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EFFECTS OF ACID RAIN ON GRAPEVINES
Citation:
Forsline, P., R. Musselman, R. Dee, AND W. Kender. EFFECTS OF ACID RAIN ON GRAPEVINES. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/J-83/364 (NTIS PB88101662), 1983.
Description:
Mature vineyard-growing Concord grapevines were sprayed with simulated acid rain solutions ranging from pH 2.5 to 5.5 both as acute treatments at anthesis and chronically throughout the season in 1980 and 1981. In 1981, 8 additional varieties were also treated with simulated acid rain solutions at pH 2.75 and 3.25. With Concord in 1981, few foliar lesions on leaves were visible at pH 2.75. In contrast, many leaf lesions with decreased fruit soluble solids were observed at pH 2.5 in 1980. The relationship between acid rain and oxidant stipple, chlorosis, and soluble solids in the absence of acid rain leaf lesions at pH>2.5 remains unclear. Acute sprays (pH2.75) at anthesis reduced pollen germination in four grape cultivars. However, fruit set was reduced in only one of these. Grape yields were not influenced by acid rain treatments. There was no evidence that acid rain at ambient pH levels had negative effects on grape production or fruit quality. (Copyright (c) American Journal of Enol. Vitic. 1983.)