Terroir 2020 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Looking for a more efficient genotypes in water use. A key for a sustainable viticulture

Looking for a more efficient genotypes in water use. A key for a sustainable viticulture

Abstract

Aim: Grapevine has traditionally been widely cultivated in drylands. However, in recent decades, a significant part of the viticulture all over the word and specifically in Mediterranean basin, is being irrigated. In recent years, due to climate change, among other reasons, the available natural water resources have been reduced substantially compromising the sustainability of viticulture, especially in the most arid areas. Therefore, it is necessary to search for genotypes with greater water use efficiency (WUE not only among varieties but also, between clones of the same variety). 

Methods and Results: In this work, 23 clones of cv. Tempranillo were evaluated during five consecutive years in two experiments. First, a three-year field experiment determining the variability in WUE by measuring gas exchange parameters. Second, a two-year experiment in pots, analyzing the response of those Tempranillo clones to different degrees of soil water availability. Different growth parameters, leaf gas exchange rates, and biomass production were measured. Field data of leaf exchange rates and derived parameters showed a wide variability among clones in WUE up to 80% to that previously achieved comparing different cultivars.  These differences appear to be due to differences in photosynthesis capacity rather than to a more efficient control of water loss. Pot experiments reveal differences among clones in biomass production and gas exchange parameters as indicators of plant water use efficiency. A joint analysis of pot and field data showed a consistency in higher and lower WUE genotypes, although significant environmental condition effects were present. 

Conclusions: 

The whole analysis of WUE indicators quantified the degree of variability in WUE among clones, and identified the best and worst water use efficient clones in both well-watered and water deficit conditions.

Significance and Impact of the Study: These findings open new ways for future research focused on the physiological basis of the variations in WUE, and can also be extended to other reputed drought-tolerant cultivars.

Download the PDF

DOI:

Publication date: March 25, 2021

Issue: Terroir 2020

Type : Video

Authors

Ignacio Tortosa1, José M. Escalona1,2*, Hipólito Medrano1,2

1Biology Department, University of Balearic Island, Ctra Valldemossa km 7,5. 07122 Palma, Spain
2Agro-environmental and water economy Research Institute (INAGEA) Ctra Valldemossa km 7,5, 07122 Palma, Spain

Contact the author

Keywords

Vitis vinifera, clones, Tempranillo, drought, water use efficiency

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Terroir 2020

Citation

Related articles…

Development and validation of a standardized oxidation assay for the accurate measurement of the ability of different wines to form “de novo” oxidation-related aldehydes

From the standpoint of wine aroma oxidation there are two effects observed: aroma degradation of oxygen sensitive compounds (polyfunctional mercaptans) and the appearance of new substances with high aromatic power (acetaldehyde, methional, phenylacetaldehyde, sotolon, alkenals, isobutanal and 2, 3-metylbutanals) (1-5). According to our experience, Strecker aldehydes are compounds with highest sensory relevance in the oxidative degradation of many wines (5-7).

Read More

Influence of deficit irrigation on grapevine cv. “Touriga Nacional” in Douro region: A metabolomic approach

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate whether irrigation of Touriga Nacional in Douro Demarcated Region (DDR) can partly mitigate the negative impacts of ongoing climate change on grapevine yield and quality and its impact on plant metabolism.

Read More

Managing precision irrigation in vineyards: hydraulic and molecular signaling in eight grapevine varieties

Understanding the physiological and molecular bases of grapevine responses to mild to moderate water deficits is fundamental to optimize vineyard irrigation management and identify the most suitable varieties. In Mediterranean regions, the higher frequency of heat waves and droughts highlights the importance of precision irrigation to meet vine water demands and demonstrates the necessity for a deeper understanding of the different physiological responses among varieties under water stress. In this context, previous reports show an interplay between stomatal regulation of transpiration and changes in leaf hydraulic conductivity, also with the involvement of aquaporins (AQPs), particularly under water stress. However, how those signaling mechanisms are regulated in different grapevine varieties along phenological phases is unclear.

Read More

Impact of climate change on the aroma of red wines: a focus on dried fruit aromas

The volatile composition of grapes (free and bound forms) contributes greatly to the varietal aroma and quality of wines. Several agronomical parameters affect grapes composition and wine quality: maturity level at harvest, water status, and the intensity of sun exposure.

Read More

The start of Croatian grapevine breeding program

Modern viticulture in Croatia and the world is mainly based on the grapevine varieties susceptible to various diseases and pests, which leads to unsustainable use of large amounts of pesticides. The sustainable development of viticulture in the future will only be possible by increasing the resistance of the grapevine through the development of new resistant varieties. Breeding programs have been launched in the leading wine-growing countries with the aim of developing resistant varieties possessing high quality level. Coratia is rich in in native grapevine varieties that are the basis of wine production, and are not included in the breeding programs of other countries.

Read More