Effects of Anti-hail Net Transmittance and Installation System on Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Malbec) Canopy Microclimate and Water Status

Authors

  • Cesar Gabriel Nahuel Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria (EEA) Rama Caída. El Vivero s/n. San Rafael (5600). Mendoza.Argentina https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6623-0700
  • Martín Fanzone Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria (EEA) Mendoza. San Martin 3853. Luján de Cuyo (5507). Mendoza. Argentina https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3356-1811
  • Carina V. González Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias. Almirante Brown 500. M5528AHB. Chacras de Coria. Mendoza. Argentina https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3014-7129
  • Jorge Perez Peña Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria (EEA) Mendoza. San Martin 3853. Luján de Cuyo (5507). Mendoza. Argentina https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9942-1037
  • Pablo Castro Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria (EEA) Rama Caída. El Vivero s/n. San Rafael (5600). Mendoza.Argentina https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7706-9782
  • Jorge Alejandro Prieto Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria (EEA) Mendoza. San Martin 3853. Luján de Cuyo (5507). Mendoza. Argentina https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1896-9456

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48162/rev.39.225

Keywords:

Grembiule, radiation, plant water status, air temperature, VPD

Abstract

Hailstorms cause substantial economic loss in vineyards worldwide by reducing yield and deteriorating grape quality. Although anti-hail nets are extensively used to prevent hail damage, their effects on canopy microclimate, vine water status, vegetative growth, yield, and berry composition have been scarcely studied. Understanding these effects is increasingly important as climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. We evaluated the effects of net color and installation system on canopy microclimate and midday leaf water potential (Ψmd) of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Malbec over two growing seasons. Treatments consisted of two net colors (Black and Pearl) combined with two systems (Grembiule and Modified), together with an uncovered control. Regardless of net color, the Grembiule system reduced canopy air temperature (Tair) and vapor pressure deficit (VPD), while the Modified system increased both variables. Ψmd was higher under the Grembiule than in the control, whereas the Modified system showed intermediate values. These results demonstrate that the effects of anti-hail nets produce contrasting results depending on net color and installation system. Careful selection of the installation system is therefore essential, particularly in warm, arid winegrowing regions frequently exposed to hailstorms and other environmental stresses.

Highlights:

  • Radiation was reduced by all anti-hail nets, mainly under the Black net and the Modified system.
  • The Grembiule system decreased the daily maximum air temperature and VPD at canopy levels.
  • In contrast, the Modified system increased the air temperature when compared with Grembiule and Control plants.
  • The Grembiule system increased midday leaf water potential.
  • Our results could be used to improve the standard practices and installation systems by considering the impact of nets on canopy temperature, VPD, RH and water status.

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06-08-2026

How to Cite

Nahuel, C. G., Fanzone, M., González, C. V., Perez Peña, J., Castro, P., & Prieto, J. A. (2026). Effects of Anti-hail Net Transmittance and Installation System on Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Malbec) Canopy Microclimate and Water Status . Revista De La Facultad De Ciencias Agrarias Uncuyo, 58(2), e9666. https://doi.org/10.48162/rev.39.225

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Vol. 58 No. 2 (2026): July-December

Section

Ecophysiology and crop management

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