A general phenological model for characterising grape vine flowering and véraison

In a scenario of changing climate conditions, grapevine is significantly affected at multiple levels. Advancements in phenology and berry ripening, however, are the major dynamics of the generalized increase in average temperature and evaporative demand, negatively affecting berry quality and productivity. The aim of this work was to unravel the underlying mechanisms of bunch-zone auxin application (NAA; 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid) and source-limiting canopy management approaches in delaying berry ripening. In randomized block design experiments, control vines were compared to vines treated with NAA, subjected to apical-to-bunch defoliation or antitranspirant application (n=10-to-42 plants per treatment).

Climate strongly affects the geographical distribution of grape varieties, grapevine cultivation techniques and wine organoleptic properties.

Saccharomyces uvarum has interesting properties that can be exploited for the production of fermented beverages. Particularly, the cryotolerance and capacity to produce high amounts of volatile compounds offers new opportunities for the wine industry.

Aim: Several plant-based indicators of vine N status are reported in the literature. Among these, yeast assimilable nitrogen in grape must (YAN) and total N concentration of petiole and leaf blades are considered to be reliable indicators and so is the chlorophyll index, measured with a device called N-tester. The N-tester index is used to measure the intensity of the green colour of the leaf blade, and therefore to estimate its chlorophyll content.

Viticulture is facing many challenges due to climate change effects with increasingly attention to save resources, such as water, considering that drought events have been predicted to dramatically increase over the next future. Thanks to the -omics techniques, research pushed forward knowledge to deepen facets of drought response in diverse grapevine-rootstock combinations. However, the regulatory mechanisms orchestrating adaptation strategies during drought and recovery in grafted grapevines need further exploration. Herein, we combined ecophysiological, biochemical and molecular approaches to unravel drought and recovery-induced changes in potted Nebbiolo (NE) plants grafted onto three different rootstocks (3309, Kober5BB, Gravesac), by analysing root and leaf tissues.