Effects of shading nets as a form of adaptation to climate change on grapes production: a review

Abstract

Viticulture worldwide is threatened by the environmental modification caused by climate change. Higher temperature and atmospheric CO2 concentration determine an acceleration of the ripening process, which can be detrimental to wine quality. Hence, adaptation and mitigation strategies are necessary to reduce heat and water stress and improve the qualitative production levels. Amongst all the various techniques available, shading nets represent an interesting alternative for their effects on canopy microclimate and grape production. However, these effects vary strongly depending on the intensity of the shading treatment, the timing of its application, environmental conditions, and differences in cultivar response. The reduction in photosynthetic activity can improve water use efficiency and slow down the ripening process, preserving must acidity. Phenolic compounds, which benefit from light exposure for their synthesis, are negatively affected by shading, while aromatic composition can be improved by it. Vine reserve accumulation is reduced by the lower photoassimilates production. Photoselective nets, thanks to their colour, not only reduce light intensity but also change the quality of the light spectrum reaching the canopy, thus, determining specific responses in the plants.