Abstract:
This study aimed to determine the effects of different shading ratio and covers on
“Sultana Seedless” table grape quality and storability. Grapevines were covered at the
veraison stage with 3 shading nets (0, 35, and 75% shading), which were then replaced
with covering materials including Polypropylene Cross-stitch (PC), Life Pack (LP) and
Mogul (MG), just before harvest. Harvested grapes in all treatments were then kept for
90 days under cold storage (-0.5°C). Postharvest decay development and decreases in
sensory quality were observed in unshaded grapes and in those covered with 35% shading
net and later covered with life pack. Total soluble solids content, maturity index, and
color value (C* and ho
) were found lower in 75% shaded grapes compared to unshaded
plots. Effects of the tested applications on quality attributes either decreased or vanished
during storage. All tested cover materials following shading nets could delay harvest for
50 days. Consequently, in addition to delaying harvest time, PC or MG covers used after
35 % shading allowed higher quality and successful storage of grapes for an additional 90
days.
Keywords: Late harvest, On-vine storage, Photon flux density, Post-harvest decay, Shading nets
