Grapevine quality characteristics as affected by training system

The aim of this research, conducted during the 2015 growing season, was the comparison between two different training systems, Gobelet (bush vine) and pruned upward vertical shoot positioning (VSP), through the analysis of the canopy efficiency: vegetative and productive activity, as well as physiological behavior. Leaf area, shoots and light interception, as well as single leaf gas exchanges were measured. Furthermore, investigation in productive activity, qualitative and quantitative grape’s characteristics were carried out: from the veraison to harvest, berry samples were collected and sugar content, titratable acidity, pH, extractable anthocyanins and polyphenols were analyzed. Therefore, it can be concluded that main differences between Gobelet and VSP were related to the enhancements of vegetative activity and yield (berry and cluster weights), generally because of improved exposed leaf area and hence light interception. Gobelet training system may be indicated in climates characterized by high photosynthetic active radiation (PAR), to preserve grapes’ quality and increase yields.