Chapter 9 - Processed kaolin particles film, an environment friendly and climate change mitigation strategy tool for Mediterranean vineyards

Foreseen climate change points to shifts in viticultural production patterns worldwide, leading to some major impacts in the economy of the wine industry. In a climate change scenario, combination of water scarcity, high temperature, and radiation and salinity, experienced in many regions will be strengthened, worsening the negative effects on plant growth, berry composition, and yield. Hence, the interaction between several factors, such as terroir features, climate, grapevine stress responses, and management practices used, represents a real challenge for sustainable Mediterranean viticulture. The processed kaolin particle film (PKPF) application in vineyards has been renowned as a favorable short-term strategy for sustainable mitigation of adverse abiotic summer stress. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying stress alleviation by PKPF application continue minimally discussed, and far from consensus on its effects on different variables, including berry composition and wine quality. This short review illustrates some of the main PKPF functions and evaluates its impact on leaves and berry traits.