An evaluation of the physiological responses of young grapevines planted and maintained under water constraint 

Dimethyl sulfide (DMS) is a volatile sulfur compound with a complex role in wine aroma, contributing both desirable and undesirable sensory characteristics depending on its concentration (1).

Context and purpose. Nitrogen (N) is crucial for plant development but is used inefficiently, with only 30–40% of the fertilizer assimilated by crops, leading to significant environmental losses.

The global wine production is continuously evolving to meet the new demands and preferences of consumers. in this evolving scenario, it’s important to determine which trends will be short-lived and which will remain over time. The promotion of healthier habits has encouraged consumers to try to find alternatives with low or no alcohol content. The challenge for the industry is to produce an alcohol-free wine that retains the familiar aromas and mouthfeel of traditional wine but without alcohol. Ethanol is the most abundant compound in wine, excluding water.

Climate change is resulting in more dry and hot summers, accelerating grape ripening and increasing berry sugars concentration. This results in wines with a higher alcohol content, which has a negative impact on wine quality, as well as, on consumer health. Agronomic practices that minimize these effects on berry composition and, consequently, on wine quality must be defined. In this work, different management practices have been assessed on rainfed ‘Monastrell’ grapevines in Jumilla (Murcia, Spain) from 2021 to 2023 vintages. Mulching, shading, application of kaolin and different types of pruning were evaluated, among others field adaptation practices.

Soil management through cover crops in the lines of the vineyards is a common practice in viticulture, since it improves the characteristics of the soil. It has been shown that the cover crops can influence the cycle of nutrients, promote infiltration, decrease erosion, and enhance the soil microbiota biodiversity improving the grapevines. However, the area under the vines tends to be left bare by applying herbicides or tillage to avoid competition with the crop in hot climates. The use of cover crops under the vines might be a plausible alternative to the use of herbicides or cultivation, improving grapevine quality and soil characteristics. The aim of this research was to study the implications of different management of the soil under the vines (herbicide, cultivation or cover crops) on grapevine growth, water and nutritional status and belowground microbial communities.