Assessment of Berry Anthocyanin Stability in Table Grapes under Partial Rootzone Drying

Abstract

The stability of anthocyanins in table grapes is a key determinant of fruit color quality, market value, and nutritional properties, particularly under water-limited irrigation strategies. This study assesses berry anthocyanin stability in table grapes under partial rootzone drying (PRD) to evaluate its effectiveness in enhancing fruit quality while conserving water. The proposed methodology involves controlled field experiments with alternating irrigation between root zones, combined with data-driven analytical approaches. Key parameters, including soil moisture distribution, vine water status, berry development, and anthocyanin concentration and stability, are measured using sensor-based monitoring and biochemical analysis techniques. The collected data are preprocessed through cleaning, normalization, and statistical validation to ensure accuracy and consistency. Advanced analytical and machine learning models, such as regression analysis, Random Forest, and Artificial Neural Networks, are employed to investigate the relationship between irrigation treatments and anthocyanin dynamics. Experimental results indicate that partial rootzone drying induces moderate water stress, which enhances anthocyanin synthesis and stability in grape berries compared to conventional irrigation methods. Improved pigment concentration and color uniformity are observed without significant reduction in yield when PRD is applied at appropriate growth stages. However, excessive stress conditions negatively affect berry size and overall quality. The study highlights the importance of precise irrigation control and timing in optimizing both water use efficiency and fruit biochemical attributes. The findings demonstrate that PRD is an effective strategy for improving anthocyanin stability and fruit quality in table grapes. The study concludes that integrating advanced irrigation techniques with data-driven analysis provides a sustainable and efficient approach for high-quality grape production under limited water availability.