terclim by ICS banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 GiESCO 9 GiESCO 2013 9 GiESCO 2013 – Session 5: Vineyard management, yield, quality 9 Interactions of under-trellis cover crops and training systems to achieve vine balance in a temperate humid climate

Interactions of under-trellis cover crops and training systems to achieve vine balance in a temperate humid climate

Abstract

The main objective of our study was to improve Tannat grapes and wine composition, by achieving appropriate vine balance. Three factors were evaluated in a split-split-split plot design with four replicates. Treatments compared were: two training systems (Lyra vs VSP); under-trellis cover crop (Festuca arundinacea) (UTCC) versus conventional floor management (alleyway cover crop with 1.0 m wide weed-free strip under the trellis); and crop level by thinning. To avoid excess water deficits, deficit drip irrigation was provided at mid-day stem potential thresholds of -0.9 MPa early and -1.1 MPa later in season.  The experiment was conducted over the 2011-2012 growing season in Southern Uruguay. Shoot growth rate, midday stem water potential, berry size and berry composition (soluble solids, organic acids, total anthocyanin) were monitored over the season as well as final vine yield, mean cluster weights and pruning weights. The UTCC treatment limited vine water availability and reduced vine growth rate and final canopy size in both trellis systems. UTCC reduced berry size, cluster weight and bunch-rot incidence as well as increased, tartaric/malic ratio, soluble solids and anthocyanin concentration in grapes. The Lyra system reduced shoot growth compared to the VSP, but the combination of UTCC and Lyra training led to below-optimal shoot growth. The use of such multiple techniques shows promise for achieving vine balance in high-capacity conditions.  
Download the extended abstract
Publication date: 07/09/2026

Issue: GiESCO 2013

Type: Poster

Authors

Andrés Coniberti1,*, Virginia Ferrari1, Mario Garcia Petillo2, Alan N. Lakso3, Eduardo Boido4, Eduardo Dellacassa4, Edgardo Disegna1

1 INIA Uruguay. Ruta 48 km 10, Canelones Uruguay

2 Departamento de Suelos y Aguas, Facultad de Agronomia, UdelaR. Avda. E. Garzón 780, Montevideo, Uruguay

3 Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Cornell University. 630 W.N. Street, Geneva, NY 24456

4 Cátedra de Farmacognosia y Productos Naturales, Sección Enología, Facultad de Química, UdelaR. Gral. Flores 2124, Montevideo, Uruguay

Contact the author*

Keywords

Tannat, under trellis cover crop, trellis system, vine balance

Tags

GiESCO | GiESCO 2013 | IVES Conference Series

Citation

Related articles…

Risk of late frost events in viticulture – temperature trends, phenological observations and spatial analysis based on digital terrain models in Franconia/Germany

In the course of global warming a general decrease of frost days per year and in spring can be stated. However, in viticulture this matter of fact doesn´t lead to a reduction of the risk of damages to grapevines by late spring frost events.

Read More

Impact of leaf to fruit ratio on grape composition in Merlot grapevines

Adjustments of viticultural practices are required to adapt to climate change. In particular, vineyard management that vary the fruit to leaf area ratio is an important option to maintain and enhance fruit quality.

Read More

Modelling water and sugar flux to developing berries suggests early cessation of sugar accumulation and substantial xylem backflow

A model of the developing berry was constructed with data from published studies as well as 13 varieties grown in Davis, CA (USA).

Read More

Estimating leaf area and leaf area index in VSP trained grapevines under different management systems (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Riesling)

The aim of this study was to validate and implement different non-destructive methods of leaf area and leaf area index (LAI) determination in VSP trained grapevines (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Riesling) in a field trial comparing different management systems (i.e. integrated (GAP) and two different organic (European Union Regulation 834/07) management systems).

Read More

Classification for timing of flowering and veraison of a wide range of Vitis vinifera cultivars with the “GFV” model

In viticulture, the timing of phenology is critical to optimize grape quality potential particularly so in cool climates. Flowering and veraison are key phenological stages for grapevines.

Read More