The Energy Potential of Woody Vine Shoots Depending on the Training System, Cultivar, and Colour of the Fruit

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the energy potential of woody grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) shoots depending on the cultivation system, cultivar, and fruit colour. Field studies were conducted in 2024 at the Mendel University Vineyard in Lednice (Czech Republic) on Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling, and Zweigelt cultivars, cultivated using the Guyot and Cordon systems. The cultivar analysis covered both the amount of biomass produced during pruning and its energy and emission properties. Laboratory tests of the energy potential of the biomass obtained were carried out at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin. The results showed that the varietal factor significantly influenced the biomass parameters-Chardonnay was characterised by the highest total plant weight (773.57 g), while Zweigelt (8.60 pcs.) had the highest number of shoots with the lowest unit weight (74.82 g). The Cordon system generated significantly higher biomass yields and more favourable combustion properties compared to Guyot. Differences in fruit colour indicate that, among the studied cultivars, white-berried varieties produce heavier shoots, whereas red varieties produce a greater number of shoots. The analysis of gas emissions showed a significant influence of the cultivar and training system, with the highest CO, CO2, and NOx emissions recorded for the Zweigelt cultivar. The results emphasise that an integrated approach, taking into account both genotypic factors, training systems and phenotypic characteristics of the vines, is crucial for optimising the use of wine biomass as an energy source in the context of a circular economy.