Table grapes are among the main fruit crops cultivated in Brazil, supported by cultivar diversity, technological advances, and adaptation to diverse edaphoclimatic conditions. Rootstock selection is critical in viticulture, influencing phenology, yield, and fruit quality. This study evaluated yield- and fruit-related production parameters, cluster characteristics, and biochemical composition of ‘BRS Núbia’ table grape grafted onto different rootstocks. The experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences (UNESP), São Manuel, São Paulo, Brazil, using a randomized block design in a split-plot scheme (three rootstocks × three seasons) with seven replicates. Rootstocks included ‘IAC 572 Jales’, ‘IAC 766 Campinas’, and ‘Paulsen 1103’, while subplots corresponded to the first three production seasons after grafting. Evaluated variables comprised bud fruitfulness, yield, productivity, physical attributes of clusters, berries, and rachises, and in 2022, berry biochemical traits, including total phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity. Rootstocks did not significantly affect bud fruitfulness or yield-related parameters. In contrast, production season markedly influenced vine performance, with the third (2023) season showing higher cluster and berry mass and size. Regarding fruit composition, vines grafted onto ‘Paulsen 1103’ and ‘IAC 766 Campinas’ showed greater accumulation of total phenolics and anthocyanins than those grafted onto ‘IAC 572 Jales’, overall.

Climate change continues to be one of the most significant challenges facing global horticultural production [...]

The present study aimed to characterize the vegetative growth and phenology of hop cultivars grown in successive seasons with artificial supplementation in a subtropical region. The experiment was conducted in Palotina, Paraná, Brazil (24° S) during the summer 2023–2024, winter 2024, and fall 2024–2025 growing seasons. LED lamps were used to extend the daily photoperiod to 17 h during the vegetative phase. The following hop cultivars were assessed: (a) Alpharoma; (b) Cascade; (c) Chinook; (d) Comet; (e) Dr. Rudi; (f) Hallertau Magnum; (g) Hallertau Mittelfruher; (h) Nugget; (i) Saaz; (j) Smooth; (k) Sorachi Ace; (l) Southern Cross; (m) Triple Pearl; (n) Yakima Gold; (o) Zeus. The assessed variables included plant height (Ht), hop growth rate (HGR), classification of four growth stages, number of lateral shoots, plant fresh mass, and phenology. Ht and HGR were analyzed by means of Gompertz and Gaussian regression models, respectively. The number of lateral shoots per plant and fresh mass were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), and means were grouped using the Scott-Knott test (p < 0.01). Seasonal temperature fluctuations, associated with advancing age and plant establishment throughout successive cycles, acted as important modulating factors in vegetative growth and phenology. In the summer season (2023–2024), Cascade and Hallertau Magnum were characterized as early cultivars. In the winter season (2024), Chinook, Nugget, Saaz, and Zeus were classified as early cultivars, while in the fall season (2024–2025), Dr. Rudi, Sorachi Ace, and Zeus were also considered early hops. The vegetative growth Stage I was found to be critical for earliness classification. The phenological cycle variability was amplified during seasons with higher temperatures. The ‘Sorachi Ace’, ‘Triple Pearl’, and ‘Zeus’ hops were the only ones capable of completing the phenological cycle in all three harvest seasons, with ‘Sorachi Ace’ standing out due to its uniform, stable growth pattern regardless of the season. It is concluded that successive hop cultivation is technically viable for specific hop cultivars grown under subtropical conditions with supplemental lighting.

The strategic choice of training system is essential for adapting viticulture to current climate change, ensuring a balance of physiological efficiency and the sustainability of productivity and oenological quality. This study evaluated the effects of vertical shoot positioning and foldable lyre systems (set at angles of 20°, 30° and 40°) on the physiological performance and yield of ‘Merlot’ grapevines. The experiment was conducted in a humid temperate region in Brazil over two consecutive seasons. The experiment followed a randomized block design. The variables evaluated included: the number of clusters per shoot, cluster weight, pruning weight, Ravaz Index, leaf area and yield; gas exchange parameters such as net CO2 assimilation rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, rubisco carboxylation efficiency, intercellular CO2 concentration and photosynthetic photon flux density; and chemical composition of berries such as pH, Total Soluble Solids and Titratable Acidity. The data were subjected to an analysis of variance, and the means were compared using Tukey’s test at a 5% probability level. The results indicated that canopy architecture significantly influenced solar radiation interception, with the 30° and 40° foldable lyre systems achieving the highest mean daily radiation levels, exceeding the vertical positioning system by 73.7% and 76.6%, respectively. Although gas exchange at the leaf level remained comparable across all systems, agronomic performance varied considerably. The 40° foldable lyre system achieved the highest yield (22.99 t ha−1), representing a 63.1% increase over the vertical positioning system (14.10 t ha−1). The number of buds in the foldable lyre systems increased by around 70%, which is closely in line with the observed increase in yield. In addition, the foldable lyre systems provided about 40% more leaf area than the vertical positioning system. These findings suggest that divided canopy systems, such as foldable lyre systems, particularly at 30° and 40°, optimize bud load, fruitfulness per shoot, light interception and significantly increase yield without compromising individual physiological efficiency and berry chemical composition, with a balance between vegetation and fruit load preserved and with positive effects on the ripeness and quality of the grapes.

The objective of this work was to assess different concentrations of a novel formulation of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) on anthocyanin accumulation and color development, as well as on the physicochemical characteristics of the ‘Benitaka’ table grape grown in a subtropical region in two application forms. The trial was conducted on a commercial property located in a subtropical area in Brazil in 2022. Treatments included different concentrations of a new formulation containing 400 g kg−1 of ACC, ranging from 0 to 125 g 100 L−1, as well as a standard concentration of a formulation containing 100 g L−1 of abscisic acid (S-ABA): 3.2 L ha−1. The exogenous application of ACC was performed at the beginning of berry ripening (véraison), while that of S-ABA was performed twice: the first, at véraison, and the second, 7 days later. The concentration of total anthocyanins, berry color index, physicochemical characteristics, and sensory–visual analysis of color coverage of the bunches were evaluated weekly, while berry firmness was appraised at harvest. A single exogenous application of ACC or two applications of S-ABA resulted in daily increment rates that provided a high accumulation of total anthocyanins, as well as greater berry color development, regardless of the application method, directed to the canopy of the vines or only to the bunches. As a result, the new formulation of ACC at concentrations of 75 g to 100 g 100 L−1 is a novel tool to stimulate the anthocyanins accumulation and berry color development in ‘Benitaka’ table grapes grown in subtropical regions without negative impact on bunches or vines.

The aim of this study was to characterize the vegetative growth development of hop plants grown in the subtropics under a two-crop-a-year system with artificial supplementation lighting. The development of ‘Mapuche’ and ‘Spalter’ hops was compared during the summer 2022–2023, fall 2023, summer 2023–2024 and fall 2024 harvest seasons, considering the effects of the air temperature on the vegetative growth of plants from thermal sums in a subtropical climate region. The experiment was conducted in Palotina, Paraná, Brazil (24°17′40.05″ S, 55°50′23.16″ W, at 332 m elevation). The hops were trained on a 5.5 m high vertical trellis, using a ‘V’-shaped training system. Vegetative growth was evaluated based on the plant height development (m), hop growth rate (HGR), and classification of four growth stages based on the HGR. The phenology of the hop cultivars was determined visually according to the duration in days of the phenological stages. The development of the plant height and HGR was analyzed by nonlinear regressions of the Gompertz model and Gaussian function, respectively. ‘Mapuche’ and ‘Spalter’ hops had complete vegetative growth and phenological phases in the summer and fall seasons, with greater precocity in plant development in the summer season. The growth model based on the air temperature demonstrated that under subtropical conditions, the growth was maximized in seasons with higher temperatures. The duration of the phenological phases and the complete cycle of the plants was influenced by the vegetative growth of each cultivar in each harvest season. Therefore, double annual crop production of the hop cultivars ‘Mapuche’ and ‘Spalter’ is possible in a subtropical climate with artificial light supplementation.

The objective of this work was to assess the association of ACC (1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid), S-ABA (abscisic acid), and ethephon on color development and anthocyanin accumulation in berries, as well as on other quality attributes of ‘Benitaka’ and ‘Rubi’ table grapes grown in a subtropical region, in addition to postharvest conservation of clusters and vine regrowth. As a statistical model, a randomized block design consisting of nine treatments and four replications was used. The treatments included different associations of ACC, S-ABA, and ethephon, by using the commercial formulations Accede®, ProTone®, and Ethrel® containing 400 g kg−1 of ACC, 100 g L−1 of S-ABA, and 720 g L−1 of ethephon, respectively. The total anthocyanins, berry color index (CIRG), physicochemical characteristics, and cluster color coverage were assessed weekly, while berry firmness was assessed at harvest. After being harvested, the clusters were placed under cold storage at 1.0 ± 1.0 °C, and after 45 days, their postharvest attributes were assessed, as well as the vine regrowth in the following season. The exogenous and combined application of compounds at véraison was demonstrated to be a strategy to trigger the development of color in ‘Benitaka’ and ‘Rubi’ table grapes. For the ‘Benitaka’ table grape, the clusters treated with the different combinations of ACC and S-ABA, ethephon and S-ABA, or ethephon alone resulted in the highest concentration of total anthocyanins and the highest CIRG means (4.90; 4.86; 4.82; 4.81, 4.73, and 4.70 mg g−1 for anthocyanins, and 6.12, 6.08, 5.97, 5.92, 5.85, and 5.74 for CIRG, respectively). For the ‘Rubi’ table grape, the combinations of ACC and S-ABA at 7 days after véraison (DAV), or ethephon and S-ABA at 7 and 14 days, resulted in higher means of anthocyanins and CIRG (3.86, 3.51, and 3.40 mg g−1 for anthocyanins and 5.05, 4.68, 4.82, and 4.79 for CIRG, respectively). Furthermore, the firmness of the berries of both cultivars remained unchanged, and after 45 days of cold storage, no reduction in the quality of the evaluated postharvest attributes was found. It was concluded that a single application of ACC 0.20 g L−1 + S-ABA 0.250 g L−1 at 7 DAV was sufficient to promote the accumulation of anthocyanins and resulted in an intense and uniform color in the berries for both varieties assessed, with no adverse impacts on the postharvest conservation of the clusters or on the regrowth of the vines. The significance of this research was to demonstrate that table grapes with insufficient skin color can be improved through a combination of S-ABA and ACC at lower concentrations of active ingredients.

Health-conscious consumers are looking for healthier foods that promote health and well-being [...]

A biodegradable polymer packaging system for ‘Benitaka’ table grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) was developed to inhibit the development of gray mold during refrigerated storage. The system consisted of packages and sachets containing Na2S2O5 to release sulfur dioxide (SO2), both produced with biodegradable films of starch, glycerol, and poly (adipate co-butylene terephthalate) (PBAT) produced via blown extrusion. The films were characterized in terms of thickness, density, mass loss in water, water vapor permeability, sorption isotherms, and mechanical properties. The table grapes were packed with biodegradable plastic bags containing SO2-releasing sachets inside. The experimental design was completely randomized, with four repetitions and five treatments: (a) control, without sachet containing Na2S2O5 and SiO2; (b) 2 g of Na2S2O5 + 2 g of SiO2; (c) 4 g of Na2S2O5 + 1 g of SiO2; (d) 4 g of Na2S2O5 + 2 g of SiO2; and (e) 4 g of Na2S2O5 + 4 g of SiO2. The bunches were stored in a refrigerated chamber at 1 ± 1 °C and relative humidity above 90%. The treatments were evaluated 30 and 45 days after the beginning of refrigerated storage and 3 days at room temperature. The grapes were evaluated based on the incidence of gray mold, mass loss, stem browning, shattered berries, and berry bleaching. The data were subjected to the analysis of variance, and the means were compared using Tukey’s test at 5%. The biodegradable films had good processability during the production via blown extrusion, with good physical properties to be used in the packaging of grapes and the production of SO2-releasing sachets. The biodegradable polymer packaging system (biodegradable plastic bags + SO2-releasing sachets) inhibited the development of gray mold on ‘Benitaka’ table grapes for 45 days at 1 °C, preserving their quality, with low mass loss, few shattered berries, and rachis freshness.

The recent exponential growth of craft beer sector led many brewers to seeking strategies to differentiate their beers from other similar products. For emerging hop-producing countries, one of these strategies relied on the use of local hops, thus taking advantage of the “terroir” effect. This market trend has increased the demand for raw materials from breweries, with positive effects on agricultural production, including hops. However, lack of knowledge along all the hop supply chain heavily hinders the development of a steady and efficient hop production. Particularly, growers urgently need information about the best agronomic practices, which should be adopted to achieve a sustainable hop production, under both conventional and organic farming. Unfortunately, studies on basic hop farming are scarce and often inadequate. The aim of this review is to analyze what agronomic research has done working on hops in the new growing areas (e.g., Brazil, Florida, France, Italy and Virginia) and what it has still to do to facilitate the hop growers in building and conducting their own hopyard. Through this analysis, we also aimed to provide directions for policymakers and scientific community that want to develop a hop supply chain starting from its basis. The review highlighted that while the screening of existing hop commercial cultivars was adequately referenced, the agronomic practices and growing technics suited for each new growing zone are still little studied or completely unknown. The use of artificial LED lighting is a key theme at the lowest latitudes of Florida and Brazil, organic management is pivotal in Italy and France, while alternative trellis design and hop breeding plans represent the shared research interest in all the emerging hop growing zones.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2)-generating pads associated with perforated plastic liners are often used to control gray mold in table grapes during cold storage; however, SO2 may cause bleaching, shattered berries, and an unwanted taste. To overcome this difficulty, a field ultrafast SO2-generating pad was designed to be used for a few hours before packaging grape bunches as an alternative for eradicating spores of fungi from berry skin. This study aimed to assess the postharvest conservation and shelf life of ‘Italia’ table grapes packaged in plastic clamshells and perforated plastic liners using the field ultra-fast SO2-generating pads before packaging, associated with or without slow- or dual-phase SO2-generating pads during cold storage. The packaged grapes were cold stored (1.0 ± 1.0 °C; 95% relative humidity), and after 45 d, grapes were placed at room temperature (22.0 ± 1.0 °C) without plastic liners and SO2-generating pads for 3 d. Before and after the grapes had been subjected to the field ultra-fast SO2-generating pads, the quantification of filamentous fungi on the surface of the berries was assessed. The use of field ultra-fast SO2-generating pads before packaging, associated with slow- or dual-phase SO2-generating pads during cold storage, resulted in a lower incidence of gray mold after 45 d of storage, with low weight loss and shattered berries, good preservation of stem freshness, and no impairment in the color and firmness of the berries. Additionally, a significant decrease in disease incidence was observed when using only the dual-phase SO2-generating pads in cold storage, with good maintenance of bunch quality.

A alternative to producing litchi (Litchi sinensis Sonn.) seedlings is by cuttings. However, the main drawback of using this method is related to the difficulty of rooting presented by this species. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the rooting of semihardwood cuttings of litchi ‘Bengal’ at different concentrations of indolebutyric acid, with or without incision in the base. The experimental design was completely randomized with five replicates of 10 cuttings in a factorial 3X2 (three IBA concentrations: 0, 1.000 and 2.000 mg L-1; with or without incision in the base). After 126 days, the variables evaluated were: cutting survival, leaf retention, cutting with callus not rooted, rooted cutting, number of roots per cutting, length of major roots per cutting and dry weight of roots per cutting. For rooting, the IBA application was efficient only when the cuttings were not injured. In addition, there was no influence of the types of cuttings in the IBA concentrations. However, in those with incision at the base, the means were higher without the application of the plant growth regulator. Thus, the 'Bengal' litchi can be multiplied by semihardwood cuttings with incision at the base of the cuttings, without the use of IBA.

We compared growth performance, yield, and cone quality of hops cultivars grown under a double annual-harvest scheme under artificial supplementary light in a subtropical region. The experiment was conducted in Palotina, Paran & aacute;, Brazil (24 degrees 17'40.05" S; 55 degrees 50'23.16" W, at 332 m elevation). Plants were trained on a 5,5 m high vertical trellis, "V" shaped tutoring system. The experiment was laid in a randomized complete-block design in a factorial arrangement (2 x 4) to evaluate the following factors and levels: a) harvest (Conventional Summer Harvest 2022/23, CSH; Off-season Fall Harvest 2023, OFH); and b) cultivar (Hallertau Mittelfr & uuml;her; Mapuche; Northern Brewer; Spalter). In both harvests, plant growth, expressed as plant height and fresh weight, yield components (number of cones per side branch, number of cones per plant, cone fresh weight, weight of fresh cones per plant, and estimated productivity), and chemical components of the cones (alpha- and beta-acids and essential oil) were evaluated. Plant growth was analyzed using nonlinear log-logistic regression. The remaining data were subjected to analysis of variance and means were compared using Tukey's test at the 5% probability level. Plant growth, yield, and chemical components of cones differed between harvests, with the summer crop showing faster vegetative growth and yield, while the fall crop showed greater cone mass and quality. At both harvests, cultivars Mapuche and Spalter showed faster vegetative growth, and greater biomass accumulation and yield. Therefore, vegetative growth was considered a major factor influencing yield components, while comparing cultivars and harvests. Hops cultivation for two harvests per year (summer and fall) seems feasible in subtropical climates with the use of supplementary artificial light.

The SO2-generating pads contain different concentrations of sodium metabisulfite, which absorbs water from the grapes’ transpiration, releasing SO2 gas, and there are slow-(SlowSO2) and dual (DualSO2)-releasing pads (fast release in the first 48 h and slow for up to 60 days). The ultra-fast SO2-generating pad (FieldSO2) releases the SO2 quickly for up to 6 h, and it was designed to be used soon after the harvest and until the grapes’ packaging. The goal was to study the effect of FieldSO2 associated with SlowSO2 and DualSO2 pads on gray mold incidence and physicochemical and appearance characteristics of ‘Italia’ table grapes. Grapes were harvested from a commercial vineyard in Parana, Brazil, in 2020 and 2021, and packaged in cardboard boxes, and the treatments were as follows: control (without SO2-generating pads); FieldSO2 + SlowSO2; and FieldSO2 + DualSO2. After 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 days of cold storage (1 ± 1 °C), the grapes were assessed for gray mold incidence, mass loss, shattered berries, stem browning, and filamentous fungi on the surface. The use of FieldSO2 associated with SO2-generating pads is effective in controlling gray mold on ‘Italia’ table grapes, especially the treatment FieldSO2 + DualSO2, which provides the lowest incidence of the disease up to 90 days of cold storage, while the combination with SlowSO2 results in intermediate efficacy. Treatments combining these SO2-generating pads extend the postharvest shelf life of ‘Italia’ grapes, with few shattered berries, low mass loss and freshness of the rachis without impairing the bunch’s appearance.

Comparamos o desempenho de crescimento, o rendimento e a qualidade do cone de cultivares de lúpulo cultivadas sob um esquema de dupla safra anual sob luz artificial suplementar em uma região subtropical. O experimento foi conduzido em Palotina, Paraná, Brasil (24°17’40.05” S; 55°50’23.16” W, a 332 m de altitude). As plantas foram conduzidas em um sistema de condução em forma de “V” com treliça vertical de 5,5 m de altura. O experimento foi realizado em delineamento de blocos casualizados em arranjo fatorial (2 × 4) para avaliar os seguintes fatores e níveis: a) safras (Safra Convencional de verão 2022/23, CSH; Safra Extemporânea de outono 2023, OFH); e b) cultivares (Hallertau Mittelfrüher; Mapuche; Northern Brewer; Spalter). Em ambas as safras foram avaliados o crescimento da planta, expresso como altura e peso fresco da planta, componentes de rendimento (número de cones por ramo lateral, número de cones por planta, peso fresco do cone, peso de cones frescos por planta e produtividade estimada) e componentes químicos dos cones (teores de ácidos alfa e beta e de óleos essenciais). O crescimento da planta foi analisado usando regressão log-logística não linear. Os dados restantes foram submetidos à análise de variância e as médias foram comparadas usando o teste de Tukey à 5% de probabilidade de erro. O crescimento das plantas, o rendimento e os componentes químicos dos cones foram distintos entre as safras, encontrando para o ciclo de verão maior precocidade no crescimento vegetativo e maior rendimento, enquanto para o ciclo de outono maior massa e qualidade dos cones. Em ambas as safras as cultivares Mapuche e Spalter apresentaram precocidade no crescimento vegetativo, maior acúmulo de massa e maior rendimento. Portanto, o crescimento vegetativo foi considerado um fator de influência para os componentes de rendimento produtivo, quando comparado tanto as cultivares quanto as safras. O cultivo de lúpulo em duas safras ao ano (verão e outono) mostrou-se viável em clima subtropical com o uso de luz artificial suplementar.

This study aimed to assess, for the first time, the exogenous application of a new formulation of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) developed for agricultural use at different concentrations as a strategy to trigger color development in table grapes grown in the subtropics. Trials were conducted in commercial vineyards of ‘Benitaka’ and ‘Rubi’ grapes located in a subtropical area in the South of Brazil. For each cultivar, a randomized block design with seven treatments and four replications was used as the statistical model. Treatments included various concentrations of a formulation containing 400 g kg−1 of ACC: 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, and 125 g 100 L−1, as well as a standard concentration of a formulation containing 100 g L−1 of abscisic acid (S-ABA): 3.2 L ha−1. Treatments were exogenously applied at véraison, and for each cultivar, two trials were conducted independently, including two methods of application: to the entire canopy of the vines or only to the bunches, totaling four independent trials. The concentration of total anthocyanins and the color index of the berries were assessed weekly, whereas visual sensory analysis of the color coverage of the berries was performed at harvest. The data were subjected to analysis of variance, and means were compared by Tukey’s test at 5% significance using R-Studio software. A single exogenous application of ACC, ranging from 75 g 100 L−1 to 125 g 100 L−1, intensified berry color by increasing the total anthocyanin concentration in berry skins. For ‘Benitaka’ grape, applications of ACC to the entire canopy of vines or only to bunches ranging from 75 g 100 L−1 to 100 g 100 L−1 resulted in enough color coverage, while for ‘Rubi’, ACC at 100 g 100 L−1 was enough to intensify and to uniform the red color of berries, as well as the application of S-ABA at 3.2 L ha−1, with no negative impact to the bunches or vines.

This study aimed to assess the cold storage preservation of ‘BRS Vitoria’ seedless grape by combining SO2-generating pads. ‘BRS Vitoria’ grapes were freshly harvested from a commercial vineyard in Marialva, PR, Brazil. The trial was carried out in a completely randomized design with four treatments and five replications, and each plot consisted of five bunches individually packaged in clamshells. Treatments included (a) control (without SO2 pads), (b) field ultrafast SO2-generating pad before packaging (FieldSO2), (c) dual-release SO2-generating pad during cold storage (DualSO2), and (d) FieldSO2 + DualSO2. After being harvested, bunches subjected to FieldSO2 treatments were placed in a 20 kg harvest box with perforated liners. Subsequently, the FieldSO2 was placed on top of the grapes, and the liner was sealed for 4 h. Afterwards, bunches were packaged according to the treatments, and the boxes were kept in cold storage (1 °C ± 1 °C) for 60 days and at room temperature for 3 days. After 60 days of cold storage, by using a combination of FieldSO2 and DualSO2 pads, the cold preservation of ‘BRS Vitoria’ grape bunches can be extended up to 60 days with total absence of gray mold with fresh stems, with no negative impact on weight loss, shattered berries or even bleaching. This treatment can be used to optimize the cold storage period of ‘BRS Vitoria’, especially for export markets, where long periods of cold preservation are required.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of essential oil from orange peel in the refrigerated conservation of the ‘Benitaka’ table grape, as well as to evaluate its in vitro effectiveness on Botrytis cinerea, the causal agent of gray mold. Grapes were harvested from a commercial field in the municipality of Cambira, Paraná, during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. The experimental design was completely randomized, with four treatments and five replications of five bunches per plot. The treatments were: a) control; b) essential oil from orange peel at 4.0 mL of the commercial product (c.p.) L-1; c) dual phase SO2-generating pads containing 1 and 4 g of the active ingredient (a.i.) in the fast and slow phases, respectively; and d) essential oil from orange peel at 4.0 mL c.p. L-1 associated with the dual phase SO2-generating pads containing 1 and 4 g of the a.i. in the fast and slow phases, respectively. A commercial product containing 61.14 g L-1 (6% w/v) of 4-isopropenyl-1-methylcyclohexane, the source of orange essential oil, was applied by spraying it directly onto the bunches. After drying, the grape bunches were stored in a refrigerated chamber at 1.0±1°C and 95% relative humidity. The following variables were assessed 30 and 45 days after the beginning of cold storage: the incidence of gray mold on berries, loss of bunch mass, stem browning, shattered berries, and bleaching. The minimum inhibitory concentration for the development of B. cinerea was determined, and fungal mycelia were observed using scanning electron microscopy to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of orange essential oil. The data were subjected to analysis of variance, and the means were compared using Fisher's difference test at 5% probability. The effectiveness of orange essential oil in suppressing the development of B. cinerea was demonstrated both in vivo and in vitro, making it a safe alternative for the postharvest conservation of 'Benitaka' table grapes.