Effetti di intensità ed epoche di defogliazione sui parametri vegeto-produttivi e sulla qualità dell'uva della cv Nero d'Avola

The trial was carried out over the seasons 2012-2013. A defoliation in prebloom, fruitset and veraison phenological stages was performed and several vegetative, productive and qualitative parameters were assessed. Prebloom and fruitset defoliation resulted in a strong vegetative regrowth and in a reduction of cluster compactness and berry weight. Sugar content at harvest showed significant differences depending on the meteorological condition of the season. Anthocyanins and flavonoids synthesis was favored by leaf removal practice in the coldest season; vice versa in the hottest season the highest bunch exposure in defoliated treatments determined extreme berry temperature and an intense de…