Effects of Leaf Removal and Shoot Tipping Applied at Different Stages an Some Yield and Quality Characteristics of Kalecik Karası (Vitis vinifera L.) Grape Cultivar Grown under Ankara Conditions

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of summer pruning practices (leaf removal, shoot topping, and a combination of both) applied at two different phenological stages (bunch closure and veraison) on the yield and quality of the Kalecik Karası (Vitis vinifera L.) grape variety grown under Ankara conditions. The research was conducted at the Research and Application Vineyard of the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Ankara University. The evaluated parameters included yield per vine, number of clusters per vine, 100-berry weight, cluster length and width, total soluble solids (TSS), pH, titratable Acidity (TA), and total phenolic content. It was determined that the shoot topping treatment improved the values of the parameters examined regarding yield and important morphological characteristics. The highest number of clusters per vine (43.50 clusters/vine) was obtained from the shoot topping treatment applied during the bunch closure stage. In both phenological stages, TSS values were significantly higher in the leaf removal treatment compared to other treatments. For the leaf removal application, the highest total phenolic content was observed both the bunch closure and veraison stages. Correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed strong relationships between cluster characteristics, yield, and fruit quality parameters. In conclusion, identifying optimal summer pruning timing for the Kalecik Karası variety provides a scientific basis for enhancing fruit quality and yield, offering valuable insights for viticultural practices in the Ankara region.