Assessing the influence of pedoclimatic conditions and intra-varietal variability on vine performance in mediterranean viticulture

Abstract

The concept of terroir, understood as the interaction between environment, genotype and vineyard management, defines vine balance and grape quality. This study assessed the influence of pedoclimatic conditions and biotype on vine growth, yield and grape composition in three Vitis vinifera cultivars (Grillo, Nero d’Avola, Perricone), each represented by distinct biotypes. Trials were conducted in 2023–2024 across three Sicilian sites: western (W), central (C) and south-eastern (S-E). Vegetative growth, yield components and grape composition were measured and analysed by two-way ANOVA. Leaf area and pruning wood were greatest in S-E, reflecting more favourable water conditions. Yield was mainly affected by site: C showed higher bunches per shoot, but S-E achieved greater yields due to heavier bunches and fewer blind buds. A marked biotype effect appeared only in Nero d’Avola. Results highlight the strong impact of pedoclimatic variability on vine performance and the importance of selecting suitable biotype–site combinations for resilient Mediterranean viticulture.

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