Advantages and disadvantages of UV-B radiations on Grapevine (Vitis sp.)

UV radiation, as a natural component of sunlight and frequently mentioned in relation with climatic changes, has numerous regulatory effects on grapevine physiology and biochemistry. In last decades many studies gave significant advances in the understanding of the effects of UV radiation on compounds of the primary and secondary metabolism, especially those which impact grape and wine quality. Mechanisms of plant responses to solar UV-B radiation are therefore disadvantageous: such as inhibition effect on plant growth, but also advantageous such as accumulation of phenolic compounds and improved resistance to pathogenes. UV-B affects the secondary metabolism of plants and thus indicating that solar UV-B is to be regarded as an environmental challenge rather than a damage-inducing source of stress in vitiviniculture. UV irradiation might have a positive influence on grape “healthiness” or composition and consequently a positive impact on wine quality. This review provides a synopsis of the effect of UV radiation associated variables on grapevine physiology and biochemistry as potential key factor in the future of global grape production.