Rendimiento y características físico-químicas de las uvas de vides tratadas con extracto de Ecklonia maxima

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do extrato de Ecklonia maxima (Kelpak®) sobre o rendimento e as características físico-químicas dos cachos das videiras viníferas. Os tratamentos consistiram de diferentes doses do produto comercial Kelpak®, concentrado de algas Ecklonia maxima, com a presença de auxinas naturais em sua composição: T1 - Água, T2 - Extrato de Ecklonia maxima – 2.5 L ha-1, T3 - Extrato de Ecklonia maxima – 3.75 L ha-1, aplicado com pulverizador manual com volume de aproximadamente 170 mL por planta, equivalente a 900 L ha-1. Foram avaliadas as seguintes variáveis: peso dos cachos, número de cachos por planta, número de bagas por cacho, peso das bagas, largura e comprimento dos cachos, teor de sólidos solúveis, pH e acidez total titulável. Os seguintes distúrbios fisiológicos em cachos foram avaliados visualmente: rachadura, desidratação, compactação e desavinho. Para a cultivar Merlot verificou-se aumento do comprimento de cacho e a diminuição da ocorrência de desavinho com o tratamento 2.5 L ha-1 de Ecklonia maxima em comparação com o tratamento com 3.5 L ha-1, mas sem diferenças em relação ao controle com água. Para a cv. Cabernet Sauvignon houve um aumento na compactação dos cachos e redução da incidência de desidratação das bagas entre 0-5% para o tratamento com 2.5 L ha-1 de extrato de Ecklonia maxima, diferindo-se da testemunha. Considerando os resultados, o uso de extrato de Ecklonia maxima tem um potencial para melhorar a qualidade de uvas e, novas pesquisas deveriam ser conduzidas para melhorar a sua eficiência em vinhedos comerciais.This trial aimed to evaluate the effects of Ecklonia maxima extract (Kelpak®) on yield and physicochemical characteristics of the clusters from wine grapevines. The treatments consisted of different doses of the commercial product Kelpak®, concentrate prepared of seaweed Ecklonia maxima, rich in natural auxins, as follow: T1 – Water, T2 – Extract of Ecklonia maxima – 2.5 L ha-1, T3 – Extract of Ecklonia maxima – 3.75 L ha-1,  applied with a hand sprayer with a volume about 170 mL per plant, equivalent to 900 L ha-1. The following variables were evaluated: weight of clusters, number of clusters per plant, number of berries per cluster, weight of berries, width and length of the clusters, soluble solids content, pH and trititable acidity. The physiological disorders in clusters were visually evaluated as follow: cracking, dehydration, shot berries and cluster compactness. For the grapevines cv. Merlot, the application of Kelpak at 2.5 L ha-1 increased the length of clusters and decreased the occurrence of shot berries, compared to the treatment with 3.5 L ha-1, but without differences in relation to the control with water. For the cv. Cabernet Sauvignon there was an increase in cluster compactness and reduction of berries dehydration for the incidence between 0-5% of the berries for the treatment with 2.5 L ha-1 of Ecklonia maxima extract, differing from the control. Considering the results, the use of Ecklonia maxima has a potential to increase grapes quality, and new researches should be carried out to improve its performance in commercial vineyards.Este ensayo tuvo como objetivo evaluar los efectos del extracto de Ecklonia maxima (Kelpak®) sobre el rendimiento y las características fisicoquímicas de los racimos de vides de vino. Los tratamientos consistieron en diferentes dosis del producto comercial Kelpak®, concentrado preparado de algas marinas Ecklonia maxima, rico en auxinas naturales, de la siguiente manera: T1 - Agua, T2 - Extracto de Ecklonia maxima - 2.5 L ha-1, T3 - Extracto de Ecklonia máximos: 3.75 L ha-1, aplicados con un pulverizador manual con un volumen de aproximadamente 170 mL por planta, equivalente a 900 L ha-1. Se evaluaron las siguientes variables: peso de los racimos, número de racimos por planta, número de bayas por racimo, peso de las bayas, ancho y longitud de los racimos, contenido de sólidos solubles, pH y acidez trititable. Los desórdenes fisiológicos en racimos se evaluaron visualmente de la siguiente manera: agrietamiento, deshidratación, bayas en rodajas y compacidad de racimo. Para las vides cv. Merlot, la aplicación de Kelpak a 2.5 L ha-1 aumentó la longitud de los racimos y disminuyó la aparición de bayas en comparación con el tratamiento con 3.5 L ha-1, pero sin diferencias en relación con el control con agua. Para el cv. Cabernet Sauvignon hubo un aumento en la compacidad del racimo y la reducción de la deshidratación de las bayas para la incidencia entre 0-5% de las bayas para el tratamiento con 2.5 L ha-1 de extracto de Ecklonia maxima, que difiere del control. Teniendo en cuenta los resultados, el uso de Ecklonia maxima tiene el potencial de aumentar la calidad de la uva, y se deben realizar nuevas investigaciones para mejorar su rendimiento en los viñedos comerciales

Prospecting intercropping between subterranean clover and grapevine as potential strategy for improving grapevine performance

Abstract Intercropping is an agricultural practice commonly used to improve plant nutrition. In this study, we prospected the interaction between root exudates of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) and grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.). This experiment was focused on the detection of organic acids, amino acids, and flavonoids in root exudates released by grapevine and subterranean clover grown separately and together. Furthermore, we quantified low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOA) in root exudates. To test the effect of root exudates in plant-plant chemical signaling, both species were grown in Hoagland hydroponic solution. The experimental design contained three treatments: T1 (subterranean clover, monocropping); T2 (grapevine, monocropping) and T3 (subterranean clover + grapevine, intercropping). The exudate profile showed that the main compounds were amino acid, flavonoids and organic acids in all treatments. Specifically, amino acids exudates (∼20%) were l -threonine by subterranean clover in monocropping (T1) and glutathione in intercropping with grapevine (T3). Glycylglycine was detected in exudates released by subterranean clover (T1) and both plants under intercropping (T3). Regarding flavonoids (∼10%), epicatechin was detected only in subterranean clover exudates (T1). Interestingly, we detected kaempferol-3-glucuronide, l -2-aminoadipic and gluconic acids were found only under intercropping. The LMWOA were oxalic, malic, citric, and succinic. Oxalic acid was released in higher concentration. We highlight that succinic acid reached the highest concentration under intercropping on day-30. These results strongly suggest that amino acids, flavonoids and organic acids acts as signaling compounds between plant-plant interaction, can be utilized for improving grapevine plant performance

Effect of zinc and protein content in different barley cultivars: use of controlled release matrices

Barley is one of the most consumed cereals, with many different cultivars available worldwide. Like other crops, its yield has been affected by climate change and soil degradation. This work proposes controlled-release protein-based matrices with incorporated zinc to improve barley seed germination and zinc content in the plant. Thus, the main objective of this study was to investigate the use of controlled-release protein-based matrices for massive crops, such as barley. Different barley cultivars of barley were studied: Barke, Golden Promise, Morex, WB-200, WB379, and WB-446. The seeds of each cultivar were also analyzed in order to explain the behavior of plants observed during the growth. To this end, the physico-chemical (FT-IR, Raman spectroscopy, and Zn concentration) and microstructural (SEM) properties of the different seeds were firstly evaluated to establish differences between the studied cultivars. In addition, the use of controlled-release soybean protein-based matrices without zinc (M) or with zinc incorporated (MZ) was evaluated as fertilizers in the different barley cultivars. In this sense, the use of these matrices as a zinc carrier improved seed germination and zinc content in the plants, indicating that the use of matrices improves the amount of zinc assimilated by the crops (up to 30 and 50% with M and MZ, respectively) and allows the proper root growth of all cultivars of barley. In conclusion, this article shows the potential of controlled-release protein-based matrices as substitutes for conventional fertilization

Characterization of Berry Aromatic Profile of cv. Trebbiano Romagnolo Grapes and Effects of Intercropping with Salvia officinalis L

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are secondary metabolites responsible for the aroma of grapes and the quality of wine. Apart from genetics, agronomic practices may impact the aroma composition and the concentration of volatiles in grape berries. The possible influence of intercropping with medicinal aromatic plants (MAPs) on the VOCs in grape berries’ profile has been poorly explored. Trebbiano Romagnolo is a white Vitis vinifera cultivar cultivated within the Italia region Emilia-Romagna. The study investigated, for the first time, the volatile organic profile of Trebbiano Romagnolo berries as well as the possible influences of intercropping with sage (Salvia officinalis L.) on the volatile composition of grape berries. A total of 48 free and bound aroma compounds were identified using solid phase extraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPE-GC-MS). In the free aroma fraction, the main classes were C6 derivatives, alcohols, and benzenes, while in the bound aroma fraction, the major classes were benzenes, C13 norisoprenoids, and terpenes. The results obtained in this experiment indicate that intercropping with Salvia officinalis may influence volatile compounds in grape berries, an interesting result in cultivars considered neutral such as Trebbiano Romagnolo, providing new insights for exploring the complexity of the terroir and the role of agroecological strategies

Sustainable Strategies to Prevent Iron Deficiency, Improve Yield and Berry Composition in Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.)

The aim of this investigation was to study the effect of sustainable strategies to correct iron deficiency in blueberries, based on Fe-heme applications or intercropping with graminaceous species, on yield, and berry quality variables. The experiment was conducted in a blueberry orchard established in a sub-alkaline soil. The association with grasses increased the crop load and yield (only Festuca rubra), and decreased the skin/flesh ratio. In addition, these treatments increased anthocyanins as well as some hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavanols, and flavonol concentrations in skins with a similar effectiveness as Fe-EDDHA, whereas the Fe-heme applications did not influence such parameters. Moreover, data revealed that the association with both grasses decreased the firmness of the berries, whereas none of the treatments assessed changed the soluble solids, pH, acidity, and the soluble solids/acidity rate compared to the control. These results suggest that Fe nutrition is crucial for yield and berry quality in blueberry, and that intercropping with grasses may be an effective and sustainable alternative to counteract Fe deficiency in blueberry, with a similar effect on berries to that achieved with Fe-EDDHA

Proceedings del convegno "the 7th International Symposium on Mineral Nutrition of Fruit Crops"

Proceedings del convegno "7th International Symposium on Mineral Nutrition of Fruit Crops

Nitrogen nutrition influences some biochemical responses to iron deficiency in tolerant and sensitive genotypes of Vitis

The effects of nitrogen source on iron deficiency responses were investigated in two Vitis genotypes, one tolerant to limestone chlorosis Cabernet Sauvignon (Vitis vinifera cv.) and the other susceptible Gloire de Montpellier (Vitis riparia cv.). Plants were grown with or without Fe(III)-EDTA, and with NO 3 - alone or a mixture of NO 3 - and NH 4 + . Changes in pH of the nutrient solution and root ferric chelate reductase (FC-R) activity were monitored over one week. We carried out quantitative metabolic profiling (1H-NMR) and determined the activity of enzymes involved in organic acid metabolism in root tips. In iron free-solutions, with NO 3 - as the sole nitrogen source, the typical Fe-deficiency response reactions as acidification of the growth medium and enhanced FC-R activity in the roots were observed only in the tolerant genotype. Under the same nutritional conditions, organic acid accumulation (mainly citrate and malate) was found for both genotypes. In the presence of NH4+, the sensitive genotype displayed some decrease in pH of the growth medium and an increase in FC-R activity. For both genotypes, the presence of NH 4 + ions decreased significantly the organic acid content of roots. Both Vitis genotypes were able to take up NH 4 + from the nutrient solution, regardless of their sensitivity to iron deficiency. The presence of N-NH 4 + modified typical Fe stress responses in tolerant and sensitive Vitis genotypes. © 2006 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.This work was partly funded by the Franco-Spanish bilateral cooperation program (Picasso Program HF2003-273) and by Aquitaine-Aragón cooperation programs (Aq23, Aq25). Sergio Jiménez was supported by a I3P fellowship from CSIC/FSE (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Fondo Social Europeo) and a travel fellowship from DGA/CAI (CA 5/03).Peer Reviewe

Physiological and Enological Implications of Postveraison Trimming in an Organically-Managed Vineyard (cv. Sangiovese)

For the first time, grapevines subjected to a single-post-veraison trimming, were compared with never trimmed controls, to assess its effects on vine physiology, as well as grape and wine quality. In 2013 and 2014, post-veraison late trimming (LT), performed at 15 Brix, was compared with an untrimmed control (CK) and early (pea-size) trimming (ET). Late trimming increased the total berry skin anthocyanin and phenolic concentration without modifying the berry soluble solids, pH and titratable acidity; it also reduced malic acid levels at harvest, reduced yield, loosened bunches and limited the severity of botrytis bunch rot. Improved berry color and decreased malic acid levels were observed in ET vines only in 2013. Bunches from ET vines showed higher compactness and discoloration compared with those of LT vines. Trimming did not modify the main chemical characteristics of the wine, such as alcohol strength, dry matter, pH, and total and volatile acidity. However, in both years, a notable increase in the color components and tannins was found in LT wines, with the formation of more stable components able to enhance wine quality, whereas ET had less impact on wine color characteristics. The enological benefits induced by late trimming appeared more markedly following wine storage. Late trimming was an efficacious practice for improving the phytosanitary status of bunches and berry color, without modifying technological parameters, and for enhancing wine quality in different climatic conditions

Postveraison Shoot Trimming Reduces Cluster Compactness without Compromising Fruit Quality Attributes in Organically Grown Sangiovese Grapevines

Vine performance following preveraison shoot trimming is well documented, but the consequences of this treatment later in the season are poorly understood. Here, a four-year study was conducted in a mature vineyard of Sangiovese (clone 12T) grafted onto Kober 5BB rootstock at a spacing of 1 m x 2.8 m (intra-and interrow) to analyze the influence of postveraison shoot trimming on vine growth characteristics, cluster architecture (cluster compactness), and yield from a physiological viewpoint. The treatments consisted of shoot trimming during postveraison in a randomized block design with eight replications (six vines each). Three treatments were imposed when soluble solids reached 15 Brix in August (40 to 45 days before expected harvest): light trimming (14 nodes), severe trimming (10 nodes), and an untrimmed control. Following the treatments, vine growth characteristics, cluster morphology, and fruit quality attributes were measured. Postveraison shoot trimming (especially severe trimming) reduced cluster weight, cluster compactness, productivity, and total yield. Effects on fruit quality included lowering of Brix and pH, with minor effects on titratable acidity, yeast assimilable nitrogen, the anthocyanin profile, and total anthocyanins. These results demonstrated that postveraison shoot trimming can be a valuable production practice by reducing cluster compactness without compromising overall fruit quality in Sangiovese

Agronomic means for the control of iron chlorosis in deciduous fruit plants

Iron deficiency induced chlorosis represents the main nutritional disorder in fruit tree orchards grown on calcareous and/or alkaline soils. Until rootstocks tolerant to Fe deficiency chlorosis are available for most susceptible fruit species, the agronomic means of preventing or curing Fe deficiency chlorosis will be considered of utmost importance by fruit growers. Chlorosis of fruit trees has been successfully controlled through foliar or soil applications of Fe chelates, which are expensive and have to be applied annually. In this paper results of research carried out within an EU joint research project are reported, where the effectiveness of alternative, low-input, environmentally friendly management techniques to control Fe deficiency chlorosis has been tested in established kiwifruit, peach and pear orchards located in the Po Valley (Italy), in the Ebro Valley (Spain) and in the area of Imathia (Greece). Iron sulphate supply to the soil proved to be effective only if applied together with high amounts of organic matter such as compost or manure. Promising results in preventing chlorosis were obtained by sowing a mixture of graminaceous species along the tree row and supplying them with Fe sulphate. Laboratory tests indicated that long lasting decreases of pH in calcareous soils are difficult to achieve. We have also followed two approaches using foliar sprays: 1) testing a variety of compounds which may activate the Fe pool likely present in chlorotic leaves (citric, sulphuric, ascorbic and indole-3-acetic acid) and 2) applying Fe sources alternative to synthetic Fe chelates. Sprays aiming to activate the Fe pools in a chlorotic leaf were generally effective, although rarely caused a full recovery. This suggests that inactivation of Fe occurs outside the mesophyll cells. Sprays of Fe sulphate in all the crops tested showed similar or even higher regreening effect than FeDTPA.This study was mainly supported by the AIR3-CT94-1973 project. The >Region Emilia Romagna-C.R.P.V.> grants to B. Marangoni contributed to funding the research carried out in Italy and the grants AGF94-0770 and AGF97-1177 to A. Abadía contributed to funding those carried out in Spain.Peer Reviewe