From Farm to Fork: Irrigation Management and Cold Storage Strategies for the Shelf Life of Seedless Sugrathirtyfive Table Grape Variety

Vittorio Alba (), Alessandra Russi, Giovanna Forte, Rosa Anna Milella, Sabino Roccotelli, Pasquale Campi, Anna Francesca Modugno, Vito Pipoli, Giovanni Gentilesco, Luigi Tarricone and Angelo Raffaele Caputo
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Vittorio Alba: Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology, CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, via Casamassima 148, 70010 Turi, BA, Italy
Alessandra Russi: Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology, CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, via Casamassima 148, 70010 Turi, BA, Italy
Giovanna Forte: Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology, CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, via Casamassima 148, 70010 Turi, BA, Italy
Rosa Anna Milella: Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology, CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, via Casamassima 148, 70010 Turi, BA, Italy
Sabino Roccotelli: Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology, CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, via Casamassima 148, 70010 Turi, BA, Italy
Pasquale Campi: Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Via Celso Ulpiani, 5, 70125 Bari, BA, Italy
Anna Francesca Modugno: Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Via Celso Ulpiani, 5, 70125 Bari, BA, Italy
Vito Pipoli: Ionic Consortium of Fruit and Vegetable Growers Coop, SP240, 70018 Rutigliano, BA, Italy
Giovanni Gentilesco: Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology, CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, via Casamassima 148, 70010 Turi, BA, Italy
Luigi Tarricone: Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology, CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, via Casamassima 148, 70010 Turi, BA, Italy
Angelo Raffaele Caputo: Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology, CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, via Casamassima 148, 70010 Turi, BA, Italy

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 9, 1-22

Abstract: Background: Sustainable water management for table grape has the primary goal of optimizing irrigation through Smart Irrigation (SI) approaches, particularly in Mediterranean regions. In addition, extending the shelf life of table grapes through effective cold storage practices is crucial to meet consumer demands year-round. This research examined the journey “from farm to fork” of Sugrathirtyfive variety (Autumn Crisp ® brand), exploring the combined effects of Irrigation Volumes (IV), SO 2 -Generating Pads (SGPs) and Cold Storage Duration (CSD) on the quality of grapes. Methods: Normal Irrigation (NI—based on the farmer’s experience) and SI (100% vine evapotranspiration restored) were supplied in 2023 to Sugrathirtyfive variety white table grape, trained to an overhead tendone system. Yield and quality parameters, berry texture, CIELAB colour coordinates, phenolic content, flavonoids, antioxidant activity and sensory attributes were evaluated on grapes subjected to different times and methods of cold storage. Results: SI grapes showed higher Total Soluble Solids (TSSs) and nutraceutical content, as well as improved CIELAB coordinates with interesting improved berry texture parameters. No differences emerged between single- or dual-release SGPs after 15 days (T1) and 40 days (T2) of CSD. Conclusions: Under our cold storage conditions (3 °C, 85% U.R.), 40 days represent the maximum temporal limit for the cold storage of Sugrathirtyfive variety, regardless of IV, provided they are refrigerated with the aid of SGPs.

Keywords: sustainable water management; table grapes; cold storage; SO 2 -Generating Pads; shelf life (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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