Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 229-238 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 229 Research Insight Open Access The Role of Canopy Management in Optimizing Grapevine Yield and Quality Kaiwen Liang Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding email: kaiwen.liang@hitar.org Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding, 2024, Vol.14, No.5 doi: 10.5376/tgmb.2024.14.0022 Received: 15 Aug., 2024 Accepted: 17 Sep., 2024 Published: 25 Sep., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Liang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Liang K.W., 2024, The role of canopy management in optimizing grapevine yield and quality, Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding, 14(5): 229-238 (doi: 10.5376/tgmb.2024.14.0022) Abstract This study explores the critical role of canopy management in optimizing grape yield and quality, emphasizing the principles and practices of enhancing grapevine canopy microclimate to improve production efficiency. Canopy management techniques, including shoot thinning, leaf removal, and pruning systems, contribute to improving light conditions and air circulation within the canopy, thereby optimizing photosynthesis and reducing disease risk. Additionally, the study analyzes the long-term effects of these techniques, such as enhanced sugar accumulation and increased antioxidant content, and examines the potential of automation and precision viticulture technologies to improve management efficiency. Innovative canopy management strategies are particularly essential for achieving sustainable grape cultivation in the face of climate change challenges. Keywords Canopy management; Grape yield and quality; Photosynthesis optimization; Climate change adaptation; Sustainable viticulture 1 Introduction Grapevine canopy management is a critical aspect of viticulture that involves the strategic manipulation of the grapevine's foliage to optimize both yield and quality. This practice encompasses a variety of techniques, including shoot thinning, leaf removal, and trellis training systems, all aimed at improving the microclimate around the grape clusters. Effective canopy management can significantly influence the light environment, which is crucial for the regulation of shoot growth and fruit development. By controlling factors such as shoot density and leaf area, viticulturists can enhance the balance between vegetative and reproductive growth, ultimately leading to improved grape yield and quality (Dry, 2000; Smart et al., 2017). The optimization of yield and quality is of paramount importance in viticulture, as it directly impacts the economic viability and marketability of grape and wine products. Canopy management plays a vital role in this optimization process by influencing key factors such as grapevine water use, berry composition, and the microclimate within the canopy. For instance, practices like shoot trimming and leaf removal can modify the plant's response to soil water availability, thereby preserving wine quality and reinforcing the unique characteristics of the terroir (Pascual et al., 2015; Silvestroni et al., 2016). Additionally, these practices can enhance the grape’s sensory attributes and chemical composition, which are essential for producing high-quality wines (Collins et al., 2020; Petoumenou and Patris, 2021). This study explores the role of canopy management in optimizing grapevine yield and quality. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles and practices of canopy management, highlighting its impact on grapevine physiology and fruit development. The study seeks to offer adaptable and efficient canopy management strategy guidelines for various environmental conditions and grapevine varieties. By examining the latest research findings and field trials, it demonstrates how canopy management can be leveraged to achieve the dual goals of high yield and superior grape quality, thereby supporting sustainable viticultural practices. 2 Principles of Canopy Management Canopy management in viticulture refers to the strategic manipulation of the grapevine's foliage to optimize light exposure, air circulation, and ultimately, the yield and quality of the grapes. Key concepts include the control of shoot number, shoot positioning, and leaf removal, which are essential for managing the microclimate within the
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