International Journal of Horticulture, 2025, Vol.15, No.3, 133-142 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 140 be used to evaluate the solar radiation levels within the canopy, which are affected by vineyard geometry and leaf layers, thereby influencing the microclimate and ultimately the grape composition (Buesa et al., 2020). Additionally, precision viticulture tools such as point quadrat analysis and canopy scoring provide quick and effective means to identify problem areas within the canopy, allowing for targeted interventions to improve canopy structure and microclimat (Smart et al., 2017). These innovations facilitate the fine-tuning of canopy management practices to enhance grapevine performance and wine quality. 8.2 Role of automation and robotics in canopy management Automation and robotics are increasingly being integrated into canopy management to improve efficiency and precision. These technologies can perform tasks such as shoot thinning, leaf removal, and cluster thinning with greater accuracy and consistency than manual labor. For example, automated systems can be programmed to perform shoot thinning and leaf removal, which have been shown to improve canopy porosity and light interception, thereby enhancing berry ripening and reproductive performance (Wang et al., 2019). Moreover, the use of robotics in canopy management can help in maintaining optimal canopy architecture, which is essential for controlling the microclimate and improving grape quality (Pascual et al., 2015; Panda et al., 2021). The integration of automation and robotics not only reduces labor costs but also ensures that canopy management practices are applied consistently across the vineyard. 8.3 Integration of data analytics and decision support systems The integration of data analytics and decision support systems in canopy management allows for more informed decision-making based on real-time data. These systems can analyze data from various sources, such as remote sensing and field sensors, to provide insights into the optimal canopy management strategies for different environmental conditions. For instance, data analytics can help identify the relationships between soil, plant, and canopy management variables, enabling the adaptation of practices to optimize water use and enhance wine quality (Pascual et al., 2015). Decision support systems can also assist in determining the optimal timing and extent of canopy interventions, such as shoot trimming and leaf removal, to achieve desired outcomes in terms of yield and fruit quality (Silvestroni et al., 2016). By leveraging data analytics, vineyard managers can make more precise and effective decisions, ultimately leading to improved grapevine yield and quality. 9 Future Directions Canopy management in viticulture presents both challenges and opportunities for optimizing grapevine yield and quality. One of the primary challenges is managing the light environment within the canopy, which significantly influences bud fruitfulness and fruit yield per node. High shoot vigor and canopy shading can lead to primary bud-axis necrosis, reducing the number of fruitful primary shoots and increasing the proportion of less fruitful secondary shoots (Torres et al., 2020). However, opportunities exist in refining canopy management practices such as shoot thinning, leaf removal, and training systems to improve canopy microclimate and enhance grape quality. For instance, shoot thinning and leaf removal have been shown to increase canopy porosity and light interception, positively affecting berry ripening and reproductive performance (Wang et al., 2019). Additionally, innovative practices like leaning grapevine canopies to the west have been explored to improve water use efficiency and yield under Mediterranean conditions, although the effects on grape composition remain minimal (Buesa et al., 2020). Despite advancements in canopy management, several research gaps remain. There is a need for more comprehensive studies on the interaction between canopy management practices and environmental factors such as soil water availability and climate conditions. For example, while canopy management strategies like shoot trimming have been effective in adapting plant response to soil water availability, their impact on berry and wine quality, particularly the amino acid profile and sensorial attributes, requires further investigation (Pascual et al., 2015). Moreover, the role of biostimulants in enhancing yield and fruit quality under changing climatic conditions is an area ripe for exploration. Products like Sunred® have shown promise in improving anthocyanin accumulation
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