Nicolas Carrasco-Catricura

Mr. Nicolas Carrasco-Catricura


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
20 September 2025 in Horticulturae
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
AMAriel Muñoz Alarcón Muñoz-Alarcón
Ariel Muñoz Alarcón Muñoz-Alarcón
Marjorie ReyesMarjorie Reyes
Marjorie Reyes
ISIgnacio Serra
Ignacio Serra
Jorge González VillagraJorge González Villagra
Jorge González Villagra
NCNicolas Carrasco-Catricura
Nicolas Carrasco-Catricura
ARAlejandra Ribera-Fonseca
Alejandra Ribera-Fonseca
Climate change has promoted the expansion of viticulture toward southern Chile. However, in regions like La Araucanía, low heat accumulation and high rainfall often limit ripening and phenolic development in Vitis vinifera L. grapes. To address this, the use of reflective ground films has been proposed to enhance light interception by the canopy. This study evaluated the effect of reflective ground film on the technological and phenolic quality of cv. ‘Pinot Noir’ grapes. The trial was conducted using three treatments: (1) control without film, (2) reflective ground film installed at the onset of veraison (FV), and (3) reflective ground film installed at 80% veraison (F80V). A randomized complete block design with four replicates per treatment was used. At harvest, total soluble solids (TSS), total acidity, pH, yield, total phenols, and anthocyanins were measured. The FV treatment increased reflected light by up to 60% and significantly enhanced TSS (7.3%), total phenols (7.2%), and anthocyanins (69.3%) compared to the control. No significant differences were observed in acidity, pH, or yield. The results indicate that installing reflective ground film at veraison improves ripening and phenolic accumulation in cold climate vineyards.