Regulation of skin color in ‘Aki Queen’ grapes: Interactive effects of temperature, girdling, and leaf shading treatments on coloration and total soluble solids

The interactive effects of temperature, girdling, and leaf shading treatments on the total soluble solids (TSS) content and coloration of ‘Aki Queen’ (Vitis labruscana) grapes were investigated. The TSS contents of berries were significantly higher in girdled plants than in plants with shaded leaves. Anthocyanin accumulation was greater at lower temperature (21 ± 2 °C) than at higher temperature (31 ± 2 °C) in both control and girdled plants, but anthocyanins did not accumulate in plants with shaded leaves at either temperature. Temperature did not influence TSS content. These results suggest that a high enough TSS content promotes anthocyanin synthesis under low temperature during maturation of ‘Aki Queen’ grape.

► Girdling increased total soluble solids of ‘Aki Queen’ grapes. Shading the leaves reduced it.
► Color developed in control and girdled plants with sufficient total soluble solids.
► Color developed in control and girdled plants at low temperature, but not in shaded plants.