Abstract
The prediction of grape composition is becoming more important due to the need of reducing the current levels of alcohol and pH of the wines, a problem that is exacerbated by climate change. This work presents a 3-year study of the spatial variability of grape composition in a rainfed Tempranillo vineyard located in Rioja (Spain). It is based on the acquisition of multispectral imagery at véraison (start of the ripening process); and zoning based on NDVI, to assess its performance for zonal management. The results reveal a high spatial variability within the plot, with a stable pattern over the years, even with very different climate conditions. NDVI was a good predictor of vegetative growth variables. However, the prediction of grape composition was more complex. Unexpectedly, anthocyanins were found to be higher in the highest vigor zone, which is probably related to the effects of climate change. This unexpected relationship is particularly discussed in the article.
Highlights
Spatial variability in vineyards is an important issue that affects both farmers and winemakers, especially when trying to obtain the best potential out of their vines
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) images were supplied by a commercial provider (SpecTerra Services Pty Ltd, Leederville, Australia) using the “HiRAMS system”: a high resolution airborne multispectral four channel camera mounted on a plane
Lower values of variables expressing vigor, lower acidity and higher sugars and phenolic compounds, reflected that, generally, 2010 could be considered as an average year while 2011, and especially 2012, were extremely dry. Both Pearson correlations and Analysis of variance (ANOVA) suggested that NDVI is a good indicator of vine vegetative development, as found by Acevedo-Opazo et al (2008)
Summary
Spatial variability in vineyards is an important issue that affects both farmers and winemakers, especially when trying to obtain the best potential out of their vines. Land (topography and soil), climate and diseases affect crop development and, grape yield and quality throughout a single vineyard. Some of these sources of variation remain stable along time, as observed by Bramley & Hamilton (2004). The study of these patterns can lead wineries to a better understanding of the different qualities of batches, in order to plan different winemaking procedures and get a better profit from the grapes (Proffit et al, 2006; Bramley et al, 2011). This considerable increase will affect very likely grapevine phenology, leading to
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