BIO-CRIMSON Case Study – Agricultural Biostimulants in Table Grape Cultivation (Crimson Variety)

Konstantinos Aliferis, Assistant Professor of Agricultural Pharmacology, Agricultural University of Athens (AUA) “Biostimulants as a ‘key’ to production sustainability and enhanced quality in Crimson grape variety” – “Our aim is to offer producers more targeted and effective solutions”

Interview by Tania Georgiopoulou

Although table grapes are one of Greece’s most important agricultural export products, production losses due to pests and pathogens, as well as the presence of pesticide residues, hinder the further development of the sector. In this context, Konstantinos Aliferis, Assistant Professor of Agricultural Pharmacology at the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), is researching together with his team the application of biostimulant formulations in the cultivation of Crimson table grapes, aiming to enhance production sustainability and reduce inputs. In his interview with “YX,” he discusses the benefits and results of the project, as well as its impact on production and the quality of products from the vineyards of Pegasus Agrifood Coop.

For this specific programme, the company GAIA Epicheirein, as the coordinating body, leads the BIO-CRIMSON Operational Group, co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) under Measure 16 “Cooperation,” specifically Sub-measures 16.1–16.2, with the goal of contributing to agricultural productivity and sustainability.

The programme was implemented over two years. Do you have specific results, and what are they?

Within the BIO-CRIMSON research programme, the use of two different biostimulants (seaweed extracts and humic acids) and a defence inducer (laminarin) was evaluated on the Crimson table grape variety through metabolomic analysis using GC/EI/MS. Metabolomic analysis is an innovative technology that enables us to study how vine metabolism responds to biostumulant treatments.

The results are encouraging, as the applied active substances affected vine metabolism and demonstrated their positive effects, with seaweed extracts having the greatest impact.

The vines treated with the active substances were significantly more vigorous, with larger foliage and vibrant green leaves compared to untreated vines, indicating a positive effect of the formulations on the overall physiological condition of the plants. This observation was also reflected in the metabolomic analyses, which identified key metabolites that play a major role in plant physiology and defence mechanisms in response to the treatments.

Did the treatments help plants cope with climate-related stress?

Yes, there was a positive effect on plant stress, which is particularly important considering that the cultivation was rainfed and therefore exposed to intense abiotic stress, such as water scarcity and high temperatures. The vines treated with the applications were more vigorous, exhibiting better growth and vitality.

They also showed greater uniformity and stability in their development, indicating better adaptation to adverse conditions. Furthermore, changes were recorded in metabolites known to be associated with plant responses to drought conditions and environmental stress in general. These metabolites indicate the activation of physiological adaptation and defence mechanisms, demonstrating that the plants responded better to the stress of rainfed conditions.

Was the quality of the product affected, and if so, how?

Yes, the quality of the product was positively affected. The vines that received the treatments exhibited better physiological condition and were more robust, contributing to the smooth growth and ripening of the fruit. The good nutritional and water status of the plants, despite the rainfed conditions, helped maintain production stability and enhanced quality characteristics such as uniformity, composition, and possibly the content of important compounds.

In many cases, an improvement in the appearance of the fruit was also observed, which is significant for its commercial value. Additionally, the activation of defence and adaptation mechanisms through related metabolites appears to have contributed to protecting the plant material from stress factors, an element that positively impacts the quality of the final product.

Do producers have a specific protocol in hand, or does each vineyard require a different approach?

Yes, producers have a specific application protocol, which serves as a guiding framework and includes the basic directions on the timing and method of intervention. However, since each vineyard has its own particularities—such as different microclimates, soil types, vine ages, and cultivation history—this protocol cannot be applied uniformly everywhere.

It is important to assess local conditions and adapt the protocol to the needs of each vineyard. For this reason, we place great emphasis on close collaboration with producers and agronomists, so that the protocol is applied in a more targeted and customized way for each vineyard, thus ensuring better and more consistent results.

Will you continue to do research in this specific field?

Yes, we will continue to apply biostimulants and innovative methods in the field, in vine cultivation, which will be evaluated through metabolomic analysis. Our goal is to thoroughly investigate the relationship between the physiological status of the plants, environmental pressures, and the quality of the produced product.

At the same time, we aim to adapt the application protocols to the conditions of each plot, for the purpose of enhancing plant resilience and production sustainability. The use of metabolomics allows for more precise monitoring of the interventions’ effects at the metabolic level, enabling evidence-based decision-making. Continuing the research will enable us to further substantiate the benefits of these interventions and provide producers with more targeted and effective solutions.

Georgia Karachaliou – Producer, BIO-CRIMSON Operational Group “Stronger and higher-quality grapes thanks to biostimulants” – How a producer from Pegasus Agrifood Coop improved plant resilience and fruit quality

With the aim of qualitatively and quantitatively upgrading table grape production through the development of a modern, customized vine protection programme based on biostimulants, the pilot implementation of the BIO-CRIMSON operational group project was carried out in the vineyards of the producer members of Pegasus Agrifood Coop. Georgia Karachaliou, a producer from the Pegasus Coop and member of the BIO-CRIMSON Operational Group, spoke to “YX” about the impact of biostimulant use on the plants and production of the Crimson table grape variety.

How long have you been using the biostimulants through the project?

The project started at the beginning of 2023. A plan for the use of biostimulants was immediately drawn up. Three different formulations were applied to the Crimson crop at three distinct phenological stages. Although the project was set to conclude in 2025, we decided to continue using the products this year as well, in a more favourable year in terms of weather conditions, to further examine their impact on our production.

Did you use specific formulations? If yes, which ones?

Three different categories of biostimulants were used. Initially, laminarin was chosen to enhance grape quality; the product selected was Vacciplant. The next biostimulant was humic and fulvic acids, applied foliarly, aimed at improving leaf surface and increasing production. Lastly, ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extract was used to optimise fruit quality. The application of all these was done foliarly.

How did you know when and how to use them?

The use of the products was coordinated with the responsible agronomist, always based on the programme’s requirements. Discussions took place before the start of the growing season and were adjusted according to the challenges posed by weather conditions and the unusual precocity of the season.

Did you notice differences in your production? What was the impact of using biostimulants on the plants and production?

The differences fall into three key areas: production impact, plant condition, and fruit quality. Firstly, cluster weight seemed to increase, along with greater uniformity of berries within the cluster, which means higher commercial value. Regarding the plants, there was a reduction in heat stress and a more intense green colour in the foliage, considering the dry conditions and water scarcity. Finally, fruit quality improved, with uniform colour prevailing and a noticeable reduction in cracking. In conclusion, the grapes became more resilient and were of higher quality, leading to higher fruit quality and improved market prices.

Will you continue using biostimulants in your cultivation?

Yes, I will continue using biostimulants because I observed their positive effects on both quality and production stability. Specifically, I noticed more uniform and intense berry colour, larger average fruit size, and overall better commercial quality, all of which helped sell the product at a better price. At the same time, the plants showed greater resilience during periods of intense heat or water stress, which has become increasingly important due to extreme weather conditions in recent years. Economically, the cost of biostimulants was offset by the improved quality and higher selling prices. For these reasons, I consider them a valuable part of my fertilisation and nutrition programme, serving as a useful tool to strengthen the plant’s natural resilience and improve the final outcome.