Search Results (385)

Winter pruning is a key management practice in viticulture that directly affects vine architecture, yield balance, and grape quality. At the same time, it is a highly labor-intensive operation, and the selective identification of appropriate cutting locations remains one of the main challenges limiting the automation of pruning in vineyards. Advances in machine vision provide new opportunities to support the development of robotic pruning systems. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a vision-based method for estimating grapevine pruning points and cutting lines using instance segmentation outputs generated by YOLO models. A dataset of 1500 RGB images of dormant grapevines was collected under field conditions in the Nobilis vineyard located in southeastern Poland. Two annotation strategies were implemented to define pruning regions. YOLO-based instance segmentation models were trained and evaluated for detecting cutting-related structures. Based on the predicted segmentation masks, a geometry-based method termed PCAcutSeg-V was developed to estimate class-dependent cutting points and cutting lines using principal component analysis applied to object contours. The results indicate that YOLOv8 and YOLO11 architectures achieved the highest segmentation performance among the evaluated models. The simplified annotation strategy provided more stable geometric inputs for the PCAcutSeg-V method, enabling more reliable estimation of cutting points and cutting lines compared with the extended annotation approach. When combined with the PCAcutSeg-V method, the proposed perception–geometry pipeline achieved high effectiveness in pruning decision estimation. The method was further implemented in a real-time processing pipeline using an RGB camera and an edge computing platform, where it maintained performance consistent with the results obtained from offline image analysis. These findings demonstrate that combining deep learning-based instance segmentation with deterministic geometric reasoning enables accurate and interpretable estimation of grapevine pruning locations and provides a promising foundation for future autonomous pruning systems. Full article

The global wine industry generates approximately 20 million tonnes of organic residues annually, representing a significant environmental and management challenge. While phenolic compounds from winery by-products have been extensively studied, protein and peptide fractions remain underutilised. This review provides a systematic overview of proteins derived from major winery side streams, including grapevine leaves, stems, pomace, seeds, and wine lees, with emphasis on their characterisation and recovery. Conventional and emerging extraction strategies are evaluated, with particular attention to green technologies such as ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), pulsed electric fields (PEF), and natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) in the context of sustainable and resource-efficient processing. Enzymatic hydrolysis is discussed as a key approach for converting complex proteins into bioactive peptides with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antihypertensive properties. Potential applications in agriculture, plant protection, animal nutrition, and food systems are considered, together with the implications of the EU circular economy regulatory framework. Overall, winery by-products are highlighted as promising nitrogen-rich secondary resources, and the review outlines valorisation pathways supporting nutrient recycling, waste reduction, and the development of a more sustainable agricultural bioeconomy. Full article

Plasmopara viticola (Pv), the causal agent of downy mildew, is one of the most damaging pathogens affecting grapevine. Current control strategies largely depend on copper-based fungicides and synthetic chemicals, raising increasing concerns related to environmental sustainability and pathogen resistance. This study evaluated the efficacy of a novel Saccharomyces cerevisiae extract (U) as an inducer of resistance in the grapevine–Pv interaction. Microscopic observations revealed the ability of U to inhibit Pv spread over the leaf. Additionally, biochemical and molecular responses were analyzed in grapevine leaves subjected to four treatments: plants treated only with water (U⁻/Pv⁻; i.e., control) or U (U⁺/Pv⁻), inoculated with Pv (U⁻/Pv⁺), or both treated with U and then inoculated with Pv (U⁺/Pv⁺). Fully expanded leaves were sampled at 2-, 5-, 24-, and 72-h post inoculation (hpi). In U⁺/Pv⁻ leaves, jasmonic, salicylic and abscisic acid (JA, SA, and ABA), as well as hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) increased at 2 hpi (+44, +33, +38%, and 3-fold, respectively), accompanied by upregulation of pr1 (2-fold higher than control, respectively), suggesting the capacity of U to trigger the plant alert system. In U⁻/Pv⁺ leaves, peaks of JA and H₂O₂ occurred at 24 hpi (+40% and 4-fold higher than control), followed by marked ethylene emissions and upregulation of pr1 and pr2 (i.e., genes associated with Pv defense; around 2-fold, averagely) at 72 hpi, confirming the progression of infection. In contrast, U⁺/Pv⁺ leaves showed stronger peaks of H₂O₂ at both 2 and 5 hpi (7-fold and +58%, respectively), together with SA accumulation and upregulation of pr1, pr2, eds1, and chit1b at 72 hpi (more than 2-fold), suggesting a priming effect of U. Overall, U effectively enhanced grapevine defense responses and limited Pv development, highlighting its potential as a sustainable disease management strategy. Full article

Botrytis cinerea and Plasmopara viticola, the causal agents of grey mold and downy mildew, respectively, are two major grapevine pathogens whose control largely relies on synthetic fungicides, raising environmental and health concerns. Plant-derived secondary metabolites, particularly flavonoids involved in plant defense, represent promising sustainable alternatives. Among them, sakuranetin, a flavanone aglycone known for its antifungal activity in rice, remains poorly explored for grapevine protection. In this study, sakuranetin was purified from cherry branches (48 mg) and structurally characterized using UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS and NMR analyses. Its antifungal activity against B. cinerea and P. viticola was evaluated through in vitro, in vivo and in planta assays. For B. cinerea, our results showed a significant in vitro inhibition of mycelium growth, with EC₅₀ values of 16.43 mg·L⁻¹, while no protection of detached berries was observed. Against P. viticola, sakuranetin has no effect on the release of zoospores, but there is a total inhibition of spore germination at 1 mg·L⁻¹ in vitro, confirmed in vivo on a foliar disc. In planta, no significant protection is observed at 25 mg·L⁻¹, even if some targeted defense genes are induced. Further studies are needed to determine the best concentration of sakuranetin to use to manage B. cinerea and P. viticola in planta. Full article

Grapevine growth and physiological performance are strongly influenced by biotic and abiotic stresses occurring during the growing season. Plant stimulants are increasingly applied in viticulture as management tools aimed at supporting plant physiological processes and improving plant performance under variable environmental conditions; however, cultivar-specific responses to different application strategies remain insufficiently characterized. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of foliar plant stimulant application strategies differing in application frequency and phenological timing on selected physiological and canopy-related indicators in Slovak grapevine cultivars (Vitis vinifera L.) under field conditions. The assessed parameters included leaf chlorophyll a and b contents, chlorophyll a/b ratio, leaf area index (LAI), vegetation indices (NDVI and PRI), cluster weight, and basic must composition. Grapevines were subjected to three treatment variants: a control without plant stimulant application, a variant with two foliar applications, and a variant with three foliar applications of commercial biostimulants (Tecamin Max, Tecamin Flower, and Tecamin Brix) performed at key phenological stages during the growing season. Plant stimulant applications were associated with variations in leaf chlorophyll content and LAI values, particularly under repeated application strategies. NDVI and PRI complemented leaf-level measurements by capturing cultivar-dependent differences in canopy condition and photosynthetic regulation throughout the season. Responses of cluster weight and must composition to plant stimulant application were moderate and varied among cultivars, indicating cultivar-specific responses. Although no consistent increase in cluster yield was observed, treated variants showed higher sugar content and lower titratable acidity in several cultivars, indicating differences in grape composition and ripening-related traits. Overall, the results indicate that foliar plant stimulant application strategies can influence physiological and canopy-level grapevine traits in a cultivar-dependent manner. The combined use of leaf-level, canopy-level, and spectral indicators provides a practical framework for evaluating plant stimulant strategies under field conditions and supports their application in sustainable viticulture. Full article

The growing emphasis on sustainability, regional distinctiveness, and spontaneous fermentation in winemaking necessitates a more comprehensive understanding of local yeast populations and their functional mechanisms. In total, 115 indigenous yeast strains were examined for their enzymatic activities of potential vitivinicultural significance. The yeasts were screened for chitinase activity (biocontrol potential), glycosidase activity (terpene release), β-lyases (thiol release), and sulfite reductases (off-flavor formation), followed by quantitative analysis of the selected subsets. Yeasts were further evaluated for inhibition of fungal mycelial growth, VOC-mediated inhibition, and tolerance to commonly applied fungicides. Pre-field selection was refined using the niche overlap index and grapevine leaf disc assay. The results confirmed chitinolytic activity in four species; all strains exhibited hydrolase activities, with H. uvarum 116 displaying the highest cell-associated activity (6.32 U/g), while T. delbrueckii Sut94 showed the highest extracellular activity (1.36 U/g). β-glucosidase and β-lyase activities were widespread, whereas hydrogen sulfide production was infrequent. P. guilliermondii ZIM 624 showed the most comprehensive overall enzymatic profile, together with strong inhibition patterns. A field trial on Pinot cultivars (V. vinifera L.) further evaluated P. guilliermondii ZIM 624 within an integrated disease management approach, with responses being more pronounced in ‘Pinot noir’ than in ‘Pinot gris’. Full article

This study investigated the relationship between Subsoil Geological Structure (SSGS) and the yield, berry composition, and wine attributes of Merlot grapevines in a mountainous region. The research found significant differences in vine physiology, yield, and berry chemistry of grapevines between five adjacent rows, which corresponded with the underlying SSGS. The middle row, planted over filling material and a karst layer, had the highest yield (1.96 kg·vine⁻¹), consistent with better water availability, but produced berries and wine with the lowest concentrations of anthocyanins, phenolics, and soluble solids, resulting in the lowest wine quality score (82.33 points). In contrast, the northernmost row planted over bedrock had the lowest yield (0.12 kg·vine⁻¹), consistent with limited water availability, but produced highly concentrated berries, though extreme stress compromised overall wine balance. The southern row, positioned over filling material on bedrock with moderate water stress (stem water potential −1.4 MPa), achieved an optimal balance between yield and quality, producing wine with the highest sensory score (88.78 points) and favorable chemical composition. Geophysical methods, including electric resistivity tomography (ERT) and ground-penetrating radar (GPR), identified the subsurface structure, revealing the karst layer beneath high-yielding rows and consolidated bedrock beneath severely stressed rows. Chemical analyses of berries and wine confirmed the dilution effect of higher water availability on quality-determining compounds, providing mechanistic evidence linking SSGS to wine quality. This study demonstrates the utility of integrating geophysical, physiological, and enological approaches for understanding terroir effects and optimizing vineyard management in complex geological settings. Full article

Hyperspectral imagery provides detailed insights for vineyard vegetation assessment, enabling improved pesticide management within precision agriculture. For this reason, the dataset presented here includes hyperspectral images acquired from grapevine leaves treated with two copper-based formulations: ZZ Cuprocol (containing 70% w/v copper oxychloride) and Cuprantol Duo (composed of 14% w/w copper oxychloride and 14% w/w copper hydroxide). In addition, a commonly used contact pesticide in both intensive and traditional viticulture, Folpet—free of copper but containing sulfur and chlorine—was also evaluated in its commercial formulation Vitipec Azul (Cimoxanil 6% w/w, Folpet 37.5% w/w, Ascenza, Portugal). For each product, six different dilution levels were prepared along with a distilled water control. Leaf samples were collected and analyzed during the 2023 growing season from three shoot locations (basal, middle, and apical) and from both orientations of the vine canopy: east and west. Following pesticide treatment, leaf hyperspectral images were captured using a 300-band Pika L camera (Resonon, Bozeman, MT, USA), mounted on a mechanical scanning platform synchronized with the imaging system. Full article

Grapevine trunk diseases, particularly Botryosphaeria dieback, pose a major threat to vineyard sustainability, a risk that is further intensified by climate variability and increasing environmental stress. This study evaluated pathogenicity and bacterial biocontrol efficacy against Neofusicoccum parvum and Diplodia seriata under vineyard conditions, analyzing the combined effects of cultivar (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc), tissue type (young shoots and lignified arms), and phenological season (autumn/winter and spring/summer). Pathogenicity assays revealed clear tissue-age specialization: N. parvum was more aggressive in young shoots, whereas D. seriata caused the most severe vascular lesions in lignified wood. Seasonality further modulated disease expression, with higher lesion development during spring/summer, particularly for N. parvum in young shoots, while D. seriata maintained high aggressiveness in lignified tissues across both seasons. Berry assays provided a rapid initial assessment of isolate virulence but did not fully reflect pathogen behavior in woody tissue under field conditions. Biological treatments using native bacterial strains (Pseudomonas sp. AMCR2b, GcR15a, and Rhodococcus sp. PU4) significantly reduced lesion severity in V. vinifera under field conditions, although efficacy varied by tissue type and season. Biocontrol effects were generally more stable in lignified arms, and under high disease pressure, only the most robust strains maintained consistent protection, in some cases matching or surpassing the efficacy of the fungicide tebuconazole. These results show that both pathogenicity and biocontrol performance against Botryosphaeria dieback in V. vinifera under field conditions are strongly influenced by tissue type and season, supporting bacterial biocontrol as a sustainable component of integrated disease management in vineyards. Full article

Historically, certain physiological behaviours were typically attributed to genetic factors. However, some grape varieties exhibit different responses depending on crop management and environmental conditions. The present study examines whether the physiological responses of grapevines traditionally attributed to genotypic traits (near-isohydric or near-anisohydric behaviour) can instead be substantially modified by canopy architecture. The objective was to determine how canopy management influences water relations (leaf water potential—Ψ_L), physiological plant responses (water use efficiency (WUE), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration (E) and photosynthetic (A) rates), and radiation interception efficiency (εi), particularly under warm Mediterranean conditions. To test this, two training systems were evaluated in a Syrah vineyard: a vertical shoot position (VSP1) and a sprawl (S1) system with 12 shoots·m⁻¹, under the same irrigation regime. The results showed that under stressed conditions (high vapor pressure deficit [VPD] and relatively lower Ψ_L, from −1.4 to −0.6 MPa), the S1 system—despite a similar leaf area index, LAI—exhibited lower gs values than those of the VSP1 system (10–30%), with plants closing their stomata to reduce water consumption and prevent their dehydration caused by steep E rates. Meanwhile, the VSP vines exhibited higher gs values (isohydric-like response), indicating higher E rates, which reduced their WUE and intrinsic water-use efficiency (IE). This strategy (similar to the anisohydric one) allowed the S1 treatment to obtain higher WUE and interception radiation efficiency (εi) ratios, even at low Ψ_L (more efficient), produced by the higher canopy demand (more exposed surface area [SA]). These contrasting behaviours indicate that sprawl systems can enhance radiation interception and WUE compared with vertical systems under semiarid Mediterranean conditions. Full article

The global pollinator decline is linked to intensive farming and the high use of plant protection products (PPPs), necessitating risk assessment and mitigation. This study investigates the potential negative impacts of agricultural practices on pollinator health, specifically focusing on the effects of PPPs used in viticulture on the honey bee, Apis mellifera, despite grapevines’ lack of reliance on bee pollination. The beehives sampled were from two farms with vineyards under different management regimes: one transitioning from conventional to organic practices and an organic–biodynamic site with pollinator mitigation measures. Sampling was conducted during three phases, pre-, during, and post-PPP application, to evaluate biomarkers of neurotoxicity (AChE), detoxification enzymes (CaE, GST), metabolic stress (ALP), and immune markers (Lys, PO, proPO). Comparison between the organic–biodynamic farm and the transitioning one revealed a pattern suggesting significant neurotoxic effects in the transitioning farm characterised by a trend of decreased AChE activity during treatments and the subsequent induction of GST post exposure. Crucially, both PO and proPO were induced post treatment, but with a lower PO/proPO ratio compared to previous seasons, suggesting inefficient proPO activation and potentially weakened immune competence that could favour pathogen proliferation. Bee health appeared to deteriorate most at the transitioning farm post treatment, while the biodynamic site remained relatively stable; these differences are likely associated with legacy residues and drift, exacerbated by overwintering stress and summer heat. Given the specific environmental and management characteristics of these two farms, the results provide an indicative comparison of how different agronomic approaches may influence bee health. Moreover, these results support the multi-biomarker approach for detecting potential PPP impacts, suggesting that organic transitions and mitigation strategies could play a role in pollinator conservation. Full article

Botrytis cinerea, the causal agent of grey mold in grapevine, remains one of the most economically important pathogens in viticulture and a key target for sustainable biocontrol strategies. This study evaluated the antagonistic potential of seven Trichoderma isolates (T1–T7), collected from the rhizosphere of grapevine in Morocco, using a combination of in vitro and in planta assays designed to capture multiple direct and indirect modes of action. The isolates exhibited variable levels of antagonism through competition, volatile organic compounds, extracellular metabolites, and elicitation responses. Preliminary in planta assays on detached grape berries further demonstrated that all selected isolates reduced lesion development, with preventive applications yielding the strongest protection. Overall, the study highlights the complementary and strain-specific mechanisms underlying Trichoderma & B. cinerea interactions and underscores the importance of isolate selection and application timing for the development of effective and environmentally friendly grey mold management strategies. These findings provide a mechanistic basis for the future evaluation of promising isolates under vineyard conditions. Full article

Recycling vineyard pruning residues into compost and vermicompost represents a sustainable strategy to reduce viticulture’s reliance on chemical fertilizers. Nonetheless, their effects on plant performance remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the effect of vine pruning residues compost and vermicompost on the physiological, biochemical, and growth performance of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Touriga Franca, in comparison with mineral fertilization and an unfertilized control. A pot experiment was conducted from April to September 2024 in northern Portugal under Mediterranean climate conditions, using one-year-old grapevines and subjected to four fertilization treatments. Leaf gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence, photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant and osmoprotective metabolites, and shoot and root development were assessed at three sampling dates during the growing season. Organic amendments enhanced photosynthetic performance and root growth relative to the unfertilized control. Vermicompost promoted higher CO₂ assimilation, stomatal conductance, and shoot and root elongation, whereas compost increased intrinsic water use efficiency, photochemical regulation, and root biomass. Biochemical analyses indicated that compost favored protein and carotenoid accumulation, while vermicompost increased proline and later protein levels, alongside reduced phenolic and flavonoid contents. Despite their similar chemical composition, compost and vermicompost induced distinct physiological responses driven by differences in biological activity and nutrient dynamics. These findings demonstrate that pruning-derived organic amendments can match mineral fertilization in supporting grapevine performance while offering additional benefits for stress regulation and sustainable vineyard management. Full article

This study explores a circular economy strategy for vineyard residue management through the conversion of pruning biomass into carbonaceous materials by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and pyrolysis (PYR), with and without iron (Fe) addition. A preliminary pot-based vegetation experiment was conducted as a screening assay to assess initial plant tolerance and exclude evident phytotoxic effects. Chlorophyll index values in grapevine leaves remained within physiological ranges across treatments and sampling dates, although no consistent treatment-related trends could be established. Overall, the results provide a physicochemical characterization of the carbonaceous materials derived from vineyard residues and demonstrate their initial compatibility with grapevine cultivation under controlled conditions. This work lays the groundwork at the material level for future, more comprehensive studies that integrate long-term soil, plant, and field assessments. Full article

Rootstocks play a central role in modulating grapevine responses to water scarcity, yet their morpho-functional strategies remain highly genotype-dependent. This study compared three functionally contrasting rootstocks, 1103 Paulsen, 420 A, and M2, grafted with Vitis vinifera cv. Merlot, which differ in root system architecture, hydraulic efficiency, canopy development, and stomatal regulation, with the aim of elucidating their hydraulic, morphological, and physiological responses under controlled conditions. Plants were grown in containers and assessed for root system architecture, hydraulic conductance, gas exchange including transpiration rate, chlorophyll fluorescence, and biomass allocation. The results revealed three distinct adaptive strategies: 1103 P exhibited the highest structural root biomass and rootstock hydraulic conductivity, supporting elevated axial water transport, higher transpiration rates, and a larger canopy, consistent with an “active tolerance” strategy; 420 A showed balanced structural and absorptive root development, moderate hydraulic performance, and the highest transpiration rates, reflecting a flexible, opportunistic response to water availability. In contrast, M2 displayed markedly reduced structural root biomass but a high proportion of absorptive roots and the greatest scion hydraulic conductance combined with low stomatal conductance, reduced transpiration, and high intrinsic water use efficiency, which is indicative of a conservative, resource-efficient strategy. These findings demonstrate that the three rootstocks express fundamentally different drought response syndromes driven by coordinated variation in root morphology, hydraulic traits, canopy development, and stomatal behavior. The integration of hydraulic and morphological traits provides a robust framework for selecting rootstocks tailored to specific pedoclimatic and management contexts in water-limited environments. Full article