmental factors and grape quality is crucial for the viticulture industry, as it directly influences wine quality and the distinctiveness of products. This significance underpinned our comprehensive study, which aimed to dissect the relationships between ‘terroir’, including the altitude, regional climate, soil characteristics, vineyard management practice, and the composition of grapes in cv. ‘Kalecik Karası’ (Vitis vinifera L.). Six vineyard sites ranging from 115 to 1180 m altitude were studied. Total soluble solids (TSS, °Brix) titratable acidity, pH and color index of red grapes (CIRG) were evaluated as the main maturity indices and phenolic composition based on anthocyanin and tannin was analyzed. According to the results of the study, we deduced the critical importance of adopting region-specific viticultural practices tailored to the unique environmental conditions of each terroir. This approach not only optimizes grape quality but also accentuates the uniqueness of the wines produced, reflecting the inherent qualities of their origin. The highest altitude Nevşehir (1180 m) showed high levels of total and extractable anthocyanin highlighting the region’s favorable conditions for these compounds (355.26 mg kg−1 and 364.00 mg kg−1), while exhibiting the second lowest skin tannin (1979.40 mg kg−1 and 2180.78 mg kg−1) in both years. Particularly for cultivars like ‘Kalecik Karası’, our study demonstrated how specific terroirs could significantly affect their phenolic composition and, consequently, wine quality. By aligning viticultural practices with the distinct characteristics of each terroir, producers can enhance both the quality and distinctiveness of their wines. This emphasizes the necessity of ongoing research and adaptation in viticultural strategies to fully harness the potential of diverse grape varieties and terroirs, ensuring the production of high-quality wines that truly reflect their origin.

Unlocking the Transcriptional Reprogramming Repertoire between Variety-Dependent Responses of Grapevine Berries to Infection by Aspergillus carbonarius.

Aspergillus carbonarius causes severe decays on berries in vineyards and is among the main fungal species responsible for grape contamination by ochratoxin A (OTA), which is the foremost mycotoxin produced by this fungus. The main goal of this study was to investigate at the transcriptome level the comparative profiles between two table grape varieties (Victoria and Fraoula, the white and red variety, respectively) after their inoculation with a virulent OTA-producing A. carbonarius strain. The two varieties revealed quite different transcriptomic signatures and the expression profiles of the differential expressed genes (DEGs) highlighted distinct and variety-specific responses during the infection period. The significant enrichment of pathways related to the modulation of transcriptional dynamics towards the activation of defence responses, the triggering of the metabolic shunt for the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, mainly phenylpropanoids, and the upregulation of DEGs encoding phytoalexins, transcription factors, and genes involved in plant-pathogen interaction and immune signaling transduction was revealed in an early time point in Fraoula, whereas, in Victoria, any transcriptional reprogramming was observed after a delay. However, both varieties, to some extent, also showed common expression dynamics for specific DEG families, such as those encoding for laccases and stilbene synthases. Jasmonate (JA) may play a critical modulator role in the defence machinery as various JA-biosynthetic DEGs were upregulated. Along with the broader modulation of the transcriptome that was observed in white grape, expression profiles of specific A. carbonarius genes related to pathogenesis, fungal sporulation, and conidiation highlight the higher susceptibility of Victoria. Furthermore, the A. carbonarius transcriptional patterns directly associated with the regulation of the pathogen OTA-biosynthesis gene cluster were more highly induced in Victoria than in Fraoula. The latter was less contaminated by OTA and showed substantially lower sporulation. These findings contribute to uncovering the interplay beyond this plant-microbe interaction.

Climate resilience of European wine regions

Over centuries, European vintners have developed a profound knowledge about grapes, environment, and techniques that yield the most distinguishable wines. In many regions, this knowledge is reflected in the system of wine geographical indications (GI), but climate change is challenging this historical union. Here, we present a climate change vulnerability assessment of 1085 wine GIs across Europe and propose climate-resilient development pathways using an ensemble of biophysical and socioeconomic indicators. Results indicate that wine regions in Southern Europe are among the most vulnerable, with high levels also found in Eastern Europe. Vulnerability is influenced by the rigidity of the GI system, which restricts grape variety diversity and thus contributes to an increased sensitivity to climate change. Contextual deficiencies, such as limited socioeconomic resources, may further contribute to increased vulnerability. Building a climate-resilient wine sector will require rethinking the GI system by allowing innovation to compensate for the negative effects of climate change.

ИСТОЧНИКИ КРУПНОЯГОДНОСТИ СОРТОВ ВИНОГРАДА АНАПСКОЙ АМПЕЛОГРАФИЧЕСКОЙ КОЛЛЕКЦИИ

The aim of the study is to examine grape varieties in the collection of the Anapa Experimental Station in order to identify genetic sources of large-berry fruit. Varieties that are donors or sources of economically valuable traits, such as high productivity, large-berry fruit, stress resistance, adaptability, and taste, are found among representatives of the eco-geographical groups of European-Asian grapes. This work is relevant because it is the foundation for the selection process of grape culture and the production of new zoned large-berry varieties that are in great demand on the market and necessary in times of import substitution. Currently, the collection consists of many varieties of different eco-geographical origins, table and technical uses. The gene pool of grapes is replenished every year. These varieties are used annually in breeding to develop new high-quality grape varieties. The objects of research were the source varieties of large-berry grapes from different geographical zones. In this research work, modern programs and me-thods were used along with traditional breeding methods. The paper presents four sources of large-berry grapes, gives their brief characteristics, shows the dynamics of the main phenological and agrobiological indicators for 2021–2023. Among the source varieties, the following varieties stand out in terms of the frui-ting coefficient: Brigantina (K1 – 1.0–1.2) and Muromets (K1 – 1.0–1.1), and in terms of yield per bush – Pobeditel, Brigantina and Yubiley Moldavii. These varieties are used in experimental work on varietal directed crossing of supposed carriers of economically valuable selection traits and further obtaining seeds of new hybrid offspring.

A Review of Studies on the Brewing Process of Italian Grape Ale

Beer is one of the most consumed alcoholic beverages in the world, and in order to satisfy people's attraction to novel smells and tastes, the variety of beer is constantly enriched. Fruit beer has a unique flavor and taste brought by the use of fruit varieties, which can bring a good experience to consumers. Italian Grape Ale (IGA) is a new kind of fruit-flavored beer produced by adding grape matrix, which is more and more popular among people. This paper firstly describes the brewing process of Italian Grape Ale, the selection of raw materials, the selection of grape varieties, the addition method and the amount of addition. It is hoped that this review will provide the reader with an in-depth understanding of Italian grape ale and trigger further developments in this field.

Response of photosynthetic characteristics and yield of grape to different CO2 concentrations in a greenhouse.

Due to the enclosed environment of greenhouse grape production, the supply of CO2 required for photosynthesis is often insufficient, leading to photosynthetic downregulation and reduced yield. Currently, the optimal CO2 concentration for grape production in greenhouses is unknown, and the precise control of actual CO2 levels remains a challenge. This study aims to investigate the effects of different CO2 concentrations on the photosynthetic characteristics and yield of grapes, to validate the feasibility of a CO2 gas irrigation system, and to identify the optimal CO2 concentration for greenhouse grape production. In this study, a CO2 gas irrigation system combining CO2 enrichment and gas irrigation techniques was used with a 5-year-old Eurasian grape variety (Vitis vinifera L.) 'Flame Seedless.' Four CO2 concentration treatments were applied: 500 ppm (500 ± 30 µmol·mol-1), 700 ppm (700 ± 30 µmol·mol-1), 850 ppm (850 ± 30 µmol·mol-1), and 1,000 ppm (1,000 ± 30 µmol·mol-1). As CO2 concentration increased, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids in grape leaves all reached maximum values at 700 ppm and 850 ppm during the same irrigation cycle, while the chlorophyll a/b ratio was lower than at other concentrations. The net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and water use efficiency (WUE) of grape leaves were the highest at 700 ppm. The transpiration rate and stomatal conductance at 700 ppm and 850 ppm were significantly lower than those at other concentrations. The light saturation point and apparent quantum efficiency reached their maximum at 850 ppm, followed by 700 ppm. Additionally, the maximum net photosynthetic rate, carboxylation efficiency, electron transport rate, and activities of SOD, CAT, POD, PPO, and RuBisCO at 700 ppm were significantly higher than at other concentrations, with the highest yield recorded at 14.54 t·hm-2. However, when the CO2 concentration reached 1,000 ppm, both photosynthesis and yield declined to varying degrees. Under the experimental conditions, the optimal CO2 concentration for greenhouse grape production was 700 ppm, with excessive CO2 levels gradually inhibiting photosynthesis and yield. The results provide a theoretical basis for the future application of CO2 fertilization and gas irrigation techniques in controlled greenhouse grape production.

Quality Characteristics, Phenolic Composition and Potential Antioxidant Activities of Some Table Grape Varieties in Highland Viticulture

Quality Characteristics, Phenolic Composition and Potential Antioxidant Activities of Some Table Grape Varieties in Highland Viticulture

Maceration duration and grape variety: key factors in phenolic compound enrichment of Montenegrin red wine

The present study focuses on the effect of increasing maceration times (0, 2, 4, 6, and 10 days) on the extraction of phenolic compounds into two Montenegrin wines made with the autochthonous varieties Vranac and Kratošija. Significant differences were found in the total acidity, pH and alcohol content of these two varietal wines, which showed different responses to the maceration time. The total content of phenolic compounds (phenols, tannins and anthocyanins) increased significantly with longer maceration time, which is consistent with the existing literature. Specifically, the longest maceration time (10 days) consistently resulted in the highest levels of all parameters analysed. In addition, the anthocyanin profile determined by HPLC showed the interaction between maceration time and variety on the concentrations of the individual anthocyanins. Compared to Kratošija, Vranac wines consistently showed higher anthocyanin contents. In addition, the structural analysis of the tannins revealed that the mean degree of polymerisation (mDP), the percentage of prodelphinidins (%PD) and the percentage of galloylation (%Gall) changed with increasing maceration time. Significant correlations were found between the antioxidant activity values and the analytical parameters, including the structural characteristics of the tannins. This study provides important information on the interaction between maceration time and various varietal characteristics that influence the phenolic composition of Montenegrin wines and contributes to a deeper understanding of winemaking practices and wine quality.

Adoption and Impact of Fungus-Resistant Grape Varieties within German Viticulture: A Comprehensive Mixed-Methods Study with Producers

The reduction of phytosanitary treatments in viticulture is widely demanded by policymakers and consumers. An important solution is the use of resistant grapes, which can cut plant protection applications by up to 80%. Although this is a significant improvement, viticulture is mainly carried out with traditional grapes. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to identify the factors that encourage the cultivation of fungus-resistant grape varieties (FRGV), as well as the challenges and opportunities in marketing. Our study used an exploratory sequential mixed-methods model design. In the first step, data were collected through 48 in-depth interviews and analyzed. Based on the qualitative results, a survey of 422 producers was conducted. The quantitative research results were segmented by company size and production type to provide a deeper understanding. The main drivers for cultivation are the ecological benefits resulting from the reduction of pesticide use, with organic producers particularly motivated by sustainability goals. Smaller producers are driven by the opportunity to introduce a new wine style, whereas larger producers are more cautious and focus on cost savings. The cultivation of resistant grape varieties is restricted by a large number of varieties, lack of experience, and unfavorable characteristics from initial generations of resistant grapes. A low level of grape variety prominence and customer awareness, as well as unattractive variety names, negatively affect producer acceptance. To facilitate higher market acceptance, it is important to offer attractive grape varieties, directly communicate them to consumers, and provide information about the sustainable effects.

NGS-Based Multi-Allelic InDel Genotyping and Fingerprinting Facilitate Genetic Discrimination in Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.)

Molecular markers play a crucial role in marker-assisted breeding and varietal identification. However, the application of insertion/deletion markers (InDels) in grapevines has been limited by the low throughput and separability of gel electrophoresis. To developed effective InDel markers for grapevines, this study reports a novel, effective and high-throughput pipeline for InDel marker development and identification. After rigorous filtering, 11 polymorphic multi-allelic InDel markers were selected. These markers were then used to perform genetic identification of 123 elite grape cultivars using agarose gel electrophoresis and next-generation sequencing (NGS). The polymorphism rate of the InDel markers identified by gels was 37.92%, while the NGS-based results demonstrated a higher polymorphism rate of 61.12%. Finally, the NGS-based fingerprints successfully distinguished 122 grape varieties (99.19%), surpassing the gels, which could distinguish 116 grape varieties (94.31%). Specifically, we constructed phylogenetic trees based on the genotyping results from both gels and NGS. The population structure revealed by the NGS-based markers displayed three primary clusters, consisting of the patterns of the evolutionary divergence and geographical origin of the grapevines. Our work provides an efficient workflow for multi-allelic InDel marker development and practical tools for the genetic discrimination of grape cultivars.

New Strain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens G1 as a Potential Downy Mildew Biocontrol Agent for Grape

To obtain effective biocontrol strains for downy mildew of grape, 38 endophytic bacteria were isolated from fruits, seeds, and old stems of six grape varieties. Using spot inoculation mixtures of sporangial suspensions of Plasmopara viticola and biocontrol bacterial suspension, this screen yielded three strains (G1, G5, and G9) with good antagonistic effects against P. viticola. The growth inhibition rate was 100%, which was comparable to the effect of the positive control Bacillus subtilis strain CN181. The enzyme activity and the metabolites of strain G1 were examined on casein hydrolysate medium, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose agar plates, and chrome azurol sulfonate (CAS) agar plates. The antifungal protein component was identified by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). The results showed that strain G1 was more effective against Plasmopara viticola after two field trials, and the inhibition rates of strain G1 on the seventh day of the two field trials were 47.5% and 36.9%, respectively. Strain G1 was identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens based on morphological examination and 16S rDNA sequence analysis. It produced proteases, cellulases, and siderophores. Crude protein of the strain mainly included the putative segregation protein SpoVG, which inhibited P. viticola.

Color Feature Extraction for Grape Variety Identification: Naïve Bayes Approach

The problem addressed in this research is the lack of an efficient and accurate method for automatically identifying grape varieties. Accurate identification is crucial for quality control in the agricultural and food industries, impacting product labeling, pricing, and consumer trust. The aim of this research is to develop an automated system to classify green, black, and red grapes using digital image processing technology. This research method employs Naïve Bayes classification combined with color feature extraction. Testing was conducted under two scenarios: a database scenario with predefined grape image datasets and an out-of-database scenario with images resembling grape colors. Image processing includes resizing images to 200x200 pixels, Gamma Correction, Gaussian filtering, conversion to Lab* color space, K-Means Clustering for segmentation, followed by feature extraction and Naïve Bayes classification. The results of this research are that in the database scenario, the system achieved accuracies of 98.33% with an 80:20 data split and 98.89% with a 70:30 split. In the out-of-database scenario, accuracies were 96.67% with an 80:20 split and 97.78% with a 70:30 split. The conclusion of this research is the proposed method provides a reliable and efficient solution for automatic grape variety identification, benefiting quality control in agriculture and food industries.

The effects of mixes of peat and olive pomace at various ratios on the vegetative growth of potted grapevine saplings

Numerous studies have been conducted in order to utilize the olive pomace, the solid waste left over from the oil processing of olives, which is widely cultivated, especially in Mediterranean countries, and to consider it a raw material that has added value instead of being considered waste. Some of these research are focused on establishing the re-utilization of olive pomace in agricultural production. Although some studies have reported that olive pomace can be utilized as fertilizer, soil improvement regulator, solid media culture, and even mulching material, this study was carried out due to the lack of sufficient scientific data on whether or not this material can be used as a growth medium in the cultivation of potted grapevine saplings. The study was carried out by growing ungrafted grapevine saplings of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Hatun Parmağı on media with peat and olive pomace at different ratios for six months, and then some vegetative growth parameters were examined. Due to the elevated olive pomace ratios in the growth medium, shoot and root growth of the grapevine saplings were restricted. The chlorophyll index and root fresh weight decreased dramatically when more than 25% (v/v) and 20% (v/v) crude pomace were available in the growth medium, respectively. Moreover, the availability of olive pomace in the medium significantly reduced shoot length, number of leaves, shoot weight, and leaf weight of grapevine saplings, regardless of the amount of olive pomace. However, it was found that 15% (v/v) or less of crude olive pomace could be utilized in growth medium mixtures when growing potted grapevine saplings; however, higher ratios would prevent the saplings from attaining marketable quality. While designing new studies, examining different grape varieties, fruit species, and lower olive pomace ratios would contribute to new and more comprehensive findings on the utilization of olive pomace in growing potted saplings.