مختصر البحث:
The escalating scarcity of water resources poses a significant challenge to
global agriculture, threatening the yield and quality of high-value crops such
as grapes (Vitis vinifera). Using a trellis system, grapes are not only consumed
fresh b…
The escalating scarcity of water resources poses a significant challenge to
global agriculture, threatening the yield and quality of high-value crops such
as grapes (Vitis vinifera). Using a trellis system, grapes are not only consumed
fresh but are also critical raw materials for products like juices, wines, and
raisins, where consistent quality, sugar content, and phytochemical
composition are paramount. Sustainable strategies to mitigate water stress
effects and enhance fruit quality are therefore of immense industrial interest.
This study investigated the efficacy of foliar potassium (K) application as a
practical agricultural strategy to ameliorate the adverse effects of different
irrigation levels on grape productivity and, more importantly, on key quality
attributes relevant to the food processing industry. A field experiment was
conducted following a factorial arratement based on a Randomized Complete
Block Design (RCBD). Grapevines were subjected to two irrigation levels
(100%, 75%, and 50% of crop evapotranspiration - Etc.) and three
concentrations of foliar potassium (0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% K2O).
Parameters measured included yield, cluster weight, and a comprehensive set
of quality traits: total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), pH, berry
firmness, and the concentration of anthocyanins and total phenolics. Water
deficit significantly reduced yield but enhanced most quality parameters. The
50% Etc. treatment led to a notable increase in TSS, TSS/TA ratio, and
anthocyanin content. Foliar potassium application, particularly at 2%,
effectively mitigated yield losses under stress and synergistically improved
quality. The interaction between 75% Etc. and 2% K spray resulted in an
optimal balance, achieving a yield comparable to full irrigation while
significantly boosting TSS, phenolic content, and color intensity—attributes
highly sought after for premium wine and juice production. The integrated
management of deficit irrigation (75% Etc.) and foliar potassium nutrition
(2%) presents a viable and sustainable strategy for the grape industry. This
approach not only conserves water but also directs the plant's metabolism
towards producing grapes with superior techno-functional quality, enhancing
their suitability for high-value processed food products and contributing to
the sustainability of agricultural practices.
