GiESCO 2019 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 GiESCO 9 GiESCO 2019 9 Effect of kaolin foliar application on grape cultivar Assyrtiko (Vitis vinifera L.) under vineyard conditions

Effect of kaolin foliar application on grape cultivar Assyrtiko (Vitis vinifera L.) under vineyard conditions

Abstract

Context and purpose of the study – In the context of climate change and for the sustainable exploitation of Mediterranean vineyards, it is necessary to use new strategies to adapt to the new climatic conditions. High temperatures and radiation along with the increasing CO2 concentration in the atmosphere affect the maturity process, the technological maturity, as well as the physiology of the grapevine. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of kaolin foliar application on water relations, photosynthesis and berry composition of grape cultivar Assyrtiko, under drought conditions in Santorini and with two different training systems. 

Material and methods – The experiment took place in the cultivation season 2017-2018 in Santorini. There were two vineyards, one with the traditional training system of Santorini ‘kouloures’, and one with a unilateral Guyot training system, on vines of grape cultivar Assyrtiko. In both vineyards, there were vines that underwent kaolin application and control vines.  

Results – The use of kaolin reduced the leaf temperature in both training systems by 6.2 % for the unilateral Guyot system and by 6.9% for the traditional system. Chlorophyll concentration was higher after kaolin application for both training systems. Regarding the water potential, the kaolin application reduced water stress in both training systems, with significant difference observed in the unilateral Guyot system. Vine transpiration did not present statistically significant difference after the kaolin application. The photosynthesis of the vines after kaolin application was lower in comparison with the control vines, while in the case of stomatal conductance, there were no statistically significant differences observed. Kaolin delayed the maturation of the grapes in the case of the traditional training system. Water use efficiency was lower in the treatments with kaolin application compared to control vines. Regarding the other mechanical properties of the grapes and analyses of the must, there were no significant differences observed between the treatments. Therefore, the application of kaolin can be an effective and economical solution for the water saving of the vines in dry conditions, while at the same time it can improve the physiology of the plant and preserve the qualitative and quantitative characters of the grapes

DOI:

Publication date: June 18, 2020

Issue: GiESCO 2019

Type: Poster

Authors

Eustratios Guillaume XYRAFIS1, Maritina STAVRAKAKI1, Ioannis DASKALAKIS1, Konstantinos TELLIS2, Despoina BOUZA1, Katerina BINIARI1*

(1) Laboratory of Viticulture, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855, Athens, Greece
(2) Domaine Sigalas, Baxes, Oia Santorini 84702, Santorini, Greece

Contact the author

Keywords

Kaolin, Santorini, Vitis vinifera L., water stress, water use efficiency

Tags

GiESCO | GiESCO 2019 | IVES Conference Series

Citation

Related articles…

Enological characterization of mold resistant varieties grown in the Trentino Alpine Region

Among the different strategies used in vine growing to fight against mold diseases, it can be pointed out the hybridation of traditional grape varieties with others, presenting a genetic resistance to pathogen attack. The research in this field has been encouraged in recent years due to the increased concern about human safety and environmental pollution linked to the use of agrochemicals. This approach allows to limit the number of treatments and the type of active compounds used in vine management. The environment determines the pressure degree of the diseases on vines and the biologic response of the plant to their attack.

Impacts on water availability for vitiviniculture worldwide using different potential evapotranspiration methods

Beyond the sole warming globally perceived and monitored, climate change impacts water availability. Increasing heatwaves frequency observed during the last decades

Long term influence of a cover crop in the agronomic and oenological performance of CV. Chardonnay

Cover crops are acknowledged to be an interesting tool to produce
higher quality grapes in red varieties, as they generally reduce vine vigour and yield. However, their incidence in white wine quality is not clear, since higher nitrogen availability can play an important positive
role, and cover crops may compete for this nutrient. The possible reduction in available nitrogen can also modify the fermentation processes, as well as the synthesis of aromas in the wine. The aim of this work was to evaluate the long-term effect of a grass cover crop on grape and wine quality.

Essential oil vapor triggers resistance pathways in Vitis vinifera and blocks plasmopora viticola infection

The amount of synthetic pesticides applied in viticulture is relatively high compared to other agricultural crops, due to the high sensitivity of grapevine to diseases such as downy mildew (Plasmopora viticola). Alternatives to reduce fungicides are utterly needed to promote a sustainable vineyard-ecosystems and meet consumer acceptance. Essential oils (EOs) are amongst the most promising natural plant protection agents and have shown their antifungal properties previously. However, the efficiency of EOs depends highly on timing and application technique.

Diversity in grape composition for sugars and acidity opens options to mitigate the effect of warming during ripening

The marked climate change impact on vine and grape development (phenology, sugar content, acidity …) is one of the manifestations of Genotype X Environment X Management interactions importance in viticulture. Some practices, such as irrigation, can mitigate the effect of water deficit on grape development, but warming is much more difficult to challenge. High temperatures tend to alter the acid balance of the fruit with a parallel increase in sugar concentration. In the long term, genetic improvement to select varieties better coping with temperature elevation appear as a good option to support sustainable viticulture. Nevertheless, the existing phenotypic diversity for grape quality components that are influenced by temperature is poorly understood, which jeopardizes breeding strategies.