Journal of food science and technology(Iran)

Journal of food science and technology(Iran)

Effect of foliar potassium spraying on productivity and quality of grape fruits (Vitis vinifera) under different irrigation levels

Document Type : Systematic Review

Authors
1 1Faculty of Pharmacy, Jabir Ibn Hayyan University of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Najaf, Iraq
2 Faculty of Pharmacy, Jabir Ibn Hayyan University of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Najaf, Iraq
3 Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Kufa, Najaf, Iraq
10.48311/fsct.2025.117610.82925
Abstract
. Sustainable strategies to mitigate water stress and enhance fruit quality are therefore of immense industrial interest. This study investigated the efficacy of foliar potassium (K) application as a practical agricultural strategy to ameliorate the adverse effects of different irrigation levels on grape productivity and, more importantly, on key quality attributes relevant to the food processing industry. A field experiment was conducted using a factorial arrangement based on a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Grapevines were subjected to three irrigation levels (100%, 75%, and 50% of crop evapotranspiration - ETc) and three concentrations of foliar potassium (0, 1%, and 2% K2O). Parameters measured included yield, cluster weight, and a comprehensive set of quality traits: total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), pH, berry firmness, and the concentration of anthocyanins and total phenolics. Water deficit significantly reduced yield but enhanced most quality parameters. The 50% ETc treatment led to a notable increase in TSS, TSS/TA ratio, and anthocyanin content. Foliar potassium application, particularly at 2%, effectively mitigated yield losses under stress and synergistically improved quality. The interaction between 75% ETc and 2% K spray resulted in an optimal balance, achieving a yield comparable to full irrigation while significantly boosting TSS, phenolic content, and color intensity—attributes highly sought after for premium wine and juice production. The integrated management of deficit irrigation (75% ETc) and foliar potassium nutrition (2%) presents a viable and sustainable strategy for the grape industry.
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 17 December 2025