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15 pages, 2364 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Multicultivar Approach for Grape Bunch Weight Estimation Using Image Analysis

by Gonçalo Victorino, Carlos Poblete-Echeverría and Carlos M. Lopes

Horticulturae 2022, 8(3), 233; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/horticulturae8030233 - 08 Mar 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2512

The determination of bunch features that are relevant for bunch weight estimation is an important step in automatic vineyard yield estimation using image analysis. The conversion of 2D image features into mass can be highly dependent on grapevine cultivar, as the bunch morphology [...] Read more.

The determination of bunch features that are relevant for bunch weight estimation is an important step in automatic vineyard yield estimation using image analysis. The conversion of 2D image features into mass can be highly dependent on grapevine cultivar, as the bunch morphology varies greatly. This paper aims to explore the relationships between bunch weight and bunch features obtained from image analysis considering a multicultivar approach. A set of 192 bunches from four cultivars, collected at sites located in Portugal and South Africa, were imaged using a conventional digital RGB camera, followed by image analysis, where several bunch features were extracted, along with physical measurements performed in laboratory conditions. Image data features were explored as predictors of bunch weight, individually and in a multiple stepwise regression analysis, which were then tested on 37% of the data. The results show that the variables bunch area and visible berries are good predictors of bunch weight (R² ranging from 0.72 to 0.90); however, the simple regression lines fitted between these predictors and the response variable presented significantly different slopes among cultivars, indicating cultivar dependency. The elected multiple regression model used a combination of four variables: bunch area, bunch perimeter, visible berry number, and average berry area. The regression analysis between the actual and estimated bunch weight yielded a R² = 0.91 on the test set. Our results are an important step towards automatic yield estimation in the vineyard, as they increase the possibility of applying image-based approaches using a generalized model, independent of the cultivar. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Viticulture Production)

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13 pages, 1961 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Cluster-Zone Leaf Removal and GA₃ Application at Early Flowering Reduce Bunch Compactness and Yield per Vine in Vitis vinifera cv. Pinot Gris

by Mario Wegher, Michele Faralli and Massimo Bertamini

Horticulturae 2022, 8(1), 81; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/horticulturae8010081 - 15 Jan 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2306

Abstract

Compact bunches have been often associated with higher susceptibility to Botrytis cinerea and therefore reduction in berry quality in grapevine. The objective of this study was to evaluate three management methods (early leaf removal, gibberellic acid, and their combination) for reducing bunch compactness [...] Read more.

Compact bunches have been often associated with higher susceptibility to Botrytis cinerea and therefore reduction in berry quality in grapevine. The objective of this study was to evaluate three management methods (early leaf removal, gibberellic acid, and their combination) for reducing bunch compactness in Vitis vinifera cv. Pinot gris trained in two different training systems with contrasting vigor (Guyot and pergola). Treatments were applied at BBCH 62 or BBCH 65 and yield components, total soluble solids, fruit set, and bunch compactness parameters were evaluated. Both treatments individually reduced berry number, mean bunches weight and bunches compactness as well as yield per vine when compared to control-untreated vines. However, no major differences were observed when both the treatments were applied in combination for Guyot or pergola although a higher reduction in yield was detected for Guyot and a significant increase in total soluble solids was observed in pergola. Our study suggests that intense leaf removal and gibberellic acid applied at early flowering can help reducing bunch compactness in Pinot gris and showing it in two training systems. In particular, leaf removal represents a valuable alternative to plant growth regulators (i.e., gibberellic acid) as applicable in organic viticulture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Viticulture Production)

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16 pages, 2016 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical, Anatomical, and Biochemical Composition of Skins Cell Walls from Two Grapevine Cultivars (Vitis vinifera) of Champagne Region Related to Their Susceptibility to Botrytis cinerea during Ripening

by Marie André, Soizic Lacampagne, Audrey Barsacq, Etienne Gontier, Melina Petrel, Laurence Mercier, Diane Courot and Laurence Gény-Denis

Horticulturae 2021, 7(10), 413; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/horticulturae7100413 - 18 Oct 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2376

Abstract

This work investigated the structural, biochemical, and molecular characteristics of grape skin cell wall during ripening, related to susceptibility to Botrytis cinerea. The comparative study between the two main grape cultivars in Champagne region, Pinot noir and Chardonnay, quantified: (1) the maturity [...] Read more.

This work investigated the structural, biochemical, and molecular characteristics of grape skin cell wall during ripening, related to susceptibility to Botrytis cinerea. The comparative study between the two main grape cultivars in Champagne region, Pinot noir and Chardonnay, quantified: (1) the maturity and physical profile of grape skin; (2) the morphological characteristics; (3) soluble pectic polysaccharides located in grape skin cell walls; and (4) the gene expression of the two main degrading enzymes (VvPME1 and VvPG1) and PME activity. During the maturation period, the grape skins of the two cultivars appear different in their structure and composition. Chardonnay is characterized by higher relative humidity (RH) and level of VvPG1 expression, lower disease incidence and penetrometry values, and thicker cell walls than Pinot noir skins. Thus, the cell wall composition is sufficiently different between grape varieties from the same area to allow their discrimination and could be used to better manage the harvest date. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Viticulture Production)

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13 pages, 262 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Rootstocks Impact Yield, Fruit Composition, Nutrient Deficiencies, and Winter Survival of Hybrid Cultivars in Eastern Canada

by Caroline Provost, Alexander Campbell and François Dumont

Horticulturae 2021, 7(8), 237; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/horticulturae7080237 - 10 Aug 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2510

Abstract

Grafting cold-hardy hybrid grapevines may influence their attributes under different pedoclimatic conditions and may also contribute to cold-hardiness, influence plant physiology, and affect yield and fruit composition. In a six-year study, we evaluated bud survival, plant development, nutrient deficiencies, yield, and fruit composition [...] Read more.

Grafting cold-hardy hybrid grapevines may influence their attributes under different pedoclimatic conditions and may also contribute to cold-hardiness, influence plant physiology, and affect yield and fruit composition. In a six-year study, we evaluated bud survival, plant development, nutrient deficiencies, yield, and fruit composition for three cold-hardy grape varieties: Frontenac, Frontenac blanc, and Marquette. The grape varieties were grafted on four rootstocks: 3309C, SO4, Riparia Gloire, and 101-14. The final combinations were own-rooted. The six-year research period indicated that cold-hardy hybrids were affected differently by each rootstock. Magnesium deficiency was lower for grafted Frontenac and Frontenac blanc compared with own-rooted vines, but bud survival and grapevine development were not affected by rootstock. Moreover, results related to yield components showed that there are significant differences between rootstocks and own-rooted vines. Frontenac was the least affected grape variety compared to Frontenac blanc and Marquette, where only cluster weight and berry weight were impacted. Overall, for the two Frontenac varietals, we also observed a greater maturity for fruits of vines grafted on 101-14 and 3309C compared with own-rooted vines. Grafting affected fruit composition for Marquette differently, where the lowest grape maturity was observed for fruits on vines grafted on SO4. This study demonstrates that rootstocks affect cold-hardy hybrids, highlighting their potential under eastern North American conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Viticulture Production)

15 pages, 1259 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecosystem Service Function and Assessment of the Value of Grape Industry in Soil-Burial Over-Wintering Areas

by Zhilei Wang, Xiao Cao, Liang Zhang, Xing Han, Ying Wang, Hua Wang and Hua Li

Horticulturae 2021, 7(7), 202; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/horticulturae7070202 - 20 Jul 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2484

Abstract

As a representative economic crop with the potential for long-term sustainable development, grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.) bring direct economic benefits to the people, and the indirect ecological benefits produced by grapevines cannot be ignored. This study utilized relevant statistical data from the [...] Read more.

As a representative economic crop with the potential for long-term sustainable development, grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.) bring direct economic benefits to the people, and the indirect ecological benefits produced by grapevines cannot be ignored. This study utilized relevant statistical data from the government sectors and data obtained at vineyards and wineries through interviews and surveys. The value of the ecosystem service of the grape industry in soil-burial over-wintering areas was first evaluated from four first-level indicators types and 10 s-level indicators types, using Hongsibu of the eastern foothill of Helan Mountain, Ningxia, as an example. The results show that the total current benefits of the grape industry ecosystem service function in Hongsibu are ¥ 1067 million. The direct economic benefits are ¥ 660 million and indirect ecological benefits are ¥ 407 million. The value ranking of the first-level function types is as follows: supply services > cultural services > support services > regulatory services. The ranking of the value of second-level function types is as follows: food production > ecological poverty alleviation > biodiversity > carbon fixation and oxygen release > ecotourism > air purification > nutrient accumulation > water conservation and efficiency > water holding > soil conservation. Cultivation measures (such as burial-free cultivation technology, inter-row grass technology, and suspending grape branches after winter pruning technology) increased the value of the service function of the grape ecosystem and explored some potential benefits. The results indicated the necessity of assessing ecosystem service value of the grape industry, which could enable people to realize the direct economic benefits as well as the ecological benefits. Meanwhile, the positive effects of cultivation techniques on the value of ecosystem service function were demonstrated in soil-burial over-wintering areas. This study provides important reference value and comprehensive guidance for the healthy and sustainable development of the grape industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Viticulture Production)

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7 pages, 2485 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Artificial Intelligence and Novel Sensing Technologies for Assessing Downy Mildew in Grapevine

by Inés Hernández, Salvador Gutiérrez, Sara Ceballos, Rubén Iñíguez, Ignacio Barrio and Javier Tardaguila

Horticulturae 2021, 7(5), 103; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/horticulturae7050103 - 08 May 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3068

Abstract

Plant diseases and pests cause a large loss of world agricultural production. Downy mildew is a major disease in grapevine. Conventional techniques for plant diseases evaluations are time-consuming and require expert personnel. This work investigates novel sensing technologies and artificial intelligence applications for [...] Read more.

Plant diseases and pests cause a large loss of world agricultural production. Downy mildew is a major disease in grapevine. Conventional techniques for plant diseases evaluations are time-consuming and require expert personnel. This work investigates novel sensing technologies and artificial intelligence applications for assessing downy mildew in grapevine under laboratory conditions. In our methodology, machine vision is applied to assess downy mildew sporulation, while hyperspectral imaging is used to explore its potential capability towards early detection of this disease. Image analysis applied to RGB leaf disc images is used to estimate downy mildew (Plamopara viticola) severity in grapevine (Vitis vinifera L. cv Tempranillo). A determination coefficient (R²) of 0.76 ** and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 20.53% are observed in the correlation between downy mildew severity by computer vision and expert’s visual assessment. Furthermore, an accuracy of 81% is achieved to detect downy mildew early using hyperspectral images. These results indicate that non-invasive sensing technologies and computer vision can be applied for assessing and quantify sporulation of downy mildew in grapevine leaves. The severity of this key disease is evaluated in grapevine under laboratory conditions. In conclusion, computer vision, hyperspectral imaging and machine learning could be applied for important disease detection in grapevine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Viticulture Production)

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Review

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21 pages, 770 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Machine Vision for Ripeness Estimation in Viticulture Automation

by Eleni Vrochidou, Christos Bazinas, Michail Manios, George A. Papakostas, Theodore P. Pachidis and Vassilis G. Kaburlasos

Horticulturae 2021, 7(9), 282; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/horticulturae7090282 - 03 Sep 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3556

Abstract

Ripeness estimation of fruits and vegetables is a key factor for the optimization of field management and the harvesting of the desired product quality. Typical ripeness estimation involves multiple manual samplings before harvest followed by chemical analyses. Machine vision has paved the way [...] Read more.

Ripeness estimation of fruits and vegetables is a key factor for the optimization of field management and the harvesting of the desired product quality. Typical ripeness estimation involves multiple manual samplings before harvest followed by chemical analyses. Machine vision has paved the way for agricultural automation by introducing quicker, cost-effective, and non-destructive methods. This work comprehensively surveys the most recent applications of machine vision techniques for ripeness estimation. Due to the broad area of machine vision applications in agriculture, this review is limited only to the most recent techniques related to grapes. The aim of this work is to provide an overview of the state-of-the-art algorithms by covering a wide range of applications. The potential of current machine vision techniques for specific viticulture applications is also analyzed. Problems, limitations of each technique, and future trends are discussed. Moreover, the integration of machine vision algorithms in grape harvesting robots for real-time in-field maturity assessment is additionally examined. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Viticulture Production)

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16 pages, 2549 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Sustainable Viticulture Method Adapted to the Cold Climate Zone in China

by Xing Han, Tingting Xue, Xu Liu, Zhilei Wang, Liang Zhang, Ying Wang, Fei Yao, Hua Wang and Hua Li

Horticulturae 2021, 7(6), 150; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/horticulturae7060150 - 11 Jun 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3800

Abstract

Due to the particularity of the continental monsoon climate in China, more than 90% of the wine grape cultivation areas require vines to be buried in winter for a burial period that can extend to half a year. Additionally, traditional vine cultivation practices [...] Read more.

Due to the particularity of the continental monsoon climate in China, more than 90% of the wine grape cultivation areas require vines to be buried in winter for a burial period that can extend to half a year. Additionally, traditional vine cultivation practices can expose the surface of the soil during winter, easily leading to soil erosion. To meet the restrictive factors for viticulture in the Chinese cold climate zone, a new sustainable viticulture strategy called crawled cordon mode (CCM) has been developed. CCM includes crawled cordon training (CCT), physical methods of flower and fruit thinning, winter suspension of shoots, the use of a biodegradable liquid film, and covering of grass and branches for simplified management of vineyards. This article summarizes the specific implementation methods of the main measures of CCM and their significant effects on the quality of grapes and wine, ecological environment, and costs, and aims to provide inspiration for the study of sustainable and eco-friendly cultivation measures for vineyards in other cold climate zones. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Viticulture Production)

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