Ecophysiology and Vegetative and Productive Behavior of 'Chardonnay' Vines under Protected Cultivation Systems in Serra Catarinense of Brazil

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of protected cultivation, with anti-hail screen or plastic cover, on phenological behavior, water potential, gas exchange, vegetative growth and vine production under protected cultivation systems in an altitude region of Santa Catarina. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was carried out in São Joaquim, SC, in the 2018/19, 2019/20 and 2020/21 harvests, with the cultivar Chardonnay on Paulsen 1103 rootstock. Methodology: The treatments consist of an uncovered environment (control) and crops protected with white screen anti-hail (4 mm x 7 mm) and clear plastic raffia cover (160 µm). Results: The anti-hail net did not interfere in the phenological stages, photosynthesis and gas exchange of the plants and reduced the RFA, vegetative growth and production, in relation to the plastic cover, and similar development conditions to the control treatment (without cover). The plastic cover accelerated the maturation process, reduced photosynthetically active radiation (RFA), promoted vegetative growth, delayed leaf senescence and increased productivity about to plants without cover. The highest red to far red ratio was observed in an uncovered system. The light saturation point was higher in plants in the cultivation system protected with plastic cover. Plants under plastic cover showed an anticipation of fruit maturation about to the screen and without cover.