Impact of hail-netting on Vitis vinifera L. canopy microclimate, leaf gas exchange, fruit quality, and yield in a semi-arid environment

Hail events have the potential to destroy grapevine shoots, reduce yield, and inflict economic loss upon growers. As a result, many grape growers adopted use of hail-netting mitigate vine damage. Although has been observed prevent hail damage, Texas High Plains expressed concerns regarding effects may on canopy microclimate, health, fruit maturity, quality yield. Therefore, over three growing seasons (2018 – 2020), field-grown vines ( Vitis vinifera L. ‘Malbec’ ‘Pinot gris’) were exposed hail-netting, or grown without hail-netting. Each season leaf gas exchange, yield parameters, vegetative growth monitored. Netting reduced air temperature decreased vapour pressure deficit. By modifying light infiltration temperature, altered exchange. In addition, exchange differences found between cultivars. pH total acidity not different at harvest, maturity measurements revealed soluble solid development was influenced by netting cultivar. Vine cluster numbers greater for parameters generally lower vines. Pruning weights indicate gris’ Results suggest grape-growers' allow achieve production goals. However, when using should consider possible management modifications due changes in physiology, maturation, harvest schedules.