Responses of Berry Growth and Quality Attributes of Early-Maturing cv. Trakya Ilkeren (V. vinifera L.) to Diverse Crop Control Practices and Reflective Mulch Application

Abstract

Grape crop control is commonly managed by balanced winter pruning. However, balanced winter pruning alone may not sufficiently control the crop level of grapevines. Recently, there has been growing interest in the use of various yield regulation methods from different canopy management practices. There is considerable interest in enhancing the quality characteristics of grapes by means of leaf removal before or at bloom time in grape-growing countries all around the world. Similar to early leaf removal practices, bunch tipping is also performed in vineyards to achieve premium-quality table grapes. Furthermore, reflective mulches applications are also used for improving sunlight distribution of inner side of grapevine canopy, leading to an enhanced grape skin color. In the current study, influences of applications of early leaf removal (ELR), reflective mulch (RM), bunch tipping (BT), and the combinations of ELR+RM, ELR+BT, RM+BT, and BT+ELR+RM on the physical and biochemical attributes of cv. Trakya Ilkeren were investigated. The findings show that the best results were obtained from applications of ELR+RM and BT+ELR+RM.