Omar Khalid
Covering grape vines with plastic sheets is a technique used to protect grapes and allow a harvest delay of up to 30-90 days. This practice, known as late covering, aims to delay the maturation and harvesting process. It involves covering the top and sides of the vineyard with plastic sheets, trapping solar radiation and infrared radiation from the ground, which raises the air temperature and humidity. This technique is particularly useful in regions with heavy rainfall during grape ripening, as it provides mechanical protection from rain, reducing abiotic and biotic damage and prolonging the life of grapes on the vine. However, it is important to note that the type of plastic sheet used can influence the microclimate and grape quality, and certain plastics may delay the maturation process due to their chemical composition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Protection, earliness in production cycle, delaying harvest, limiting water use, creating a microclimate, overwintering |
| Materials | Plastic sheets, plastic nets, plastic sleeves, polyethylene fabric, poly sheeting |
| Techniques | Early covering, Late covering, After-sprouting covering |
| Benefits | Protection from rain, excess sunlight, frost, rodents, herbicide spray, deer, birds, frost damage, fungal disease, pest outbreaks |
| Drawbacks | Potential for overheating, increased humidity leading to berry rot, lanky growth, Japanese beetles |
| Structure | Metal, concrete covered with zinc, wood, trellis system |
| Maintenance | Proper thermal effect, supervision, care, cleaning, removal at the end of the season |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic covering can advance grape maturation by 10-40 days
Plastic coverings can advance grape maturation by 10-40 days, depending on the covering date, the grape cultivar, and the climatic characteristics of the growing environment. The maximum effect can be obtained by covering the vineyard 50 days before natural vine budbreak in an open field. However, it is important to note that the advancing effect could be lost during the following phenological phases if the internal thermal regime is too high.
The use of plastic covers for grape cultivation, also known as "late covering technique," has been practised in Italy since the mid-1960s. This technique alters the microenvironment by trapping solar radiation and infrared radiation from the ground, raising the air temperature and humidity levels. It is essential to fix the plastic covers to a sturdy structure, such as metal, concrete covered with zinc, or wood, to ensure the desired effects.
The choice of plastic film is crucial, as different types of plastic have varying effects on the grapevine. For example, low-density polyethylene (PE) has a relatively low thermal effect, while ethylene acetate (EVA) has a higher thermal effect due to its vinyl acetate resins. By modifying the microclimatic conditions, farmers can influence the size, taste, texture, and seedlessness of the grapes. Additionally, mineral substances like aluminium sulphate or silicate can be used to balance the thermal effect.
The optical properties of plastic films also play a significant role in canopy development and the qualitative traits of grape clusters. Plastic coverings can influence the temperature, humidity, and light exposure, which may cause abiotic stress. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the internal temperature to prevent adverse effects on flowering, pollination, fertilisation, fruit set, cell division, and photosynthesis.
In summary, plastic coverings can significantly influence the maturation of grapes, but it requires careful consideration of the type of plastic, structure, and environmental factors to achieve the desired results.
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Plastic sheets protect grapes from rot and rain
Plastic sheets are an effective way to protect grapes from rot and rain, and they have been used for this purpose in Italy since the mid-1960s. The sheets are typically set up at veraison, when the berries become more susceptible to rot. While their primary function is to provide mechanical protection from rain, they also alter the microenvironment by filtering and modifying incoming solar radiation.
The use of plastic covers can advance the maturation of grape berries by 10 to 40 days. This is achieved by trapping solar radiation and infrared radiation from the ground, leading to increased air temperature and humidity. However, it is important to manage the microclimate to prevent a more humid environment, which can stimulate berry rot. The type of plastic sheet used is crucial, as some plastics can decrease the transmission of solar radiation, potentially delaying the maturation process.
To address this, farmers can use mineral substances such as aluminium sulphate or silicate to balance the thermal effect. Different types of plastic films, such as low-density polyethylene (PE) and ethylene acetate (EVA), offer varying levels of thermal effects and transparency. Additionally, the structure supporting the plastic sheets should be considered. Metal, concrete covered with zinc, or wood structures can be used, depending on the preferences of farmers and the desired shape.
Plastic sheets also provide protection from external biotic and abiotic agents, reducing the need for chemical sprays. They can be used for "early covering," which advances berry ripening, or "late covering," which delays harvest. "After-sprouting covering" protects shoots and bunches without seeking early or late grape harvest. Proper canopy management is essential to ensure that UV radiation reaches the bunches.
Overall, plastic sheets offer a valuable tool for grape growers to protect their crops from rot and rain, influence the microenvironment, and manage the maturation process.
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Plastic covering can delay grape harvest
The use of plastic covers with certain chemical compositions can decrease the transmission of solar radiation to the plants, resulting in longer stems and potentially affecting grape quality. Additionally, a more humid microclimate created by the plastic covering may stimulate berry rot and increase the risk of fungal diseases. Therefore, proper canopy management and ventilation are crucial to prevent overheating and the development of fungal diseases.
The type of plastic sheet used is crucial, as different types have varying effects on the microclimate and grape quality. For example, a cover with high transmissivity to UV radiation can influence berry phenol accumulation, antioxidant activity, and aroma development. To balance the thermal effect, some farmers use mineral substances such as aluminium sulphate or silicate.
Plastic coverings are often used in colder regions to protect grapevines from winter weather. They can also serve as protection from herbicide spray, rodents, and other external agents. Additionally, plastic sleeves or tubes can be used to train vines to grow vertically and create a microclimate that promotes increased growth.
Overall, while plastic covering can effectively delay grape harvest, it requires careful consideration of the type of plastic, ventilation, and potential impacts on grape quality to ensure a successful outcome.
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Plastic covering reduces water use
Plastic covering for grape vines is a standard practice in South Italy. This technique is used to limit water use driven by atmospheric demand. Plastic sheets are used to cover the top and sides of the vineyard, creating a greenhouse effect that increases air temperature and humidity due to water evaporated from the soil. This trapped humidity reduces the need for additional water.
The plastic covering also protects the grapes from external agents, such as rain, and excess sunlight, reducing the amount of chemicals needed to be sprayed on the crop. This protective barrier helps to prolong the healthy life of the grapes on the vine and maintain their hydration state, keeping the product fresh for longer.
The type of plastic used is important, as some plastics can decrease the transmission of solar radiation, delaying the maturation process and requiring a longer growing period. Plastic covers with higher transmissivity to UV radiation can influence berry phenol accumulation, antioxidant activity, and aroma development.
The structure supporting the plastic covering should be sturdy and resistant, with some farmers opting for metal or concrete covered in zinc, while others prefer wood or trellis systems. The structure should be designed to minimise shadows cast on the crop and allow for proper ventilation to avoid heat build-up, especially in more humid climates where there is a higher risk of fungal diseases.
Overall, plastic covering for grape vines is a useful technique to reduce water use and protect the crop, but it requires careful consideration of the plastic type and structure design to ensure optimal growing conditions.
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Plastic covering protects grapevines in winter
Plastic covering is a standard practice in places like Italy to protect grapevines in winter. The plastic sheets are set up at veraison, when the berries become more sensitive to rot, and they are rolled out only above the foliage. This technique provides mechanical protection from rain and excess sunlight, reducing pathogen attacks and improving berry appearance. It also helps to delay harvest by 30-90 days.
The plastic covering filters incoming solar radiation, altering its radiometric traits and modifying the microenvironment. This influences the vine's ecophysiological function and grape quality. The type of plastic sheet used can impact the microclimate, with some plastics decreasing the transmission of solar radiation and delaying the maturation process. For example, plastics with low-density polyethylene (PE) have a low thermal effect, while ethylene acetate (EVA) has a higher thermal effect.
To create a structure for the plastic covering, materials such as metal, concrete covered with zinc, or wood can be used. The structure should be lasting, low cost, highly resistant, lightweight, and designed to prevent shadows from interfering with the crop. A trellis system can also be implemented to provide support for the grapevines, which tend to get tangled.
In colder regions, grapevines may also be covered with mounded soil and insulating mulch such as straw or shredded cornstalks for protection during winter. Proper pruning is also essential, with the ideal time being during late winter while the vines are still dormant.
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Frequently asked questions
Covering grape vines with plastic sheets is a standard practice in South Italy. It is done to protect the grapes and delay harvest by up to 30-90 days.
The plastic covers should be fixed to a structure made of metal, concrete covered with zinc, or wood. The structure should be long-lasting, low-cost, highly resistant, lightweight, and have a low "volume" to prevent shadows from interfering with the crop.
Covering grape vines with plastic can provide protection from rain, excess sunlight, and external biotic and abiotic agents. It can also help to reduce the amount of chemicals sprayed and improve the appearance of the berries.
The type of plastic used will depend on the specific needs of the vineyard. Some plastics can decrease the range of transmission of solar radiation, resulting in longer stems. Low-density polyethylene (PE) has a low thermal effect, good resistance, and transparency. Ethylene acetate (EVA) has a higher thermal effect.
There are different techniques, including "early covering" and "late covering". Early covering involves wrapping the top and sides of the vineyard with plastic sheets to advance berry ripening. Late covering aims to delay harvest and is typically applied for late-ripening species.
