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Increasing the use of organic fertilizers is an effective measure to improve, increase soil fertility and maintain crop yields. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of different types of organic fertilizers on the early yield of grapes and soil parameters, as well as the relationship between soil parameters and grape yield under fertilization conditions. The 'Shine Muscat' grape was used as the material, with early maturing cultivation in the solar greenhouse. From the time of grape planting, three-year continuous fertilization management was carried out using five types of base fertilizers: chemical fertilizer (CK), fermented corn stalk residue (A1), mature sheep manure (A2) and two types of commercial organic fertilizers (B1 and B2). In the third year, berry and soil samples were collected to determine grape yield and evaluate soil physicochemical properties, nutrient status and changes in enzyme activity, studying the relationship between grape yield and soil indicators. The results show that compared to CK, the grape yields with B1 and B2 increased by 19.04% and 16.26%, respectively, while A1 and A2 decreased by 24.09% and 18.97%. Organic fertilizer application reduced soil bulk density, increased soil porosity, enhanced soil organic matter content and effectively buffered soil pH levels. Two types of commercial fertilizers (B1 and B2) improved soil total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, available nitrogen and available phosphorus content to varying degrees. All organic fertilizer treatments effectively increased soil enzyme activity, except for soil sucrase activity. Through correlation and regression analyses, it was found that in this study, the levels of available nitrogen, available potassium and soil saccharase activity were most closely related to early grape yield. Their influence on grape yield was in the order of available nitrogen > soil saccharase activity > available potassium. Therefore, with a combined organic and inorganic basal fertilization system, the fertilizer nutrients are more comprehensive and help to increase the productivity of grapes at the beginning of the fruiting period. Nitrogen and phosphorus are very important in the maintaining of grape yields and improving sucrose activity in the soil through the application of organic fertilizers cannot be ignored when increasing yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How accurately do Sentinel-2 (S2) images describe vine row spatial variability? Can they produce effective management zones (MZs) for precision viticulture? S2 and UAV datasets acquired over two years for different drip-irrigated vineyards in the Colli Morenici region (northern Italy) were used to assess the actual need to use UAV-NDVI maps instead of S2 images to obtain effective MZ maps. First, the correlation between S2 and UAV-NDVI values was investigated. Secondly, contingency matrices and dichotomous tables (considering UAV-MZ maps as a reference) were developed to compare MZ maps produced using S2 and UAV imagery. Moreover, data on grape production and quality were analyzed through linear discrimination analyses (LDA) to evaluate the effectiveness of S2-MZs and UAV-MZs to explain spatial variability in yield and quality data. The outcomes highlight that S2 images can be quite good tools to manage fertilization based on the within-field vigor variability, of which they capture the main features. Nevertheless, as S2-MZs with low and high vigor were over-estimated, S2-MZ maps cannot be used for high-accuracy input management. From the LDA results, the UAV-MZs appeared slightly more performant than the S2-MZs in explaining the variability in grape quality and yield, especially in the case of low-vigor MZs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to address the problems of water scarcity and low water and fertilizer use efficiency in vineyards in the Guanzhong Plain of Shaanxi, China. In the experiment, drip fertigation technology was used, including three irrigation levels (W3 (100% M, and M as the irrigation quota), W2 (75% M) and W1 (50% M)) and four fertilization levels (F3 (648 kg/hm2), F2 (486 kg/hm2), F1 (324 kg/hm2) and F0 (0 kg/hm2)). Traditional fertilization (CG) and a rainfed (CK) treatments were used as control treatments. Field experiments were conducted in Yangling, Shaanxi, China from 2019 to 2021 (wet years in 2019 and 2020, and dry years in 2021) to determine irrigation and fertilization intervals corresponding to higher crop yields and water and fertilizer utilization efficiency in different precipitation patterns. The results showed that, compared with the CK and CG treatments, the drip irrigation and fertilization treatment increased grape yield and significantly improved water productivity and fertilizer agronomic use efficiency. The highest grape yields were obtained in the F2 treatment under drip fertigation, and the highest grape yields were 16044 kg/hm2 and 12728 kg/hm2 in wet years and dry years obtained at W1F2 and W2F2, respectively. With the same fertilization level (F2), the grape yields of the W1, W2 and W3 treatments in wet years increased by 37.95%, 23.73% and 23.50% compared with those in dry years, respectively. The optimal irrigation and fertilization intervals determined by the response surface method were: the irrigation amount ranged from 8 to 11 mm and 32–38 mm, nitrogen application ranged from 182 to 190 kg/hm2 and 162–164 kg/hm2, phosphorus application ranged from 116 to 131 kg/hm2 and 98–100 kg/hm2, and potassium application ranged from 216 to 225 kg/hm2 and 194–201 kg/hm2 in wet years and dry years, respectively. This provides a guideline for the precision management of irrigation and fertilization of grape under different precipitation year types in Guanzhong Plain of Shaanxi Province.

Introduction: Powdery mildew, caused by the fungus Uncinula necator, is a prevalent and harmful disease affecting grapevines, resulting in decreased fruit set and yield. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of various fungicides and spray timings in managing U. necator in grape vineyards. Methods: A field trial was conducted in Pishin, Balochistan in 2020, employing a randomized complete block design with two factors: four fungicides (control, protective fungicide-Bordeaux mixture, curative fungicide-Elite 45 wp, systemic fungicide-Quintec) and four spray timings (dormant spray, bud break, one week before bloom, and berry formation). Results: The findings revealed significant variations in disease severity (PDI) among leaves, inflorescence, and bunches across different fungicides, spray timings, and their interactions. Application of the protective fungicide one week before bloom proved highly effective in preventing U. necator infection, resulting in the lowest PDI values for leaves (0.44%), inflorescence (0.67%), and bunches (0.0%). Curative fungicides sprayed at bloom stage also reduced PDI for inflorescence (2.17%) and bunches (3.56%). Systemic fungicides applied during berry formation exhibited lower PDI for inflorescence (6.44%) and bunches (4.0%) compared to other fungicides. The highest grape production (27.10 t ha-1) was achieved with the protective fungicide sprayed at bloom stage, followed by the curative fungicide at bloom stage (25.87 t ha-1). The negative and highly significant relationship (R2=0.809) between PDI of leaves and grape yield indicated that higher disease severity led to decreased yield. Conclusion: In conclusion, a protective fungicide spray before bloom, followed by a systemic fungicide spray at berry formation, effectively controls U. necator and ensures healthier and higher grape yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-year experiment investigated the effects of compost application rate on soil chemical properties, vine nutrient status, vine performance, and grape juice characteristics in a degraded vineyard soil in northern California. The intent of the research was to identify vineyard management strategies to improve soil fertility and to identify optimal compost application rates. We applied composted steer manure at three rates (11.2, 22.4, and 33.6 t/ha) in a randomized complete block design before the 2012 growing season. Pruning and berry weight increased over the control at the highest application rate in both years, while vine yield significantly increased over the control in year two. Polynomial orthogonal contrasts suggest that pruning weight, vine yield, and berry weight increased linearly with increasing compost application rate in 2012, and that vine yield and berry weight increased linearly and quadratically with compost application rate in 2013. Measured soil properties increased from compost application, including nitrogen (N), carbon, pH, exchangeable potassium (K), manganese, and calcium and available phosphorus (P, Olsen-P), while phosphorus fixation decreased. Vine petiole nutrients (N, P, and K) significantly increased from compost application in both years. Juice characteristics (pH, total soluble solids, and titratable acidity) were unaffected by compost application. Similarly, vine balance was unaffected by compost application. All vine metrics improved at the highest application rate, and soil chemical properties increased with the two highest application rates. Therefore, significant benefits to soil fertility and vine performance can be achieved for at least two years in degraded vineyard soils following a single dose of compost at higher application rates (22.4 and 33.6 t/ha) without compromising juice characteristics or vine balance.

Increasing the use of organic fertilizers is an effective measure to improve, increase soil fertility and maintain crop yields. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of different types of organic fertilizers on the early yield of grapes and soil parameters, as well as the relationship between soil parameters and grape yield under fertilization conditions. The ‘Shine Muscat’ grape was used as the material, with early maturing cultivation in the solar greenhouse. From the time of grape planting, three-year continuous fertilization management was carried out using five types of base fertilizers: chemical fertilizer (CK), fermented corn stalk residue (A1), mature sheep manure (A2) and two types of commercial organic fertilizers (B1 and B2). In the third year, berry and soil samples were collected to determine grape yield and evaluate soil physicochemical properties, nutrient status and changes in enzyme activity, studying the relationship between grape yield and soil indicators. The results show that compared to CK, the grape yields with B1 and B2 increased by 19.04% and 16.26%, respectively, while A1 and A2 decreased by 24.09% and 18.97%. Organic fertilizer application reduced soil bulk density, increased soil porosity, enhanced soil organic matter content and effectively buffered soil pH levels. Two types of commercial fertilizers (B1 and B2) improved soil total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, available nitrogen and available phosphorus content to varying degrees. All organic fertilizer treatments effectively increased soil enzyme activity, except for soil sucrase activity. Through correlation and regression analyses, it was found that in this study, the levels of available nitrogen, available potassium and soil saccharase activity were most closely related to early grape yield. Their influence on grape yield was in the order of available nitrogen > soil saccharase activity > available potassium. Therefore, with a combined organic and inorganic basal fertilization system, the fertilizer nutrients are more comprehensive and help to increase the productivity of grapes at the beginning of the fruiting period. Nitrogen and phosphorus are very important in the maintaining of grape yields and improving sucrose activity in the soil through the application of organic fertilizers cannot be ignored when increasing yields.

Viticulture began growing in Brazil in recent years, and this growth is due to the introduction of new techniques and improvements used in vine planting, especially the use of plastic covering in the vineyard. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the economic viability of plastic covering installation, as well as the quality of grapes produced by two cultivars, in order to compare these results with those obtained by a conventional cultivation system. The experiment was performed at an experimental farm producing grapes in southern Brazil. The grape cultivars Niagara Branca and Niagara Rosada were studied and cultivated with and without plastic covering. Data related to the costs of vineyard planting, establishment, and seasonal management, in addition to the grape revenue, were assessed. Additionally, the grape yield and quality were evaluated. The analysis of return indicators showed that the net present value was higher for the plastic-covered system, which indicates greater profitability and consequent viability of the investment. Moreover, the grape quality varied according to the cultivar and production system. In this context, it is recommended to use the cultivar Niagara Rosada for production in a plastic covering system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate impact of bio-humus on Cardinal grape yield (Vitis vinifera L.) and nutrient contents of dark brown soil using drip irrigation systems under the open field conditions in the vineyard region of Azerbaijan. A field experiment was conducted in a Cardinal Vineyard farm located in Shamakhi district, Azerbaijan between May and October 2021. An experiment with one dose of bio-humus treatment (5 t.ha-1) and three replications, with a plot size of 1 ha treatment was used. There were performed drip irrigation, starting from May 15 up to September 15, every 15 days. The soil sampling and measurements carried out after harvest the application of bio-humus in soil and the soil samples were collected from depth of 20 cm. The results showed that addition of bio-humus increased fresh berryweight yield, contents of organic matter, total N, available P, and available micronurtient (Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn) in soil compared with control plots. The soils treated with bio-humus had significantly more EC in comparison to unamended plots. The addition of bio-humus in soil resulted in increase of soil pH.

Crop development and yield are both influenced by the weather. A generic agro-climatic yield prediction model for grape is created and analytically solved in this research. In the field of mathematical biology, this model is valuable for research scholars, faculty members, and academics. To acquire the final form of the yield prediction model, an asymptotic analysis is performed. Climate, disease, and grape yield are all dependent parameters in the model creation process. Independent characteristics include infection rate, disease incidence, seasonality rate, and removal rate of grape production per harvest period. The model is also examined, with parameters estimated using field data from GRS during the period 2015-2021. On concentration curves, the impacts of various parameters are discussed. This model's stability analysis is also explained. The obtained analytical solution is found to be in satisfactory agreement with the numerical and stability studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selecting genotypes with a better capacity to respond and adapt to soil water deficits is essential to achieve the sustainability of grapevine cultivation in the context of increasing water scarcity. However, cultivar changes are very poorly accepted, and therefore it is particularly interesting to explore the intracultivar genetic diversity in water use efficiency (WUE). In previous studies, the cultivar "Grenache" has shown up to 30% variability in WUE. This research aimed to confirm the intracultivar variability and to elucidate the traits underlying this variability in the response to a water deficit by analyzing the growth rates, water relations, osmotic potential, leaf morphology, leaf gas exchange and carbon isotope discrimination in nine "Grenache" genotypes grown in pots during two seasons. The results showed lower differences in WUE and carbon isotope ratio than in previous field studies, but fairly good consistency in genotype ranking. Leaf mass area and osmotic potential did not underlie differences in stem water potential and in stomatal conductance. Overall, stomatal regulation and photosynthetic capacity seem to underlie differences in WUE among genotypes with an important environmental influence. These results confirm the ability to select clones with higher WUE and present an opportunity for the genetic improvement of WUE in grapevines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its high organic matter content, sawdust can be used for soil amendment. This study investigated the effect of sawdust obtained from a furniture industry (Yildiz Integre Akhisar flakeboard) on grape yield and loam texture soil (Typic Xerofluvent) properties of a vineyard located in Saruhanlı District, Manisa, Turkey. In the trial, three groups with dry sawdust (10 t ha-1, 20 t ha-1; 30 t ha-1) was added to plots of vineyard while 0 t ha-1 or without sawdust addition was set up as a control group. All the 4 treatments were replicated three times (4×3). Sawdust addition resulted in significant increase (p

The aim of this study was to investigate impact of bio-humus on Cardinal grape yield (Vitis vinifera L.) and nutrient contents of dark brown soil using drip irrigation systems under the open field conditions in the vineyard region of Azerbaijan. A field experiment was conducted in a Cardinal Vineyard farm located in Shamakhi district, Azerbaijan between May and October 2021. An experiment with one dose of biohumus treatment (5 t.ha-1) and three replications, with a plot size of 1 ha treatment was used. There were performed drip irrigation, starting from May 15 up to September 15, every 15 days. The soil sampling and measurements carried out after harvest the application of bio-humus in soil and the soil samples were collected from depth of 20 cm. The results showed that addition of bio-humus increased fresh berryweight yield, contents of organic matter, total N, available P, and available micronurtient (Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn) in soil compared with control plots. The soils treated with bio-humus had significantly more EC in comparison to unamended plots. The addition of bio-humus in soil resulted in increase of soil pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rational fertilization is a win-win strategy for rural incomes and environmental restoration in ecologically fragile regions. However, the long-term cumulative grape productivity response to soil fertility has rarely been quantified. Here, long-term fertilization experiments (over 15 years) in the desert–oasis transitional zone of Sinkiang, China, were used to evaluate the interactions among grape yield, quality, fertilization, soil nutrients, and microbial communities. There were five treatments, as follows: CK0 (no planting and no fertilizing); NP (synthetic nitrogen and phosphorus); M (manure only); NPM1 (0.25 times NP and 0.33 times M); and NPM2 (NP and 0.5 times M). The grape yield increased with the application of total nitrogen. The soluble solids and reducing sugar contents had significant positive linear correlations with grape yield, but the opposite trend was found between grape yield and titratable acidity and tannin contents. The redundancy analysis showed that fertilization, soil nutrients (soil organic carbon, available nitrogen, and dissolved organic nitrogen), and microbial communities (ratio of fungi to bacteria, ratio of Gram-negative bacteria to Gram-positive bacteria, and total phospholipid fatty acids) accounted for 31.9%, 19.7%, and 26.8% of the grape yield and nutritional ingredients, respectively. The path analysis identified that fertilization, soil nutrients, and the microbial communities were significantly positively associated with the grape yield, soluble solids, and reducing sugars, while their associations with titratable acidity, tannins, and phenols were significantly negative. These results suggested that fertilization is a viable strategy for regulating grape yields and grape quality because it alters soil fertility in ecologically fragile regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

National and international Vitis variety catalogues can be used as image datasets for computer vision in viticulture. These databases archive ampelographic features and phenology of several grape varieties and plant structures images (e.g. leaf, bunch, shoots). Although these archives represent a potential database for computer vision in viticulture, plant structure images are acquired singularly and mostly not directly in the vineyard. Localization computer vision models would take advantage of multiple objects in the same image, allowing more efficient training. The present images and labels dataset was designed to overcome such limitations and provide suitable images for multiple cluster identification in white grape varieties. A group of 373 images were acquired from later view in vertical shoot position vineyards in six different Italian locations at different phenological stages. Images were then labelled in YOLO labelling format. The dataset was made available both in terms of images and labels. The real number of bunches counted in the field, and the number of bunches visible in the image (not covered by other vine structures) was recorded for a group of images in this dataset.

Viticulture began growing in Brazil in recent years, and this growth is due to the introduction of new techniques and improvements used in vine planting, especially the use of plastic covering in the vineyard. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the economic viability of plastic covering installation, as well as the quality of grapes produced by two cultivars, in order to compare these results with those obtained by a conventional cultivation system. The experiment was performed at an experimental farm producing grapes in southern Brazil. The grape cultivars Niagara Branca and Niagara Rosada were studied and cultivated with and without plastic covering. Data related to the costs of vineyard planting, establishment, and seasonal management, in addition to the grape revenue, were assessed. Additionally, the grape yield and quality were evaluated. The analysis of return indicators showed that the net present value was higher for the plastic-covered system, which indicates greater profitability and consequent viability of the investment. Moreover, the grape quality varied according to the cultivar and production system. In this context, it is recommended to use the cultivar Niagara Rosada for production in a plastic covering system.

Due to its high organic matter content, sawdust can be used for soil amendment. This study investigated the effect of sawdust obtained from a furniture industry (Yildiz Integre Akhisar flakeboard) on grape yield and loam texture soil (Typic Xerofluvent) properties of a vineyard located in Saruhanlı District, Manisa, Turkey. In the trial, three groups with dry sawdust (10 t ha-1, 20 t ha-1; 30 t ha-1) was added to plots of vineyard while 0 t ha-1 or without sawdust addition was set up as a control group. All the 4 treatments were replicated three times (4×3). Sawdust addition resulted in significant increase (p <0.05) of soil organic matter, total nitrogen, electrical conductivity (EC), available Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, P, K, and Mn contents, moisture, saturation percentage, field capacity, wilting point, available water and aggregation percentage values compared with control group. Also, the soil pH, bulk density, and dispersion percentage significantly decreased with sawdust addition. However, there was no significant change in lime, available Cu contents, structure stability index, aggregate stability of the soil with sawdust addition. Compared with control group, addition of 20 t ha-1 and 30 t ha-1 of dry sawdust significantly increased the grape yield of the vineyard. The highest yield of 4.23 t ha-1 was recorded with 30 t ha-1 sawdust addition. Sawdust can be used as a soil amendment given its positive effects on some soil properties and grape yield of the vineyard. It is suggested that nitrogen immobilization from the soil by microorganisms due to sawdust's high C/N ratio is a key consideration for its future use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) is a source of organic C and other nutrients, which, when free from potential contaminants, can be used as a soil amendment. This study was carried out over three years in a vineyard with soil pH close to neutral under an experimental design consisting of two treatments (with and without MSWC). Application of MSWC is currently authorized under national legislation to be used in vineyards, orchards and forests at a maximum rate of 10 t ha−1 year−1. In this study, for experimental purposes, a double rate (20 t ha−1 year−1) was used. The accumulated grape yield increased in the amended plot by 28% and the dry biomass of weeds between rows by 119%. The MSWC significantly increased some relevant soil properties such as organic C, pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and extractable P, K and B. The concentration of K increased significantly in several tissues, and the concentration of P decreased. However, the concentration of K, P and other essential nutrients in the leaves remained within their sufficiency ranges. Tissue levels of heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Pb and Ni) did not increase with the MSWC application, and the values in the pulp remained below the limits established for foodstuffs. The results from this study indicate that the continuous application of the MSWC does not seem to be sustainable, because of the risk of causing nutritional disorders. Products with similar composition should therefore be used only on more acidic soils and should never exceed the legally established rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Critical levels (CL) of available potassium (K) in soils and leaves and maximum technical efficiency (MTE) doses are relevant information to define the best K fertilization strategies. The aim of this study was to determine reference values of K in leaves and soil, using Bayesian analysis, in order to maximize grape yield and must quality of ‘Chardonnay’ and ‘Pinot Noir’ grown in a subtropical climate. The vines were subjected to applications of 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 kg K2O ha−1 year−1. The CL and MTE doses of K, in leaves and soils, were determined using Bayesian hierarchical models. The range of probability of the occurrence of CL in leaves was 15.8 to 18.9 g K kg−1 in ‘Chardonnay’ and 16.8 to 19.1 g K kg−1 in ‘Pinot Noir’ at flowering. Moreover, the range was 15.3 to 18.1 g K kg−1 in ‘Chardonnay’ and 16.1 to 18.2 g K kg−1 in ‘Pinot Noir’ at veraison. In the soil, the CL of available K for ‘Chardonnay’ was 27.4 mg K kg−1 and for ‘Pinot Noir’ it was 23.2 mg K kg−1. The increase of K in leaves and soil increased the TSS, while the TTA decreased in both cultivars after sufficiency rate. The MTE was estimated in ‘Pinot Noir’. The proposition of CL and/or MTE doses of K can help increase the efficiency of K fertilization in vineyards.

Selecting genotypes with a better capacity to respond and adapt to soil water deficits is essential to achieve the sustainability of grapevine cultivation in the context of increasing water scarcity. However, cultivar changes are very poorly accepted, and therefore it is particularly interesting to explore the intracultivar genetic diversity in water use efficiency (WUE). In previous studies, the cultivar “Grenache” has shown up to 30% variability in WUE. This research aimed to confirm the intracultivar variability and to elucidate the traits underlying this variability in the response to a water deficit by analyzing the growth rates, water relations, osmotic potential, leaf morphology, leaf gas exchange and carbon isotope discrimination in nine “Grenache” genotypes grown in pots during two seasons. The results showed lower differences in WUE and carbon isotope ratio than in previous field studies, but fairly good consistency in genotype ranking. Leaf mass area and osmotic potential did not underlie differences in stem water potential and in stomatal conductance. Overall, stomatal regulation and photosynthetic capacity seem to underlie differences in WUE among genotypes with an important environmental influence. These results confirm the ability to select clones with higher WUE and present an opportunity for the genetic improvement of WUE in grapevines.

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The aim of this study was to address the problems of water scarcity and low water and fertilizer use efficiency in vineyards in the Guanzhong Plain of Shaanxi, China. In the experiment, drip fertigation technology was used, including three irrigation levels (W3 (100% M, and M as the irrigation quota), W2 (75% M) and W1 (50% M)) and four fertilization levels (F3 (648 kg/hm2), F2 (486 kg/hm2), F1 (324 kg/hm2) and F0 (0 kg/hm2)). Traditional fertilization (CG) and a rainfed (CK) treatments were used as control treatments. Field experiments were conducted in Yangling, Shaanxi, China from 2019 to 2021 (wet years in 2019 and 2020, and dry years in 2021) to determine irrigation and fertilization intervals corresponding to higher crop yields and water and fertilizer utilization efficiency in different precipitation patterns. The results showed that, compared with the CK and CG treatments, the drip irrigation and fertilization treatment increased grape yield and significantly improved water productivity and fertilizer agronomic use efficiency. The highest grape yields were obtained in the F2 treatment under drip fertigation, and the highest grape yields were 16044 kg/hm2 and 12728 kg/hm2 in wet years and dry years obtained at W1F2 and W2F2, respectively. With the same fertilization level (F2), the grape yields of the W1, W2 and W3 treatments in wet years increased by 37.95%, 23.73% and 23.50% compared with those in dry years, respectively. The optimal irrigation and fertilization intervals determined by the response surface method were: the irrigation amount ranged from 8 to 11 mm and 32–38 mm, nitrogen application ranged from 182 to 190 kg/hm2 and 162–164 kg/hm2, phosphorus application ranged from 116 to 131 kg/hm2 and 98–100 kg/hm2, and potassium application ranged from 216 to 225 kg/hm2 and 194–201 kg/hm2 in wet years and dry years, respectively. This provides a guideline for the precision management of irrigation and fertilization of grape under different precipitation year types in Guanzhong Plain of Shaanxi Province. ● Drip fertigation increased grape yield, WUE and FAUE. ● The optimal drip fertigation strategy for highest yield, WUE and FAUE was derived in wet and dry years. ● Response surface methodology was used to determine optimal irrigation and fertilization in wet and dry years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Covering reflective film on the ground of a protected facility can enhanced the reflected light by 2 times under the canopy of grapevines. • Covering reflective film on the ground can improve the net leaf photosynthetic rate by 24.9% of grape. • Grape yield of 'Shine muscat' was increased by 46% with covering reflective film on the ground. • The sugar:acid ratio and aroma composition were improved with application of reflective film covered on the ground. Grapes are often cultivated in protected facilities used as rain-shelter and insect-proof in Southern China, which results in a decrease in light intensity reaching the canopy of grapevines. To optimize the light environment, reflected light techniques are being used to cover the vineyard ground. The present study aimed to assess the practicability of reflective film covering on the ground of a protected facility to improve grape photosynthesis, yield and fruit quality. 'Shine muscat' grapes grafting with '5BB' and '3309m' rootstocks were grown in a protected facility covered with film on the roof as a rain-shelter and fine-mesh screens on the side as an insect-proof, in which covering reflective film on the ground were arranged as treatments. The experimental results show that the growth indexes of grapevines were higher than control, but there was no significant difference. Covering reflective film on the ground can improve the net leaf photosynthetic rate (P n) by 24.9% and 35.2% for 'Shine muscat' grafting with 3309m rootstocks and 5BB rootstocks, respectively. The grape yield of 'Shine muscat' grafting with 3309m rootstock was increased by 46%, while increased by 2.7% for 3309m rootstock. The sugar:acid ratio and aroma composition were improved with the application of reflective film covering on the ground. Our results revealed that covering reflective film on the ground of a protected facility can improve grape photosynthesis, yield and fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an economically important fruit crop, continuous cropping of grapes can potentially impact soil health resulting in decreased yields. However, the mechanism of how soil microecological environment affects grape quality at different growth stages is not fully understood. A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of continuous grape cultivation for 0, 7, and 12 (CK, G7Y and G12Y) years on soil physicochemical properties and microbial community at different growth periods and soil depths, as well as on grape yield and quality. The results showed that grape yield, aroma compound contents, soil and grape leaf nutrients decreased significantly with the increase of planting years, soil acidification and secondary salinization intensified. Compared to G7Y, the relative abundance of the beneficial soil microorganisms Mortierella , Bacillus and Pseudomonas decreased significantly in G12Y, while the relative abundance of the potential pathogenic fungi Pseudaleuria and Aspergillus increased significantly. In addition, the nutrient content and biomarkers in the subsoil were lower than those in the topsoil. Particularly, the fruit setting stage appeared to be more sensitive to shifts in soil microbial communities over different planting years. Correlation analysis showed that grape yield was positively correlated with Bacillus and Mortierella , and negatively correlated with Fusarium. Grape yield was more sensitive to phosphorus and potassium fertilizers than to nitrogen fertilizer. In conclusion, continuous cropping reduced the content of soil nutrients and the number of soil beneficial microorganisms, increased the abundance of soil pathogenic microorganisms, and jointly caused changes in grape yield and quality. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the management strategies to improve the soil microbial diversities especially beneficial microbial diversity to maintain the soil health and then to promote sustainable production of vineyards. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, organic farming is being promoted as one of the main alternatives to intensive conventional farming. However, the benefits of organic agriculture are still controversial and need to be tested across wide environmental gradients. Here, we carried out an observational study to test how agronomic practices, pest management, environmental impact and yield of conventional and organic vineyards changed along wide climatic and landscape gradients across Italy. We used a block design with 38 pairs of conventional and organic vineyards across Italy. Most agronomic practices did not differ between conventional and organic vineyards. By contrast, landscape composition and climate were strong predictors of management in both systems. First, increasing semi-natural areas around the vineyards reduced pesticide pressure and related environmental impacts, but was also associated with lower yield. Second, irrespective of the farming system, a warm and dry climate was associated with reduced fungicide pressure. Conventional farming had a yield gain of 40% in cold and wet climate compared to organic but the yield gap disappeared in the warmest regions. In both farming systems, we observed a large variability in management practices that was mainly explained by climate and landscape composition. This large variability should be considered when evaluating the benefits and drawbacks of different farming systems under contrasting environmental contexts. [Display omitted] • We compared conventional and organic vineyards along climate and landscape gradients. • Most agronomic practices did not differ between conventional and organic vineyards. • In both systems, climate and landscape were strong predictors of agronomic practices, pest management and yield. • Pesticide environmental impact decreased with increasing temperature and semi-natural areas in both systems. • Yield difference between organic and conventional farming depends on climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This short communication aims at providing insights to verify whether common yield sampling protocols (i.e., one round trip within the fields over two representative rows) are optimal whatever the considered fields. In addition, it aims to show how factors like the spatial organisation of the within-field yield variability, the length of the rows, the erratic variance, etc. may affect the optimal sampling route and the error of the yield estimation. Methods and Material: A new algorithm based on constraint programming and stochastic approaches was used to provide optimal sampling routes for vineyards. This algorithm guarantees the representativeness of the measurement sites and a minimization of the walking distance. Practical constraints (trellised structure, starting point, etc.) are considered by the algorithm to optimise the walking distance and the resulting sampling route. The algorithm has been applied to 60 simulated vineyards with known yield variability. Characteristics like yield spatial structure, row length and proportion of erratic variance were controlled during the simulation process and were used to study how they affect the optimal sampling route derived from the algorithm. Results: The row length as well as the spatial organization of the within-field yield variability are the main factors that determine the optimality of a sampling route. Spatial organisation of the yield happens to have a strong incidence; fields with small yield patterns (Range of the semi-variogram = 25 m) showed a yield estimation error of less than 2 % with an optimal sampling route of three minutes with 7 sampling sites, whereas it takes more than 5 minutes (with 9 sampling sites) to achieve the same estimation error for fields with larger spatial patterns (range > 50 m). Results also highlight the relevance of original sampling routes which intend to sample only the beginnings of rows or mixed approaches based on a round trip in two inter-rows and complementary samples on the beginnings of one or more rows. Conclusions: This study shows that an optimal sampling route strongly depends on the field characteristics. The optimal sampling route should therefore be tailored to each field. This approach is a first step which shows how this methodology could be used to identify other factors of influence. It could also apply to real fields to optimise other logistic operations in viticulture. Significance and Impact of the Study: This short communication demonstrates the necessity to tailor sampling strategy to characteristics of each field to provide both an optimised sampling route (minimum walking distance with minimum samples) and the best possible estimate. It also proposes an original approach based on field simulations and an optimal sampling route generation algorithm. This approach makes it possible to produce new insights (and also to validate empirical practices) that can help the wine industry to better manage the logistics at harvest. This paper also gives considerations when it comes to the choice of a sampling route for a given field.

The research paper deals with an evaluation of the effect of three types of organic mulch materials - cereal straw, wood chips and compost on soil moisture maintenance in vineyard in the Czech Republic in years 2017-2019. For comparison, the variant without mulch coverage "black fallow" was also monitored (control variant). The experiment was based on an experimental site in the village of Rakvice in the South Moravia Region. The three year results of the experiment demonstrate that the use of these three organic materials has a positive effect on the increase of soil moisture compared to the control variant. The best results are achieved by the variant with cereal straw, where the highest values of soil moisture were measured. At the same time, the yield of grapes and their qualitative parameters from individual variants were evaluated. Used organic mulching materials showed a signifi cant statistical difference in the quality of the grapes compared to the control variant. These differences were demonstrated in the YAN content and in the variant with cereal straw also in the titratable acidity. The results of the experiment demonstrate that what might otherwise be agricultural waste, can be used to improve soil moisture and it represents an important agrotechnical treatment in vineyards contributing to the protection of soils and the environment in viticulture in Czech Republic and central Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This short communication aims at providing insights to verify whether common yield sampling protocols (i.e. one round trip within the fields over two representative rows) are optimal whatever the considered fields. In addition, it aims to show how factors like the spatial organisation of the within-field yield variability, the shape of the fields, the erratic variance, etc. may affect the optimal sampling route and the error of the yield estimation. Methods and Material: A new algorithm based on constraint programming and stochastic approaches was used to provide optimal sampling routes for vineyards. This algorithm guarantees the representativeness of the measurement sites and a minimization of the walking distance. Practical constraints (trellised structure, starting point, etc.) are considered by the algorithm to optimise the walking distance and the resulting sampling route. The algorithm has been applied to 60 simulated vineyards with known yield variability. Characteristics like yield spatial structure, shape of the field and proportion of erratic variance were controlled during the simulation process and were used to study how they affect the optimal sampling route derived from the algorithm. Results: The shape (row length vs size) as well as the spatial organization of the within-field yield variability are the main factors that determine the optimality of a sampling route. Spatial organisation of the yield happens to have a strong incidence; fields with small yield patterns (Range of the semi-variogram = 25 m) showed a yield estimation error of less than 2 % with an optimal sampling route of three minutes with 7 sampling sites, whereas it takes more than 5 minutes (with 9 sampling sites) to achieve the same estimation error for fields with larger spatial patterns (range > 50 m). Results also highlight the relevance of original sampling routes which intend to sample only the beginnings of rows or mixed approaches based on a round trip in two inter-rows and complementary samples on the beginnings of one or more rows. Conclusions: This study shows that an optimal sampling route strongly depends on the field characteristics. The optimal sampling route should therefore be tailored to each field. This approach is a first step which shows how this methodology could be used to identify other factors of influence. It could also apply to real fields to optimise other logistic operations in viticulture. Significance and Impact of the Study: This short communication demonstrates the necessity to tailor sampling strategy to characteristics of each field to provide both an optimised sampling route (minimum walking distance with minimum samples) and the best possible estimate. It also proposes an original approach based on field simulations and an optimal sampling route generation algorithm. This approach makes it possible to produce new insights (and also to validate empirical practices) that can help the wine industry to better manage the logistics at harvest. This paper also gives considerations when it comes to the choice of a sampling route for a given field.

Prediction of the crop yield is need of time according to the change in climate conditions. In the present study, the Agro-Climatic Grape Yield (ACGY) model has been developed with monthly climatic parameters using multi-regression analysis approach. The developed model was statistically tested for its predictive ability. The discrepancy ratio, the standard deviation of discrepancy ratio, mean percentage error and standard deviation of mean percentage error for the model was obtained as 1.03, 0.19, 0.03% and 0.19, respectively. Sensitivity analysis was carried out for the developed ACGY model using the parametric sensitivity method. In order to know the future grape yield using ACGY model, climate scenarios were generated under Canadian Earth System Model (CanESM2) for three emissions representative concentration pathways as RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5. According to the analysis using ACGY model, increasing yield was observed in grape up to year 2050 as compared to current yield.

Prediction of the crop yield is need of time according to the change in climate conditions. In the present study, the Agro-Climatic Grape Yield (ACGY) model has been developed with monthly climatic parameters using multi-regression analysis approach. The developed model was statistically tested for its predictive ability. The discrepancy ratio, the standard deviation of discrepancy ratio, mean percentage error and standard deviation of mean percentage error for the model was obtained as 1.03, 0.19, 0.03% and 0.19, respectively. Sensitivity analysis was carried out for the developed ACGY model using the parametric sensitivity method. In order to know the future grape yield using ACGY model, climate scenarios were generated under Canadian Earth System Model (CanESM2) for three emissions representative concentration pathways as RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5. According to the analysis using ACGY model, increasing yield was observed in grape up to year 2050 as compared to current yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Egypt's oranges and grapes are among the most important fruit varieties exported and manufactured in Egypt, where the quantities produced by orange and grape plants contribute about 77% of the fruit industries produced in Egypt. The farmer predicts future prices and on the basis of his farming plan. The study aims to perform a function of the orange and grape shears to achieve the appropriate method. The research was based on the methods of meta-analysis and the most important of its various forms is the estimation factor of the simple and multiple slope function in its various forms, the general direction equation, and the logarithm images. The study found that the total area of oranges increased at a growth rate of about 4.1% during the period 2000-2017, and the productive area increased at a growth rate of about 3% during the same period. With the general time trend of the productive area of grapes in Egypt during the period 2000-2017, it is clear that the average productive area of grapes reached 157.28 thousand feddans during the study period, ranging from a minimum of 129.69 thousand feddans in 2000 to a maximum of 198.91 thousand feddans in 2002. Egypt's average grape crop production is about 1.44 million tons, ranging from a minimum of about 1.08 million tons in 2000 to a maximum of 1.81million tons in 2002. The response to the Orange offer showed that by increasing the area grown in the previous year, the area grown the following year by 522,000 feddans, and by increasing the price of oranges the previous year, the area grown the following year by 94 GnF/ton. The study found the expansion of the cultivated areas of fruit, improved production methods and increased manufacturing capabilities that would benefit the national economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Lucrari Stiintifice, Universitatea de Stiinte Agricole Si Medicina Veterinara Ion Ionescu de la Brad Iasi, Seria Horticultura is the property of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine (Editura Ion Ionescu de la Brad) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The overarching goal of agricultural sciences is to optimize production technology to rationalize the use of production resources, energy, and space. Due to its high fertilization and water requirements, the vine is a plant with a high potential for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The modifying factor in the production technology is plantation management. To reach the assumed goal, a field experiment was conducted in the years 2001–2020, and the following training systems were used: multi-arm fan system (A) trunk height 2-eq Mg of yield−1, while in the case of D and E systems, the value was approx. 304.37 to 306.23 CO2-eq Mg of yield−1. When comparing this stage with total annual emissions related to cultivation (for 1 ha), the amount of emitted GHGs at this stage is from approx. 42% to 58% higher than from annual emission related to cultivation. Concrete poles are the main element related with GHG emission during stage of plantation establishment, from 97 to 98% of emission. In the case of annual production, nitrogen fertilizers are responsible for approx. 36%. Moreover, the results show that systems D and E increased the average annual fruit yield (per 19 years of research) by approx. 68% compared to the A, B, C systems. There was no difference in the yield of plants with different height of shoots in the D and E systems. The “one-side, multi-arm, paired planting system” was characterized by the highest production and environmental efficiency.

In semi-arid vineyard agroecosystems, highly vulnerable in the context of climate change, the soil organic matter (OM) content is crucial to the improvement of soil fertility and grape productivity. The impact of OM, from compost and animal manure, on soil properties (e.g., pH, oxidisable organic C, organic N, NH4+-N and NO3−-N), grape yield and direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emission in vineyards was assessed. For this purpose, two wine grape varieties were chosen and managed differently: with a rain-fed non-trellising vineyard of Monastrell, a drip-irrigated trellising vineyard of Monastrell and a drip-irrigated trellising vineyard of Cabernet Sauvignon. The studied fertiliser treatments were without organic amendments (C), sheep/goat manure (SGM) and distillery organic waste compost (DC). The SGM and DC treatments were applied at a rate of 4600 kg ha−1 (fresh weight, FW) and 5000 kg ha−1 FW, respectively. The use of organic amendments improved soil fertility and grape yield, especially in the drip-irrigated trellising vineyards. Increased CO2 emissions were coincident with higher grape yields and manure application (maximum CO2 emissions = 1518 mg C-CO2 m−2 d−1). In contrast, N2O emissions, mainly produced through nitrification, were decreased in the plots showing higher grape production (minimum N2O emissions = −0.090 mg N2O-N m−2 d−1). In all plots, the CH4 fluxes were negative during most of the experiment (−1.073−0.403 mg CH4-C m−2 d−1), indicating that these ecosystems can represent a significant sink for atmospheric CH4. According to our results, the optimal vineyard management, considering soil properties, yield and GHG mitigation together, was the use of compost in a drip-irrigated trellising vineyard with the grape variety Monastrell.

Aim: Fifteen nepoviruses are able to induce fanleaf degeneration in grapes, which is the viral disease with the highest economic impact. Grapevine FanLeaf Virus (GFLV) is the main causal agent of this disease worldwide and in Europe, followed by Arabis Mosaic Virus (ArMV). A third nepovirus has been described in France: Tomato Black Ring Virus (TBRV), detected in vines for the first time in France on a multi-varietal plot in 2009. The aim of this work is to evaluate the effect of TBRV on grape yield and berry quality potential in two grapevine varieties. Methods and results: Quantitative and qualitative impact of TBRV was investigated in 2010 and 2011 in the vine plot where the virus was first detected in France. Over 200 vines were analyzed by ELISA tests in order to determine their status regarding viral diseases. Vines were distributed in four groups: TBRV positive versus virus free for Merlot and Cabernet franc respectively. For each vine, the presence of eleven other viruses was investigated. In 2010 and 2011 shoot length was measured. Grape composition was also analyzed to determine technological maturity and phenol content in grapes of each vine in relation to its virus status. Total pruning weight was reduced in TBRV infected vines, while lateral shoot number and length were increased. All yield components were affected by the presence of the virus. Vines positive to TBRV produced less bunches and berries and smaller berries compared to healthy vines. Yield loss was greater on Merlot compared to Cabernet franc. Grape quality parameters seemed to be not negatively affected by the presence of TBRV. Conclusions: The major impact of TBRV was a significant yield decrease. The enhanced development of lateral shoots may be considered as a second negative impact that could increase production cost. Significance and impact of the study: These results provide essential information on the impact of TBRV in vineyards. Consequences for management of the viral disease in the vineyard are discussed.

• Direct root-zone irrigation flexibly adjusts irrigation rate and delivery depth. • Crop water use efficiency could be improved by 14–23% with higher grape quality. • Subsurface delivery depth does not affect grape yield in loamy sand soil. • Deeper subsurface water delivery may encourage deep rooting. The direct root-zone irrigation system is a new technique to deliver water directly to the root zone of grapevines at specific irrigation rates and delivery depths. The response of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Cabernet Sauvignon to direct root-zone deficit irrigation was investigated in a commercial vineyard with loamy sand soil in the semi-arid lower Columbia Basin of southcentral Washington State, USA. Three irrigation rates and three delivery depths were compared for effects on grape yield and crop water use efficiency during three consecutive growing seasons. Furthermore, we investigated the influence of irrigation rate on grape quality, and used an in situ root imaging system for root phenotyping under different delivery depths for two years. Results showed that delivery depth had no significant effect on grape yield and crop water use efficiency; however, increases in delivery depth from 30 cm to 90 cm resulted in 60–70% decreased root number and 46–59% decreased root length in the upper soil profile (0–60 cm). Moderate irrigation rates (35% less water use on average) improved crop water use efficiency by 14–23% and only reducing grape yield 15–18% per individual grapevine, without sacrificing grape quality or inducing early defoliation for the first two years. Surprisingly, no significant reduction of grape yield was found in the third year, which can be attributed to cooler and wetter weather and potentially vine acclimation to the direct root-zone irrigation strategy. We conclude that direct root-zone deficit irrigation could be a convenient and efficient subsurface irrigation method to improve crop water use efficiency without reducing grape quality under seasonal drought. Future studies should compare the economic and environmental returns of direct root-zone deficit irrigation with other traditional irrigation strategies under different environmental conditions to optimize the direct root-zone deficit irrigation method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cluster zone leaf removal is a well-established viticulture practice for improving cluster microclimate and wine quality in cooler climates, while its efficacy in warmer conditions is less is known. Here we compared the effect of early (ELR, after fruit set; diameter of berries 3–5 mm) and late (LLR, beginning of veraison) leaf removal on berry composition and wine phenolic profile of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) variety Cabernet Sauvignon grown in a temperate, warmer region of Eastern Serbia. Compared to the control (no leaf removal), both leaf removal treatments increased the sugar content in fresh juice and alcohol concentration in wine. Over three consecutive years (2011–2013) markedly different in temperature and rainfall, ELR was clearly most effective in decreasing weights of cluster and of one berry, and in increasing of skin share in a berry. The content of total phenols, tartaric acid esters, anthocyanins, and flavanols in berry skin and wine was the highest in ELR treatment. ELR prominently modified the phenolic profile: Increasing flavanols, myricetin and quercetine in skin and wine, and anthocyanins, peonidin-3-glucoside in skin and delphinidin-3-glucoside in wine. This work demonstrated that early leaf removal positively influenced the chemical composition of berries and wine of Cabernet Sauvignon and might be recommended for practice in the temperate warm conditions.

It is known that early removal of basal leaves improves the exposure of cluster to direct sunlight and UV radiation, which positively influence the phenolic compounds and anthocyanin concentration of berries. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of leaf removal applied before flowering to the basal zone of the canopy at different sides (fruit-zone north canopy side, south canopy side and north–south canopy side, respectively) of Aglianico vines trained to vertical shoot position system and row oriented to east–west (EW). The study was conducted in the controlled and guaranteed designation of origin (CGDO) Castel del Monte area (Apulia region, Italy). The treatment did not affect yield per vine, and nor sugar, pH, and total acidity of grapes. When it was applied to the basal south canopy side, the concentration of proanthocyanidins and total polyphenols of grapes increased, as well as antioxidant activity. In particular, anthocyanins content, determined by HPLC, increased by 20% with respect to control when treatment was applied to south and north–south canopy sides. Interaction between season period and treatment was found for all anthocyanins except for petunidin-3-coumaroyl-glucoside. Basal leaf removal applied to the north canopy side caused an increase in malvidin-3-O-glucoside content in grapes in 2016 and 2018, but not in 2017. Our results indicate that basal leaf removal (six basal leaves removed from the base of the shoots) before flowering (BBCH 57) can be used as an effective strategy to improve grape total polyphenols, anthocyanins concentration and antioxidant activity in vineyards cultivated under warm climate conditions. The treatment could represent a sustainable alternative to manual cluster thinning since it does not reduce yield per vine and can be performed mechanically.

Research was conducted in Tekirdag - Yazir village. Merlot/5BB grafting combination in Umurbey Vineyards for determination different tipping periods and different nitrogen doses effect on yield and quality characteristics. Research was conducted in the vegetation period in 2013. In this research four nitrogen doses: Dose 1 (Control) (0 kg da-1 N), Dose 2 (5 kg da-1 N), Dose 3 (10 kg da-1 N) and Dose 4 (15 kg da-1 N) and; also four tipping periods No Application (NA=Control), Before Anthesis (BA), Full Flowering (FF) and Berry Set (BS) periods was used. Yield characteristics (estimated yield per vine) and quality characteristics (SS, TA, pH, sugar concentration, sugar amount per berry, total anthocyanins, TPI, total tannins) were examined in this trial. As a result; tipping in BS period yield and quality characteristics (yield 2.87 kg vine-1, total acidity 6.90 g L-1; grape juice pH 3.525) were desired level for wine grapes. In fertil soil, it were foreseen that, good quality grape growing has been done without nitrogen fertilisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing plant growth to limit their susceptibility to diseases has been proposed as a way to reduce pesticide use, but reducing crop growth may have detrimental effect on yield. In this paper, we test the hypothesis of a trade-off between maintaining grape yield and reducing grapevine susceptibility to powdery mildew ( Erysiphe necator ) and grey mould ( Botrytis cinerea ), two major diseases of the grapevine ( Vitis vinifera L.). Grapevine susceptibility to these two diseases was measured by relevant features of grapevine vegetative development identified in previous studies: leaf biomass at flowering for powdery mildew and pruning mass for grey mould. Data were collected during a 3-year field experiment in a vineyard located in the south of France, in which pests and disease were controlled by spraying pesticides. The two pathogens studied in this paper were chosen because they differ in terms of their biology (biotroph vs necrotroph) and their interaction with the grapevine (the highest grapevine susceptibility occurs early in the cycle for powdery mildew and late in the cycle for grey mould), in order to give genericity to the results. Results confirmed the hypothesis of a trade-off between maintaining grape yield and reducing grapevine susceptibility to both pathogens through reduced vegetative growth, but provided evidence that win–win situations (high yield, low susceptibility) do exist. Moreover, we found a synergy between reducing grapevine susceptibility to powdery mildew and grey mould. These results suggest opportunities to reduce fungicide use when a win–win situation occurs as the risk of yield and quality losses may be lower in those years. Inter-annual variation in water stress at flowering was found to be a key driver of the balance between grape yield and grapevine susceptibility to both pathogens through their effect on the source–sink balance of the grapevine. Water stress at flowering appeared as a relevant indicator to inform the probability of occurrence of a win–win situation. Our results suggest that it could also be used to adapt management practices like irrigation, cover cropping or a combination of both, to reach a win–win situation. The relevance of these findings to vineyards in similar semi-arid environments is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imbalanced water and fertilizer systems have limited the yield and quality of grapes in extremely arid areas. The combined application of organic (OF) and inorganic fertilizers (CF) has been proven to be one of the practical approaches to improving yield and quality. Nevertheless, very few studies have focused on the irrigation amount in organically fertilized and drip-irrigated grapes. Hence, in this study, four combined application ratios of organic and inorganic fertilizers (70%OF + 30%CF, 50%OF + 50%CF, 30%OF + 70%CF, and 0%OF + 100%CF), and four irrigation amounts (630, 675, 720, and 765 mm) were set coupling in a two-year field experiment. Generally, under four irrigation levels, combined organic-inorganic fertilizers increased soil nutrients and improved seedless white grape growth, yield, and quality. The results of the combined fertilizer application treatments showed that the content of available nitrogen (55.97–102.60%), available phosphorus (49.41–124.74%), and available potassium (60.70–124.33%) in soil increased significantly compared with those values under a single application of inorganic fertilizer. In addition, the combined application increased the length of new shoots and leaf midribs (grapes) by 3.16–11.88% and 7.35–15.15%, respectively; this application mode also significantly enhanced transpiration rate (Tr), stomatal conductance (Gs), and net photosynthetic rate (Pn). Furthermore, the grape yield increased by 6.68–19.12%, and the fruit quality notably improved (except for the index of fruit shape). Under the four irrigation amounts, two-year average yields were reported as 17.53, 20.60, 23.31, and 22.71 kg/ha, respectively. Additionally, we used four evaluation methods to assess the fruit quality and compared their correlations with the comprehensive evaluation model. And we concluded that the principal component analysis method (PCA) is best suited for evaluating drip-irrigated grapes' quality. Then, we applied the PCA to seek proper irrigation management; the results displayed that a suitable irrigation amount of 720 mm and the ratio of organic-inorganic application of 50% organic fertilizer + 50% inorganic fertilizer is recommended. However, further research is required to investigate the effects of soluble and complete organic fertilizers application on drip-irrigated grapes. • Irrigation amounts combining organic-inorganic fertilizers affect the grape quality and yield. • Different statistical methods are applied and compared for evaluating drip-irrigated grapes quality and yield. • Irrigation amount 765 mm with 50% organic + 50% inorganic fertilizer is recommended for grapes planting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the results obtained by the investigation of agrobiological properties of vine cultivar Cabernet Sauvignon, clone R5. The investigation was carried out at a productive vineyard in private property, at the location varine dining the period 2007-2008. The vineyard was planted in 2001, with planting distance 3 x 0.8 m. Meteorological conditions were favorable for growth and development of vine cultivar Cabernet Sauvignon. The following parameters were observed: phenological observations, productivity of the cultivar, grape yield and quality. Grape yield ranged from 8.44-9.23 t/ha. Sugar content varied from 22.50-23.80%, and the total acid content from 7.30-7.60 g/l, which enabled making of high-quality wine categories.