Evaluating the Potential for Different Fabrics to Protect Grapes from Contamination by Smoke

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Food Science
• Material Science

Background:

• Vineyard smoke exposure introduces volatile phenols (VPs) into grapes, compromising wine quality.
• Activated carbon fibre (ACF) cloth mitigates smoke taint but has poor physical durability.
• Alternative fabrics require evaluation for smoke mitigation and physical properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of various fabrics (polyester, polypropylene, cotton, viscose) against ACF cloth in reducing smoke contamination in grapes.
• To assess the physical properties (tensile strength, air permeability) of these fabrics.
• To investigate the durability and reusability of fabric coverings after repeated smoke exposure and washing.

Main Methods:

• Grapes were enclosed in different fabric types and exposed to smoke.
• Volatile phenol concentrations in grapes were quantified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
• Tensile strength and air permeability of fabrics were measured.
• Durability and protective efficacy after repeated treatments and washing were assessed.

Main Results:

• Cotton and viscose fabrics provided significant protection, with VP concentrations comparable to ACF cloth (≤ 5.3 µg/kg).
• Polyester and polypropylene offered limited protection against smoke taint.
• ACF cloth demonstrated high efficacy (>90% VP reduction) but degraded after washing; non-woven fabric reinforcement improved its strength.
• Cotton and viscose showed saturation effects after repeated exposure, but protection was restored after washing.

Conclusions:

• Cotton and viscose fabrics show promise as cost-effective alternatives for mitigating smoke taint in vineyards.
• Reinforced ACF cloth offers superior, durable protection against smoke contamination.
• Fabric coverings represent a viable strategy for preserving grape and wine quality against smoke exposure.