Evaluation of a biological foliar fertilization system, in the production, agronomic and quality characteristics of three wine grape varieties

Abstract

Context and purpose of the study – Evaluation of the fertility management practices in wine grape varieties production. Wine grape represents one of the most important productions in Greece with major impact to the socioeconomic characteristics of the country. The objective of this study is to evaluate, with the support of Geospatial Technologies, the potential effects of an innovative foliar fertilizer system, which is composed of three parts: a mineral fertilizer in a micronized formulation, a biostimulant as an enhancing factor of the process and, an amino acid compound (SANOVITA concept). The study was established at a collaborative, private vineyard, in the area of Trilofos-Thessaloniki, at the region of Northern Greece. The overall process will enhance the existing, cultivating practices of the vineyard, developing qualitative characteristics of the final product in order to establish a strong brand name called “Petit Oineonas”. The spraying was chosen to be made in only three French varieties (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah), mainly because of an equal area size.

Material and methods – The vineyard was established at the location of Trilofos, Thessaloniki, Greece in fifteen lines in an area of almost 0.4 ha (4 stremmata). Half of the vineyard is sprayed with the system at two growth stages, while the grower applies organic management to the vineyard. The experimental design includes for each line of the fifteen corridors the following approaches: 1st part-a Control part with no application, 2nd part-an application of the SANOVITA concept (applied foliar in two growth stages during the growing season), 3rd part-a second Control part with no application and 4th part- an application of the SANOVITA concept. Data measured included NDVI, GIS (Geographic Information Systems) applications, use of Sentinel-2 satellite images, fruit size, sugar content and visible observations were recorded.

Results – Results from this year, have shown that the additional application of the foliar system based on GIS applications and spatial statistics has increased the yield and improved the overall quality of the grapes (weight, grape size and resulted in changes in sugar content). The study will be continued for additional 3 years for establishing further spatiotemporal comparison achievements.