Determining Air Pollutant Effects on the Growth and Productivity of ‘Concord’ Grapevines Using Open-top Chambers1

Abstract

Abstract A 4-year study was conducted to compare vine growth and yield in ambient air with growth in air charcoal-filtered to remove ozone. Open top chambers, with and without charcoal filters, were placed over individual vines in a mature ‘Concord’ ( Vitis labruscana , Bailey) vineyard. Vines growing in open top chambers, regardless of charcoal filtration, grew less, had delayed maturity of shoots, and delayed leaf senescence as compared to those not growing in chambers. Though chamber effect masked treatment effect on total vine productivity, charcoal filtration reduced oxidant stipple and increased fruit soluble solids. Year-to-year variability in severity of oxidant stipple may be related to seasonal rainfall and ambient ozone levels.