Galal, H., Ghoneem, G., Khalil, R., Yusuf, M., Allam, A., Abou Elyazid, D. (2024). Plastic Covering Accelerates Phenological Stages and Causes Abiotic Stress in Table Grapes in Egypt. Journal of Plant Production, 15(10), 629-636. doi: 10.21608/jpp.2024.317875.1378
Hoda Galal; Gh. M. Ghoneem; R. Khalil; M. Yusuf; Aida Allam; Doaa M. Abou Elyazid. "Plastic Covering Accelerates Phenological Stages and Causes Abiotic Stress in Table Grapes in Egypt". Journal of Plant Production, 15, 10, 2024, 629-636. doi: 10.21608/jpp.2024.317875.1378
Galal, H., Ghoneem, G., Khalil, R., Yusuf, M., Allam, A., Abou Elyazid, D. (2024). 'Plastic Covering Accelerates Phenological Stages and Causes Abiotic Stress in Table Grapes in Egypt', Journal of Plant Production, 15(10), pp. 629-636. doi: 10.21608/jpp.2024.317875.1378
Galal, H., Ghoneem, G., Khalil, R., Yusuf, M., Allam, A., Abou Elyazid, D. Plastic Covering Accelerates Phenological Stages and Causes Abiotic Stress in Table Grapes in Egypt. Journal of Plant Production, 2024; 15(10): 629-636. doi: 10.21608/jpp.2024.317875.1378
Plastic Covering Accelerates Phenological Stages and Causes Abiotic Stress in Table Grapes in Egypt
1Environmental Studies and Research Institute, University of Sadat City, Menofia Governorate, Sadat City 32897, Egypt
2Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha13518, Egypt
3Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE
4Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
Abstract
Egypt, like other global countries, faces climate changes that threaten its economy and food security. Grape farmers and exporters protect grape vines from an unfavorable microclimate by using plastic covering (PC). This study assessed the impact of early plastic covering, from mid-January to the end of April, on the phenological stages, yield, and fruit quality of two seedless table grapes (Flame and Superior). Also, to find out if covering could cause additional stress on grape vines by assessing its effect on vegetative growth, chlorophyll content, and photosynthesis efficiency, as well as carbohydrates, proline, total phenols, lipid peroxidation, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase content in leaves. Our research findings indicate that PC accelerates all phenological stages; additionally, it causes abiotic stress, leading to an increase in soluble sugar, total phenols, and proline content in vine leaves. Plastic covering did not affect most fruit quality parameters at harvest, such as cluster weight, small berries (%), TSS%, and titratable acidity (%). Nevertheless, PC reduced the anthocyanin content in Flame berries by 31.1% and 33.6% in the first and second seasons, respectively, compared to the uncovered group.In conclusion, PC could be recommended as a good strategy for combating climate change and hastening the harvesting of grapes. However, further research is needed to improve the pigmentation of grapes cultivated under plastic to provide an appealing appearance for consumers.