Background and Aims:The present study investigated the effectiveness of bovine blood (BB)-based products, compared with that of the widely used iron ethylenediaminedi-(2-hydroxyphenylacetic) acid (Fe-EDDHA) synthetic chelate, in iron nutrition of grapevine graft combinations and rootstocks grown under different controlled conditions. Methods and Results:In experiments under nutrient solution utilising rhizoboxes and pots, the effect of iron application treatments was evaluated through biometric and chlorophyll index measurements, leaf nutrient concentration and root scanning electron microscopy. Conclusions:The bovine blood compounds improved iron nutrition of the grapevine similar to or better than Fe-EDDHA and enhanced root growth. Significance of the Study: The experimental evidence indicates that BB-based products represent a sustainable alternative to synthetic chelates as Fe fertilisers.

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Fatty acids reached the highest level in post-veraison. The concentration of these compounds varied considerably during ripening. Capric acid has been found for the first time in grape seeds. α-Tocopherol and γ-tocotrienol decreased during ripening, while α-tocotrienol increased. The HPLC analysis with fluorimetric detection, conducted for the first time on cv. Sangiovese, revealed that the concentration of flavan-3-ols monomers, oligomeric proanthocyanidins and polymers greatly changed during ripening. These results suggest that the timing of bunch harvest plays a crucial role in the valorisation of grape seed flour. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.