Effects of Different Shaping Methods and Loading on Fruit Quality and Volatile Compounds in 'Beibinghong' Grapes

Area of Science:

• Viticulture and Plant Physiology
• Agricultural Science
• Horticultural Science

Background:

• Grape quality is influenced by cultivation practices.
• Optimizing vine architecture and fruit load is crucial for 'Beibinghong' grape production.
• Understanding the impact of these factors on physiological and biochemical traits is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of different vine shaping methods and fruit loading levels on 'Beibinghong' grape physiology, yield, and fruit quality.
• To analyze the volatile compound composition and identify key flavor-related metabolites.
• To provide insights for optimizing viticulture management of 'Beibinghong' grapes.

Main Methods:

• Comparison of two shaping methods: double main vine upright tree and inclined horizontal dragon tree.
• Application of different fruit loading treatments on the inclined horizontal dragon tree.
• Measurement of photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll content, fruit yield, and quality parameters.
• Analysis of volatile compounds using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
• Multivariate statistical analysis and metabolomics.

Main Results:

• The inclined horizontal dragon tree significantly enhanced net photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll content, soluble sugar, and sugar-acid ratio compared to the upright method.
• A load of nine fruit branches per plant resulted in the highest net photosynthetic rate, yield, and optimal fruit quality.
• 25 key differential volatile metabolites were identified, influencing 'Beibinghong' grape flavor.
• The inclined horizontal dragon tree improved fruit quality and volatile compound accumulation.

Conclusions:

• Vine shaping and fruit load are critical factors for 'Beibinghong' grape cultivation.
• The inclined horizontal dragon tree with nine fruit branches per plant is recommended for improved growth, yield, and fruit quality.
• This study offers a theoretical basis for enhancing 'Beibinghong' grape management and market competitiveness.