The effect of hail netting on the performance of table grapes Vitis vinifera (L.) in the summer rainfall region

Abstract

The long term effect of black hail netting (20% shading) on budding percentage, but fertility, cane mass, yield, bunch mass, berry mass and berry cracking as well as sugar concentration (total soluble solids), acid concentration (titratable acidity) and pH of the berry juice of table grapes (cultivars Pirobella, Bien Donne, Ronelle and Italia) was evaluated. Budding percentage and bud fertility were significantly reduced by hail netting. Reproductive growth in terms of yield and bunch mass seemed to be higher under hail netting compared to direct sunlight, while berry mass was not affected. Berry cracking tended to decrease under hail netting. Berry sugar concentration and pH decreased significantly under hail netting, while the acid concentration increased.