Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 229-238 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 233 to enhance yield and fruit quality while mitigating the impacts of climate change (Rogers and Benfey, 2015). By improving canopy structure and light interception, these practices can lead to better water use efficiency and potentially reduce the environmental footprint of grape production (Kitomi et al., 2020). Overall, sustainable canopy management practices are integral to adapting to environmental challenges and ensuring the resilience of viticultural systems. 6.2 Cost-benefit analysis of different techniques Conducting a cost-benefit analysis of various canopy management techniques is essential to determine their economic viability and effectiveness in improving grape yield and quality. Techniques such as shoot thinning and leaf removal have been shown to enhance grape quality by improving the microclimate within the canopy, although they may increase labor costs significantly. For instance, while shoot thinning can hasten fruit maturity and improve certain berry traits, it also results in a substantial increase in labor operations cost, which must be weighed against the benefits of improved grape quality (De Dorlodot et al., 2007). Similarly, the use of biostimulants like Sunred® has demonstrated improvements in yield and fruit quality, offering a cost-effective alternative to more traditional growth regulators (Rogers and Benfey, 2015). However, the economic benefits of these practices can vary depending on the specific vineyard conditions and the scale of implementation. Therefore, a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis that considers both the direct costs of implementation and the potential increases in grape quality and yield is crucial for making informed decisions about canopy management strategies (Karnatam et al., 2023; Abdirad et al., 2022). 7 Case Study 7.1 Selection criteria for the case study The selection of the case study focused on identifying a vineyard renowned for its innovative and effective canopy management practices. The vineyard chosen is located in a region with a challenging climate, which necessitates precise canopy management to optimize grape yield and quality. The vineyard employs a variety of canopy management techniques, including shoot thinning, leaf removal, and cluster thinning, which are well-documented in the literature for their impact on grapevine performance and fruit quality (Wang et al., 2019; Huang and Li, 2024). 7.2 Detailed analysis of a specific canopy management practice in a renowned vineyard During the harvest phase of the Crimson Seedless grape variety, a comparison of untreated vines (control) and bunches subjected to various pre-harvest canopy management treatments revealed significant effects on the color, size and overall quality of the grapes. having an impact. As can be seen from the pictures, the untreated grape bunches (Control group) are lighter in color and less ripe; while the grape bunches subjected to specific treatments show significant improvements. For example, grape bunches treated with Kelpak® and LalVigne™ Mature showed a deeper red color, indicating that these treatments can promote the accumulation of pigments, improving the visual appeal and market value of the fruit. In addition, treatment with Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extract significantly improved the uniformity and ripeness of the fruit, while Ethrel® Top and **Sunred®** treatments further improved the color and gloss of the fruit (Figure 2) (Petoumenou and Patris, 2021). These results indicate that pre-harvest canopy management practices and the application of biostimulants can significantly increase the commercial value of grapes, particularly in terms of color and fruit consistency. For grape growers, combining specific products and processing techniques can not only enhance the appearance of the fruit, but also improve its quality to meet market demand (Petoumenou and Patris, 2021). 7.3 Lessons learned and best practices The case study highlights several lessons learned and best practices in canopy management. One key takeaway is the importance of tailoring canopy management practices to the specific environmental conditions of the vineyard, such as climate and soil water availability. The combination of shoot thinning and leaf removal proved effective in enhancing grape quality without compromising yield. Additionally, the study underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and adjustment of canopy management strategies to respond to changing environmental conditions and to optimize both yield and quality consistently. These practices can serve as a model for other vineyards
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