Soil management of interrow spacing as an important factor to protect the vineyard soils from runoff and erosion under the Mediterranean climate

The assessment of physiological parameters in vineyards can be done by direct measurements or by remote, indirect methods. The latter option frequently yields useful data, and development of methods and techniques that make them possible is worthwhile. One of the parameters most looked for to define the quality status of a vineyard is the degree Brix of its grapes, a quantity usually determined by direct measurement.

Rootstocks are gaining importance in viticulture as a strategy to combat abiotic challenges, as well as enhancing scion physiology and attributes. Therefore, understanding how the rootstock affects photosynthesis is insightful for genetic improvement of either genotype in the grafted grapevines. Photosynthetic parameters such as maximum rate of carboxylation of RuBP (Vcmax) and the maximum rate of electron transport driving RuBP regeneration (Jmax) have been identified as ideal targets for breeding and genetic studies. However, techniques used to directly measure these photosynthetic parameters are limited to the single leaf level and are time-consuming measurements.

Climate change poses significant challenges to the global wine sector, with cool-climate countries particularly vulnerable to its effects. The research employs a panel data analysis to investigate the impact of climate change on the wine industry in 66 countries, focusing on 11 cool-climate countries located north of the wine belt in the northern hemisphere. Utilizing data from OIV, FAO and climatic statistics from the climate change knowledge portal of the world bank spanning from 1961 to 2020, the research examines the relationship between temperature, precipitation, and wine production.

In recent years, the use of amphorae in winemaking has become more frequent, symbolizing a return to the origins of vinification to broaden the availability of wines with different style.

Water is one of the most limiting factors for viticulture in Mediterranean regions. Former researches showed that water shortage hampers both vegetative and reproductive developments. INRA is running programs to breed varieties carrying QTL of tolerance to major fungi, i.e. powdery and downy mildews. Some varieties have been already certified or are close to be certified. However, little is known about the response of these varieties to water deficit, which behavior is critical for their development. This study characterized physiological responses of 4 new varieties to water deficit and described relationship between them.