Viticulture Studies 2026, Vol 6, Num, 2     (Pages: 81-92)

The Effect of Pre-harvest Calcium Application on Berry Cracking in "Emirali" Grape Cultivar After Cold Storage

Ali İzzet Torçuk 1 ,Gamze Uysal Seçkin 1 ,Uğur Akdemir 1

1 Bağcılık Araştırma Enstitüsü Müdürlüğü, Tekirdağ, Türkiye DOI : 10.52001/vis.2026.37.81.92 Viewed : 47 - Downloaded : 32 This study investigated the effects of preharvest calcium application on the prevention of berry cracking following cold storage in the Emirali grape cultivar, which was developed through hybrid breeding at the Tekirdağ Viticulture Research Institute. Foliar calcium fertilizer was applied to the vines at two-week intervals between berry set and veraison. After harvest, the grapes were stored for three months at 0–1 °C and 90 ± 5% relative humidity. Modified-atmosphere packaging bags and dual-release SO2 generator pads at a dose of 0.7 g SO2 kg-1 of grapes were used during cold storage. Physical and chemical analyses were performed on the samples at 30-day intervals throughout the storage period. Sensory evaluation scores, total phenolic content, total color difference (ΔE), and berry cracking rate were the most prominent parameters in response to calcium application, whereas no significant differences were observed in the other parameters or the effects remained relatively limited. The Emirali grape cultivar may be adversely affected by climatic conditions such as heavy summer rainfall and prolonged cloudiness, which may subsequently result in berry cracking following cold storage. Although this high-yielding and very late-ripening cultivar does not exhibit berry cracking when marketed for fresh consumption, additional measures may be required when it is intended for long-term cold storage. However, if this cultivar is intended for cold storage rather than fresh consumption, pre-harvest physical or chemical manipulations may be required to enhance its resistance to berry cracking, taking into account the climatic conditions of the production site and cultural practices. Keywords : Storage, Grape, Quality, Calcium