Grape yield and quality responses to simulated year 2100 expected climatic conditions under different soil textures.

BACKGROUND: The influence of global warming on grape quality is a great concern among grapegrowers and enologists. The effects of simulated year 2100 expected CO2 , temperature and relative humidity (RH) conditions (FCC; 700 µmol CO2 mol-1 air, 28/18 °C day/night and 33/53% RH, day/night) versus the current situation (Curr; 390 µmol CO2 mol-1 air, 24/14 °C and 45/65% RH); well-irrigated versus expected future water deficit and three soils with different clay contents (41, 19 and 8%) on yield and berry quality of grapevine cv. Tempranillo were evaluated.

RESULTS: FCC shortened the time between fruit set and veraison and between fruit set and maturity by up to 7 and 10 days, respectively. This faster maturity led to higher must pH and tonality and reduced malic and tartaric acid concentrations, total anthocyanin concentration and colour intensity. Water deficit delayed ripeness for up to 9 days and reduced vegetative growth and malic acid concentration of grapes. However, this malic acid reduction did not occur with the clayey soils. These soils induced the lowest root fresh weight and berries with lower total anthocyanin concentration.

CONCLUSION: Among the adaptation techniques to cope with the described effects on fruit composition, soil selection should be considered with attention in addition to irrigation practices. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.