Minghua Li¹ , Xingzhu Feng²

1 Biotechnology Research Center of Zhuji Cuixi Academy of Biotechology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China
2 Hainan Institute of Biotechnology, Haikou, 570206, Hainan, China
Author    Correspondence author
International Journal of Horticulture, 2025, Vol. 15, No. 6   doi: 10.5376/ijh.2025.15.0029
Received: 20 Jul., 2025    Accepted: 20 Oct., 2025    Published: 30 Nov., 2025

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Li M.H., and Feng X.Z., 2025, Effects of leaf removal on grape quality and sugar accumulation, International Journal of Horticulture, 15(6): 290-298 (doi: 10.5376/ijh.2025.15.0029)

Leaf removal is of special importance as a general cultural practice in viticulture to improve light conditions, control the fruit microenvironment, and promote sugar accumulation. This study describes the basic ways and forms of grapevine leaf removal and summarizes the effects of different timings, locations, and intensities of defoliation on the external appearance of the fruit, its physicochemical properties, flavor compounds, and storability. In addition, it probes the molecular and physiological foundations through which the removal of leaves induces sugar build-up, such as photosynthesis, source-sink balance, activity and expression of enzymes and genes related to sugar metabolism, and transport of sugar. The study also discusses the impact of varietal variation, environmental conditions, and interactions with other cultural practices on the efficiency of leaf removal, as well as comparing domestic and foreign research progress and practical experiences. In general, leaf removal has vast potential for improving grape quality and sugar accumulation, but the optimal application procedures remain to be explored on the basis of varietal characteristics and local conditions. Theoretical citations and practical experiences presented in this study are beneficial for precision vineyard management and industrial application.

Grape; Leaf removal; Quality; Sugar accumulation; Cultivation management