Terroir 2020 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 The effect of different irrigation regimes on the indigenous Cypriot grape variety Xynisteri and comparison to Sauvignon blanc

The effect of different irrigation regimes on the indigenous Cypriot grape variety Xynisteri and comparison to Sauvignon blanc

Abstract

Aims: The aims of this study were to (1) assess the response of the indigenous Cypriot variety Xynisteri to different irrigation regimes and (2) compare the performance of Xynisteri to Sauvignon Blanc grown in pots with different irrigation regimes.

Methods and Results: The investigation involved two irrigation trials conducted in Lemesos, Cyprus during the 2019 season. Irrigation trial one was established in a commercial Xynisteri vineyard. Three different irrigation regimes – full irrigation, deficit irrigation (50%) and no irrigation were used. Irrigation trial two was a potted trial of Xynisteri established from cuttings collected from two different regions (KX and ZX) and Sauvignon blanc. Three irrigation regimes – full irrigation, deficit irrigation (50%) and minimal irrigation (25%) were applied to ten treatment replicates.

Vine performance, vine phenology and bunch architecture measures were taken at five developmental growth stages during the growing season in both trials. Fruit composition analysis, yield (field trial only) and shoot, trunk and root weights measurements were performed at the end of the season.

Very few differences between measures were found between irrigation regimes in the commercial vineyard. However, in 2019 the vineyard received 194mm of rain in the growing season (April-September). Fruit composition analysis revealed fructose to be lowest in the full irrigation group compared to deficit and non-irrigated treatments.

The potted trial demonstrated that for all three irrigation regimes, both Xynisteri KX and ZX had higher stem water potential, stomatal conductance and chlorophyll content when compared to Sauvignon blanc. Additionally, Xynisteri KX had higher chlorophyll content with minimal irrigation compared to the Xynisteri ZX. 

Furthermore, Xynisteri KX and ZX produced greater end of season root, trunk and shoot weights than Sauvignon blanc under all irrigation regimes and Xynisteri KX had greater root, trunk and shoot weights than Xynisteri ZX with full irrigation

Conclusions: 

This study identified the greater potential for the indigenous Cypriot grape variety Xynisteri to cope successfully with hot and dry conditions when compared to Sauvignon blanc. It also highlights the possible existence of different biotypes that may be important for future clonal selection.

Significance and Impact of the Study: The world’s changing climate is placing great pressure on the resources for sustainable viticulture in warm/hot wine growing regions. Many vineyards and wineries base their businesses on European grape varieties traditionally grown in regions with abundant water resources. It is therefore necessary for these wine regions to investigate grape varieties that are indigenous to hot climates. The eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus is one such place with 12 indigenous grape varieties that grow well in a hot climate without irrigation.

DOI:

Publication date: March 25, 2021

Issue: Terroir 2020

Type : Video

Authors

Alexander W. Copper1*, Christodoulos Karaolis2, Stefanos Koundouras2, Savvas Savvides3

Susan E. P. Bastian1, Trent Johnson1, Cassandra Collins1

1School of Agriculture Food and Wine, Waite Research Institute, The University of Adelaide. PMB 1, Glen Osmond, South Australia 5064, Australia
2School of Agriculture, Aristotle University, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
3Agricultural Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture Rural development and Environment, P.O. Box 22016, 1516 Nicosia, Cyprus

Contact the author

Keywords

Climate change, alternative varieties, vine performance, adaptation

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Terroir 2020

Citation

Related articles…

Learning from remote sensing data: a case study in the Trentino region 

Recent developments in satellite technology have yielded a substantial volume of data, providing a foundation for various machine learning approaches. These applications, utilizing extensive datasets, offer valuable insights into Earth’s conditions. Examples include climate change analysis, risk and damage assessment, water quality evaluation, and crop monitoring. Our study focuses on exploiting satellite thermal and multispectral imaging, and vegetation indexes, such as NDVI, in conjunction with ground truth information about soil type, land usage (forest, urban, crop cultivation), and irrigation water sources in the Trentino region in North-East of Italy.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug taint in grape must and wine: time evolution of trans-2-decenal

The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB, Halyomorpha halys Stal) is an invasive pentatomid native to eastern Asia that is spreading rapidly worldwide, notably through human-mediated activities. Globally, it was reported in the USA, Canada, Italy, Hungary, and other European countries. BMSB has a broad host range that includes over 170 plants, many of agricultural importance, including various fruit, vegetables, row crops, and ornamentals. When present in the vineyard, the pest can affect yield and quality by directly feeding on berries resulting in fruit collapse and necrosis. Additional damage occurs when BMSB are carried into the winery within the grape clusters. The presence of BMSB during wine processing can affect juice and wine quality through the release of volatile compounds produced as a stress response. The major secretes compounds are tridecane and trans-2-decenal. Tridecane is an odorless compound and its effect on wine quality is currently unknown. Trans-2-decenal is an unsaturated aldehyde considered to be the main component of BMSB taint with strong green, coriander, and musty-like aromas. Its threshold value in wine was estimated at about 5 µg/L.

Phenolic profiles of minor red grape cultivars autochthonous from the Spanish region of La Mancha

The phenolic profiles of little known red grape cultivars, namely Garnacho, Moribel and Tinto Fragoso, which are autochthonous from the Spanish region of La Mancha (ca. 600,000 ha of vineyards) have been studied over the consecutive seasons of years 2013 and 2014. The study was separately performed over the skins, the pulp and the seeds, and comprised the following phenolic types: anthocyanins, flavonols, hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives (HCADs), total proanthocyanidins (PAs) and their structural features. The selected grape cultivars belong to the Vine Germplasm Bank created in this region in order to preserve the great diversity of genotypes grown in La Mancha.

Wine tourism in southern Italy: A surge in popularity and economic impact

Wine tourism has transformed from a leisure activity into a crucial part of the tourist experience, significantly contributing to rural tourism’s expansion in italy. It has witnessed a notable surge in popularity in recent years, evolving as a key motivator for travel (antonioli corigliano, 2002; brunori & rossi, 2000; città del vino & censis servizi, 2011; garibaldi, 2018; 2019a; 2020; montanari, 2009; romano & natilli, 2009). The allure of wine tourism, driven by sensory experiences and cultural immersion, continues to attract a diverse group of tourists. The economic impact is substantial, with events and festivals contributing approximately €2.5 billion annually.

Trans-resveratrol concentrations in wines Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile

This study evaluated the levels of trans-resveratrol in commercial wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from different valleys of Chile stilbenes. The Cabernet Sauvignon is the most planted variety in Chile, being 38% of the total vineyard country. Chile is the fourth largest wine exporter in the world, so it is important to evaluate the Cabernet-Sauvignon wines in their concentration levels of trans-resveratrol and its relation to the benefits provided to human health in moderate consumption. Evaluation comprises commercial wines from different valleys of Chile and its relationship with climatic characteristics, soil and vineyard handling.