Particle Film to Mitigate the Negative Effects of Climate Change on Grapevine Leaf Eco-Physiology as Mediated by Anatomical Traits

Climate change is affecting vine growth and productivity, especially in regions such as the southern Mediterranean area, where the frequency and severity of drought events are increasing, strongly influencing the yield and quality of the grapes. Apart from the water deficit, the radiation increase coupled with heat may impair the grapevine photosynthetic processes, which, in turn, compromise the production and quality of the grapes and wines. To mitigate the negative effects of excess solar radiation, water, and thermal stress, it is necessary to identify suitable practices to be implemented, especially in areas where the use of irrigation is limited or there is a need to reduce the consumption of water in agriculture. Among recent cultivation strategies for stress mitigation, the foliar application of mineral dust, also known as reflective powders or particle film, is promising. This review summarizes the effects of the most used particle films in viticulture on the main eco-physiological parameters with a focus on the control of leaf gas exchange and photoprotection, highlighting the knowledge gaps that still need to be filled. We also draw attention to the lack of information on the effects of particle film distribution on morpho-anatomical traits despite, in the last decades, their fundamental role in the acclimation capability of the different grapevine cultivars has been recognized. In our dissertation, we have not considered the effects on soil properties and pest control function of particle films, rather focused on the impact of screening particle films on the eco-physiological properties of grapevines. We report how the scientific interest in particle film is higher in countries where the effects of climate change on viticulture are more worrying. Finally, considering that water use strategies and photosynthetic efficiency in the various cultivars are strictly related to plant anatomical traits, we highlight how the latter need to be considered because they likely influence vines’ responses to particle film.