Published in Scientific Papers. Series B, Horticulture, Vol. LXVIV, Issue 1
Written by Traian Ștefan COSMA, Aurora RANCA, Anamaria TĂNASE, Iulia Cristina CIOBANU, Sergiu Ayar ENE, Arina Oana ANTOCE
Climate change exerts an increasingly pronounced impact on the viticultural sector, requiring sustainable solutions for adaptation and maintaining production quality. The use of elicitors, natural or synthetic compounds that stimulate the grapevine's defense mechanisms, represents an innovative approach to reducing pesticide dependency and optimizing the biochemical and organoleptic properties of grapes and wines. Elicitors such as chitosan and salicylic acid significantly enhance the grapevine's resistance to pathogens, including to Plasmopara viticola and Botrytis cinerea, while promoting the accumulation of secondary metabolites with enological value, such as polyphenols. Their use in vine growin can influence fermentation during winemaking or can lead to more stable wines or with enhanced aromatic profile. This review synthesizes recent advancements in the use of elicitors, highlighting their mechanisms of action, practical applications, and impact on wine quality, while exploring opportunities for their integration into climate-smart agricultural systems to enhance the resilience and sustainability of viticulture and winemaking.
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