ISHS Acta Horticulturae 206: Symposium on Grapevine Canopy and Vigor Management, XXII IHC
IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT AND FERTIGATION TO OPTIMIZE GRAPE COMPOSITION AND VINE PERFORMANCE |
| Authors: | B. Bravdo, Y. Hepner |
| Abstract:
Recent developments in irrigation technology enable control of the irrigated soil volume and the concentration and composition of minerals in that volume. Restriction of root volume is known to control vigor - an option not yet explored in grapevines. Control of water and various mineral concentration and composition at various stages of growth and development was however experimented with in order to optimize grape composition and vine performance. A fast development of the canopy at the beginning of the season and slowing down of the growth towards veraison and fruit ripening was found to reduce competition between vegetative shoot tips and the developing berries. This resulted in a faster sugar accumulation in the fruit and better fruit coloration and quality. Nitrogen and water concentrations were controlled in the root zone to achieve an optimal balance between vegetative growth and crop yield. Availability of NPK fertilizers was increased by fertigation and this was reflected in fruit and petiole analysis. Petiole mineral analysis before harvest reflected better NPK fertigation. Phosphorous fertigation increased the P content of the must, the concentration of free monoterpenes and wine quality by sensory evaluation. | |
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