Assessment of “Sugranineteen” Table Grape Maturation Using Destructive and Auto-Fluorescence Methods

The optimal harvesting of table grapes is commonly determined based on technological and phenolic indices analyzed over the course of its maturity. The classical techniques used for these analyses are destructive, time-consuming, and work for a limited number of samples that may not represent the heterogeneity of the vineyard. This study aimed to follow the ripening season of table grapes using non-destructive tools as a rapid and accurate alternative for destructive techniques. Grape samples were collected from a Sugranineteen vineyard during the ripening season to measure the basic maturity indices via wet chemistry, and total polyphenols, anthocyanins, and flavonoids were evaluated by spectrophotometry. Fluorescent readings were collected from intact clusters with a portable optical sensor (Multiplex® 3, Force-A, France) that generates indices correlated to different maturity parameters. Results revealed strong relationships between the Multiplex® indices ANTH_RG and FERARI and the skin anthocyanin content, with R2 values equal to 0.9613 and 0.8713, respectively. The NBI_R index was also related to total anthocyanins (R2 = 0.8032), while the SFR_R index was linked to the titratable acidity (R2 = 0.6186), the sugar content (R2 = 0.7954), and to the color index of red grapes (CIRG) (R2 = 0.7835). Results demonstrated that Multiplex® 3 can be applied on intact clusters as an effective non-destructive tool for a rapid estimation of table grapes’ anthocyanin content

Maturity Assessment of Different Table Grape Cultivars Grown at Six Different Altitudes in Lebanon

Table grapes are harvested based on well-known maturity indices that must be monitored after fruit veraison. The aim of this study was to assess these indices across multiple locations and environmental conditions, encompassing different table grape cultivars such as Black Pearl, Crimson Seedless, Superior Seedless, and Red Globe. For this reason, grape sampling was conducted across six distinct locations characterized by varying altitudes above sea level (m asl) and environmental conditions over the ripening season. The main maturity indices, including pH, sugar content, titratable acidity, berry firmness, and other parameters were monitored over the growing season. Moreover, the quantification of total polyphenols, total anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity was determined using spectrophotometric assays at harvesting. The study has examined the effect of the vineyard’s location on grape quality and its interaction with the cultivar and environment. Crimson Seedless maintained a relatively high level of acidity with altitude near harvesting. Black Pearl exhibited a notable decline in both sugar content and berry firmness as elevation increased, whereas Red Globe demonstrated contrasting outcomes. The optimal maturity of Superior Seedless was observed at an elevation of 1000 m asl. Black Pearl and Crimson Seedless exhibited better adaptability to intermediate elevations (650 and 950 m asl), while Red Globe and Superior Seedless showed better adaptability to higher elevations (1000–1150 m asl). Among the studied cultivars, Black Pearl exhibited significantly higher levels of total polyphenols and anthocyanins, while close values were noticed between red and green cultivars