Variety specific thresholds for plant-based indicators of vine nitrogen status

Rootstocks were the first sustainable and environmentally friendly strategy to cope with a major threat for Vitis vinifera cultivation. In addition to providing Phylloxera resistance, they play an important role in protecting against other soil-borne pests, such as nematodes, and in adapting V. vinifera to limiting abiotic conditions. Today viticulture has to adapt to ongoing climate change whilst simultaneously reducing its environmental impact. In this context, rootstocks are a central element in the development of agro-ecological practices that increase adaptive potential with low external inputs. Despite the apparent diversity of the Vitis genus, only few rootstock varieties are used worldwide and most of them have a very narrow genetic background. This means that there is considerable scope to breed new, improved rootstocks to adapt viticulture for the future.

Global trends in the wine industry are changing, which is caused by consumer demands for aroma and flavour innovation. Producers in Australia, the sixth globally ranked wine producing country, are embracing this trend by exploring non-conventional yeast species to improve sensory qualities and achieve fermentation advantages.

Grapevine (Vitis Vinifera L.), one of the most important cultivated fruit crops, is facing significant challenges due to climate change. Specifically, increasing temperatures negatively impact the physiological traits and disrupt plant phenology. Additionally, increased virulence in pathogen attacks and pests leads to significant yield loss, requiring widespread application of plant protection products. Traditional agronomic practices offer only partial mitigation, requiring the development of precise and effective intervention strategies. The economic worth of viticulture has prompted continuous efforts in grapevine genetic improvement programs, traditionally involving conventional breeding and clonal selection that, however, are complex and time-consuming approaches.

Le Dipartimento di Progettazione dell ‘Architettura del Politecnico di Milano et l’Istituto di Viticoltura della Facoltà d’Agraria di Piacenza dell’Università Cattolica del Sacra Cuore, ont elaboré une proposition pour réaliser, dans l’aire de colline de la province de Piacenza, un Parco Produttivo Agrovitivinicolo.

Terroir is a complex concept which associates soil, climate, grape variety and cultural practices that include the training system and oenological techniques. It is a type of social construction with man at its centre. The typicality of a wine is also a social construction which is the result of an agreement among specialists vis à vis a given quality of the wine whose references are the wine’s origins (e.g. terroir) and taste.