Abstract:

In order to adapt to climate change and promote the sustainable and stable development of the grape industry in northern Xinjiang, parallel observations and experimental methods were employed to study the impact of changes in meteorological elements on the growth and development period of grapes and the opening of flower clusters. The results showed that the growing season of grapes in northern Xinjiang was from mid to late April to mid-October, and the dormant period was from late October to mid-April. The budding to maturity period of ‘Red Globe’ grapes was significantly correlated with accumulated temperature ≥10℃, and the flowering period temperature was significantly correlated with grape yield. The flowering period of grapes was a critical period of growth, generally lasting 1 to 2 weeks, with a peak flowering period of 2 to 3 days. The dynamic expression of flower cluster opening showed a clear double-peak curve, with the most flowers opening between 10:00-12:00, and a decrease in flower cluster opening during the period of dry air and temperatures exceeding 30℃ from 14:00 to 16:00. The optimal temperature for grape cluster opening was 16-30℃, with the most suitable temperature range being 22-26℃. Grape flowering was most suitable when the relative humidity of the air was 50%-80%. The variation in grape cluster opening dates during the peak flowering period corresponds to the variation in net photosynthetic rate on a daily basis, with a highly significant correlation coefficient. Temperature, humidity, and sunlight were the three important environmental factors affecting grape growth and flower cluster opening. The experimental results can provide reference for studying the biological characteristics of grapes, preventing meteorological disasters, and ensuring safe production.

Key words: ‘Red Globe’ grapes, developmental period, flower cluster opening, climate change