Improvement of Vineyard Management of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Grk in the Lumbarda Vineyard Region (Croatia)

Abstract

The vine-growing region of Lumbarda, located in the southeastern part of the island of Korcula, Croatia, has deep sandy soils (paleodunes) associated with the Mediterranean climate and provides optimal conditions for cultivating the autochthonous vine variety Vitis vinifera L. cv. Grk. Unfortunately, recently growers have noted declining yield and quality of grapes resulting from inadequate vineyard management (particularly unsustainable management of soil organic matter) and the occurrence of viral diseases. To revitalize and maintain the vineyards in the Lumbarda region, a detailed study was carried out involving intensive soil survey, analysis of grapevine nutrient status, positive clonal selection, and establishment of new vineyards with virus-free plant material. Preliminary soil survey results provided insight into the extent of variability in major physical and chemical soil characteristics. Based on these results, eight markedly different vineyards were selected for detailed analysis of grapevine nutrients [boron (B), calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), phosphorus (P), and zinc (Zn)] at key development stages to detect potential imbalances that may hamper vine growth and affect its production. Leaf blades and petioles were sampled at midflowering and midveraison stages during the 2007–8 growing season from each of the selected vineyards. The greatest variability in nutrient content between the study sites was recorded for Cu, and considerable variability was also determined for B, Mn, Mg, and P. Differences in fertilization practices are the most common reasons for this variability. The results point to B deficiency in some of the vineyards and suggest potentially toxic levels of Cu in others.