High canopy density is common in the cool-climate winegrowing region of Oregon and excessive canopy density will produce unbalanced musts, resulting in poor wine quality. Selective leaf removal in a grapevine canopy may increase the photosynthetic activity of the remaining leaves and can positively influence fruit composition. In this study, management strategies of leaf removal were investigated to study the impact on fruit quality of Pinot noir. Three leaf removal management, including 0% removal (Control), 50% removal and 100% removal were performed in three years study from 2010 to 2012. Grape samples were harvested every year and analyzed for total soluble solids (TSS), organic acids, phenolics and carotenoids. Leaf removal had limited impact on grape TSS, citric and tartaric acids but lower malic acid in year 2012. For phenolic compounds, leaf removal significantly increased quercetin glycosides and anthocyanins due to the increased sun exposure. For carotenoids, leaf removal significantly decreased flavoxanthin content in the grape berry for three years, and decreased �-carotene in 2012. It is evident that more sun exposure caused by leaf removal could increases degradation of carotenoids, therefore could potentially increase concentration of norisoprenoids in grapes. Leaf removal significantly increased flavonoid content in Pinot noir grape which could have impact on wine stability and tastes.

Effect of cluster zone leaf removal on carotenoid and phenolic composition of Pinot noir grape

246th National Meeting (2013)

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