Effect of canopy microclimate on Merlot (Vitis vinifera L.) grape composition

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of different canopy management practices on canopy microclimate and consequently berry quality components of the Merlot (Vitis vinifera L.) grape variety. Different microclimate effects were created by the limitations of 1 m, 1.25 m and 1.5 m main shoot lengths and full lateral shoots (FLS), half lateral shoots (HLS) and no lateral shoots (NLS). Microclimatic data was gathered by the sensors placed in the canopies of FLS, HLS and NLS vines located under the 1.25 m main shoot length parcel. In the study, total soluble solids content, titratable acidity, pH, total phenolic content, total anthocyanin content, total tannin content, tartaric and malic acid content and potassium content in the juice were evaluated as the biochemical quality properties. The results of two years indicated that canopy microclimate arrangements may provide some manipulation on grape berry quality according to the vegetation period’s climate characteristics and the desired target quality within limits of macro-meso climate effects.