Changes in vineyard productive attributes and phytochemical composition of sauvignon blanc grape and wine induced by the application of silicon and calcium.

BACKGROUND: It is important to increase productivity and improve plant quality at the same time as preserving the principles of safety and productivity. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of sodium metasilicate and calcium chloride, applied as fertilizers, on the productivity and phytochemical characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc grapes and their respective wines.
RESULTS: The experiments were conducted using 2017 and 2018 vintages of commercial Sauvignon Blanc grapes. The treatments consisted of applying separately different concentrations of sodium metasilicate (0, 4, 8 and 12 g L-1 ) or calcium chloride (0, 5, 10 and 15 g L-1 ). The treatments were carried out during four phenological phases. The grapes were harvested at technical maturity and white wines were elaborated. The application of inorganic salts, silicon and calcium to the grapes had a significant effect on the vineyard productivity. The best results were obtained with 4 and 8 g L-1 silicon and 15 g L-1 calcium. An increase in the concentration of phenolics in the grapes was noted. These compounds have antioxidant capacity, which is one of the factors responsible for the resistance of the grapes to pathogens.
CONCLUSION: The application of 4 and 8 g L-1 silicon and 15 g L-1 calcium to the grapes represents a potential alternative fertilizing strategy, which could increase the plant yield without damaging the phytochemical characteristics of the fruit and its derivatives.