Grapevine (Vitis Vinifera) Growth and Performance in Warm Climates

Abstract

Although the Vitis vinifera is assumed to have originated in moderate temperate climates, archeological findings indicate the use of grapevine products in south and central Europe during the Bronze age. Grape culture probably originated in Asia minor between the Black and Caspian seas. However, from ancient times it was well established also in warm sub-tropical regions. Grapevines and their products, particularly wine, were a companion to human life, travel and religion (Kirschhaimer 1938, Gur 1974). The original establishment of vinifera vines in warm regions was in the east and south Mediterranean regions characterized by hot and dry summers and moderate winters. The mechanisms of adaptation of grapevines to such condition is diverse and include both morphological and physiological parameters. The ability of the grapevine to develop both deep and wide root systems allowed a relatively easy adaptation to a large array of edaphic conditions. In rocky calcareous soils, grapevine roots were found to penetrate to a depth of 12 meters. This is the case also in very sandy soils and particularly on sand dunes. On the other hand, on heavy wet soils, shallow and wide root systems are usually found. Different grapevine varieties and rootstocks have different adaptability to various soil conditions. The high adaptation potential of the vinifera plants to different soil conditions allows the grapevine to develop well both in the dry mountain region and heavy valley soils typical in the warm subtropical regions. Shoot growth polarity and high vigor are other means for adaptability and survival under extreme environmental conditions. This is well expressed in warm regions were bud opening is limited to apical regions and have a higher potential for continuous development. On the other hand, the high vigor and polarity within buds allows inhibited secondary buds of the grapevine ‘eye’ to develop, after frost damage to the young growth from the major buds. Thus, the conglomerate of buds in the grapevine ‘eye’ is controlled by an interaction between environment and the major shoot development.