Published in Scientific Papers. Series B, Horticulture, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by Eleonora NISTOR, Alina Georgeta DOBREI, Gabriel CIORICA, Mihaela MALAESCU, Simion ALDA, Marcel DANCI, Alin DOBREI
The study investigated the influence of crop load and grape berry exposure on the characteristics of Italian Riesling grapes from the Recaș vineyard, Timiș County, Romania. The research focused on vines managed under the Guyot training system, utilizing both single and double cordons, arranged in north-south rows. Evaluation of grape exposure encompassed strategies such as: complete (100%) and partial (50%) leaf thinning around the bunches. Sixteen distinct plots were established, organized into four blocks, to examine various management practices and thinning techniques. Vine vigor was assessed through measurements of pruning and leaf area, with harvesting schedules adjusted to achieve similar °Brix values across plots. Following berry sampling and processing, grape juice analysis was conducted, revealing that vines trained double Guyot generally exhibited superior grape yield. However, higher crop loads were associated with reduced leaf area, resulting in delayed veraison and impacting sugar accumulation. Crop load had a significant influence on grape berry juice acidity and pH level, depending also of training system. Overall, the findings underscored the importance of the leaf surface-to-grape yield ratio as a critical determinant of grape yield and juice quality.
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