Enhancing vine resilience and protecting grape production in Mediterranean vineyards: the role of anti-hail shading nets and kaolin applications

Abstract

Climate change and rising temperatures present a substantial challenge to viticulture, intensifying summer heat stress and accelerating berry ripening. Moreover, the increasing occurrence of extreme weather events, such as hailstorms, further threatens the sustainability of the sector. In Mediterranean regions, mitigating these impacts has become essential for enhancing vine tolerance and maintaining good levels of production and quality. This study evaluates two mitigation strategies—anti-hail shading nets (S) and kaolin spraying (K)—compared to untreated control vines (C) over three growing seasons, from 2021 to 2023. Key parameters assessed include vine physiology, berry ripening, grape production, and pruning weight.

Shading nets (S) significantly reduced light exposure in the fruiting zone and, despite limiting gas exchange, improved vine performance under extreme heat conditions. Kaolin spraying (K) alleviated heat stress and boosted photosynthetic activity. While maintaining good crop levels, both treatments enhanced grape quality by preserving higher acidity levels and reducing sugar content and pH. They also reduced fungal disease incidence, with shading nets providing additional hail protection.

Pruning weight remained stable across treatments, with treated vines showing no negative side effects concerning vine growth and a better balance between vegetative growth and production. In conclusion, both kaolin and shading nets are effective strategies for mitigating the impacts of climate change, improving vine resilience, and supporting high-quality grape production.