Douro Region Research Articles

Root and stem water dynamics of rainfed grapevines in the Douro region

Root and stem water dynamics of rainfed grapevines in the Douro region

The impact of climate change on the winegrape vineyards of the Portuguese Douro region

In this paper, we analyse the impact of spring temperature (ST) and soil water (SW) on wine production volume (WPV) for the period 1933 to 2013 in the Douro region. We employ a state-space regression model to capture possible structural changes in wine production caused by a change in ST and/or SW. We find that the ST explains about 65 % of the variability of WPV. In contrast, the summer SW level increases the Radj-square to 83 % and the Akaike criterion value was lower. We also find interesting dynamic properties of SW and ST. The immediate impact of an increase in SW is negative for WPV, while the SW that is in the ground, i.e. from the previous 2 and 3 years, have a positive effect on actual WPV. Moreover, the individual changes of ST and SW have similar dynamic impact on WPV. Our main finding is that climate change does not only change the variables in question but also the winegrape vineyards adding to the negative impact on WPV levels. As a result we observe a shift of the relative importance away from ST to SW.

A fuzzy MCDM approach for choosing a tourism destination in Portugal

In this paper, it is intended to create a methodology in order to have a multi criteria approach for choosing a tourist destination region or place. Involving a gridline scheme for selection a tourism destination, several criteria will be defined in order to create the basis for the utilisation of the model for electing a destination. The first step involves the description of the features of the possible destinations like Lisbon, Alentejo, Algarve and Alto Douro Region and in which the methodology may be applied. Tourism destination selection is a multi criteria decision making (MCDM) problem including both multi alternatives and criteria and has a great importance for many travellers. To do so, we use the fuzzy technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), an MCDM method based on fuzzy sets in deciding about a tourism destination. Generally, it is difficult to model the real life problems with crisp data. For that reason, we take advantage of using linguistic variables to select the best tourist destination in Portugal.

Wine and cultural heritage. The experience of the Alto Douro Wine Region

The Demarcated Douro Region is one of the oldest demarcated wine regions, and the largest and the most heterogeneous mountainous wine region in the world. Viticulture covers 44,000ha, and since 2001 an area covering 24,600ha has been designated as the most representative territory of the Demarcated Douro Region, the Alto Douro Wine Region. This region is included in the list of World Heritage Sites as an evolving and living cultural landscape. The Demarcated Douro Region fits the terroir model, as its economy is based on wine (Porto wine and Douro still wines), supplemented by tourism. During recent decades, both activities have witnessed deep and structural changes, with consequences for the maintenance of the traditional characteristics of the cultural landscape that drove the UNESCO classification. With this issue in mind, the goal of this paper is to describe the recent evolution of the main economic activities of the Demarcated Douro Region. In particular, we aim to deepen the knowledge about the preferences of Portuguese visitors towards the Alto Douro Wine Region and its attributes, thus determining those that deserve preservation and, consequently, public attention. The results of a mixed logit model show that visitors assign highest utility to the preservation of vineyards supported by schist walls, followed by the agglomerations and the characteristic mosaic nature of the landscape. Additionally, respondents who are richer, employed, better educated, better informed regarding the culture of the site and more influenced by the listing are more willing to participate in preserving the cultural heritage of the region.

Terroir da Região Demarcada do Douro: um estudo de caso

In the Demarcated Region of Douro (DRD), sub-region of Cima-Corgo, there is a set of producing estates where existed an empirical perception that the wine produced in different areas have also a distinctive character, and those areas might be defined as terroir. An experimental work was set up in two closely located areas, where that perception existed, and a large number of grapevines of ‘Touriga Franca’, ‘Touriga Nacional’ e ‘Tinta Roriz’ were under observation to determine the characteristics of their production and of their musts, their adaptability to each location and to define each location as a distinctive terroir. It was measured the individual production of each grapevine and the respective pruning weight. The musts were chemically analyzed. Each location can be considered a terroir, the grapevine varieties showed different adaptability to each location, and the management of the vineyards must be adjusted to each place and variety.

Kaolin-based, foliar reflective film protects photosystem II structure and function in grapevine leaves exposed to heat and high solar radiation

Extreme conditions, such as drought, high temperature, and solar irradiance intensity, are major factors limiting growth and productivity of grapevines. In a field experiment, kaolin particle film application on grapevine leaves was examined during two different summer conditions (in 2012 and 2013) with the aim to evaluate benefits of this practice against stressful conditions hindering photochemical processes. We used chlorophyll a fluorescence to investigate attached leaves. Two months after the application, during the hottest midday, the kaolin-treated plants showed by the JIP test significantly higher quantum yield of PSII photochemistry, flux ratios, maximum trapped excitation flux of PSI, absorption flux, electron transport flux, maximum trapped energy flux per cross section, and performance index than plants under control conditions in the warmer year. On the contrary, the treated plants showed a lower initial slope of relative variable fluorescence and a decrease in the absorption and electron transport per cross section. The JIP test showed higher efficiency of PSII in the plants treated with kaolin mainly in 2013 (higher temperature and drought). Our results supported the hypothesis that the accumulation of active PSII reaction centres was associated with decreased susceptibility to photoinhibition in the kaolin-treated plants and with more efficient photochemical quenching. Grapevines in the Douro Region seems to profit from the kaolin application.

The Douro Region: Wine and Tourism

The Demarcated Douro Region (DDR) dates from 1756, when it was recognized as one of the first demarcated regions in the world. The DDR economic activities fit the terroir model and are based on wine and tourism. Both activities have witnessed deep and structural changes along the last three decades, with influence in the current socio-economic performance of the region. The objective of this paper is to present the recent evolution of the DDR wine filiere and tourism. The Port wine continues to be the star product of DDR, with almost 90% being exported. However, along the last decade the still wines evolved from being almost unknown to a position of a national and international recognition in market niches. The tourism in Douro region is connected to the wine filiere and tends to be structured under two dominant influences: the river and the terroir .

Biodiversidade do solo em vinhas com e sem enrelvamento

This work was part of the project “EcoVitis: Maximizacao dos Servicos do Ecossistema Vinha na Regiao Demarcada do Douro” was aimed at evaluating the influence of natural and seeded cover crops and tillage between rows on the diversity of soil arthropods. The experiment took place at Quinta do Casal da Granja, property of the Real Companhia Velha. A floristic survey was performed to assess plant diversity, in each of the three modalities and soil arthropod diversity was measured using pitfall traps, between May and August of 2014. It was possible to identify 38 plant taxa belonging to 16 families, of which 29 in the natural cover crop, 27 in the seeded cover crop and 25 in the soil with tillage between rows. A total of 15235 arthropods were captured, that fit into 11 orders and one class. Natural cover crop presented a more balanced distribution between plant species, which is probably the reason for a higher diversity on arthropods. Coleoptera, especially species that are predators, was positively associated to natural cover crop, which is important for biological control in vineyards at the Douro region.

Women's Burdens: Exploratory Analysis on Matrifocality, (re)Production and Social Protection in Douro Region, Portugal

Drawing from the concepts of matrifocality, kinship and gender inequality, this paper develops a brief discussion around the overloading of duties faced by socially and economically vulnerable women. The accumulation of such duties burdens women with social and parental responsibilities, reinforcing their role as income providers, household custodians and primary caretakers of dependent children and elders. These duties, often culturally and socially informed, are especially overwhelming for women belonging to less affluent social strata. Manifestly exploratory, the analysis is based on three case studies of women, all of them in their fifties, living in the Douro vineyards region. They all assume the headship of their households and benefit or were beneficiaries of the Social Insertion Income (SII), a state social protection device intended to alleviate economic hardships and promote active labor insertion.

Software for enhancing accessibility and fighting info-exclusion

In the innovative world of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), there is a continual flow of new information and experiences engaging individuals in the digital era. The use of ICT is increasing and proving to be of greater importance in people’s everyday lives, accessing services to fulfill basic human needs. However, this increase in use and importance of ICT raises concerns to whether these technologies are fully accessible for all people, especially to disabled and elderly people. Disability can take many forms and can cover a wide range of impairments—some people have sensory disabilities covering difficulties with hearing, speech and sight; others are physically disabled and have problems with mobility; some suffer from cognitive impairments such as dyslexia and learning difficulties and there are those who battle with the debilitating effects of diseases such as arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Millions of people have disabilities that affect their use of the ICT due to the accessibility barriers that make it difficult or impossible for many people with disabilities to use them. Designing products that can be used by people with a wide range of abilities and disabilities, is a requirement in the years to come. A paradigmatic change in the software industry is needed to focus on the benefits of universal design. In fact, there is an increasing recognition that ICT accessibility can be a tool for commercial growth and the promotion of anti-discrimination legislation. Access to technology by disabled and elderly people is a major issue in allowing their integration in society. The growing global proportion of disabled and elderly people signifies that the urgency of this issue will not decrease in the years to come. This special issue comes after the successful organization of the 4th International Conference on Software Development for Enhancing Accessibility and Fighting Info-exclusion—DSAI 2012, which was held in Douro Region, Portugal (http://dsai2012.utad.pt/). This UAIS special issue is focused on research related to interfaces and interaction, assistive technologies, case studies and aging, taking also into account the target audience of the UAIS Journal. As a result, six (6) papers describing methodologies, systems, case studies and literature reviews from the area of universal access comprise the special issue. Marcio Martins, Antonio Cunha and Leonel Morgado’s ‘‘Usability test of 3D connection 3D mice versus keyboard?mouse in Second Life undertaken by people with motor disabilities due to medullary lesions’’ evaluates the usability of 3D controllers to navigate in 3D virtual worlds. The usability test was performed by 10 participants with motor disabilities due to medullary lesions on C5-D11 vertebrae. The main conclusion is that the most challenging tasks in the keyboard?mouse combination become less challenging using 3D mice and the least stable mouse, SpaceNavigator, originated the best feedback, contrary to originally expected results. The contribution by Margaretha Izzo, entitled ‘‘Universal Design for Learning: Enhancing Achievement of J. Barroso (&) H. Paredes P. Martins INESC TEC, Porto, Portugal e-mail: jbarroso@utad.pt

Soil losses in rural watersheds with environmental land use conflicts

Soil losses were calculated in a rural watershed where environmental land use conflicts developed in the course of a progressive invasion of forest and pasture/forest lands by agriculture, especially vineyards. The hydrographic basin is located in the Douro region where the famous Port wine is produced (northern Portugal) and the soil losses were estimated by the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) in combination with a Geographic Information System (GIS). Environmental land use conflicts were set up on the basis of land use and land capability maps, coded as follows: 1—agriculture, 2—pasture, 3—pasture/forest, and 4—forest. The difference between the codes of capability and use defines a conflict class, where a negative or nil value means no conflict and a positive i value means class i conflict. The reliability of soil loss estimates was tested by a check of these values against the frequency of stone wall instabilities in vineyard terraces, with good results. Using the USLE, the average soil loss (A) was estimated in A=12.2t·ha−1·yr−1 and potential erosion risk areas were found to occupy 28.3% of the basin, defined where soil losses are larger than soil loss tolerances. Soil losses in no conflict regions (11.2t·ha−1·yr−1) were significantly different from those in class 2 (6.8t·ha−1·yr−1) and class 3 regions (21.3t·ha−1·yr−1) that in total occupy 2.62km2 (14.3% of the basin). When simulating a scenario of no conflict across the entire basin, whereby land use in class 2 conflict regions is set up to permanent pastures and in class 3 conflict regions to pine forests, it was concluded that A=0.95t·ha−1·yr−1 (class 2) or A=9.8t·ha−1·yr−1 (class 3), which correspond to drops of 86% and 54% in soil loss relative to the actual values.

Popular Protest in Portugal: The Douro Region in First Half of Nineteenth Century

In the 19th century in the Douro region (where port wine was produced) there were still social protest which were considered to be pre-modern, that is, they had typical features of the protests that occurred before the 18th century, such as banditry or millenary movements. These movements didn’t have any organized structures such as political parties or trade unions and took place spontaneously and sporadically, having emerged as a reaction to the changes introduced by the new liberal politics and capitalist society. DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2013.v2n8p91

APeltulaNyl. diversity hotspot in north-east Portugal, with one species new to science and three species new to mainland Europe

AbstractRecent fieldwork carried out for the study of the lichen flora in the Upper Douro region (north-east Portugal) has resulted in a remarkable collection ofPeltulaspecimens, including one new species (Peltula lobataJ. Marques, M. Schultz & Paz-Berm.), three new species records for mainland Europe [Peltula bolanderi(Tuck.) Wetmore,Peltula farinosaBüdel andPeltula zahbruckneri(Hasse) Wetmore] and seven species new for mainland Portugal, that are reported here with a notes on their morphology and currently known distribution. The new speciesPeltula lobatais differentiated from any other knownPeltulaspecies by its thallus shape and size, presence of large, sessile apothecia with widely opened discs and by a complete absence of soredia. Identical specimens were also obtained from the nearby locality of Siega Verde in the province of Salamanca, and from the southern locality of Abla in the province of Almeria, both in Spain. New insights into the morphological diversity ofPeltula euplocaandPeltula bolanderiare also provided. The region is revealed to be a hotspot forPeltuladiversity and a very promising area for further research on the morphological and molecular variation among the former species. A revised key to European species of the genus is also presented.

Paradoxo de inovação no cluster do vinho: o caso da região demarcada do Douro

Este artigo tem por principal objetivo analisar a problemática da inovação no âmbito do cluster de uma região vitivinícola europeia tradicional (Região Demarcada do Douro - Portugal), caracterizada pelo chamado modelo vitivinícola do terroir, uma estrutura econômica suportada por um elevado número de viticultores, pequenas e médias empresas vinícolas e elevada regulação ao longo de toda a cadeia produtiva, em que, claramente, emerge a questão da tradição versus inovação. A pesquisa utilizou o método Grounded Theory, e os resultados evidenciam uma concordância de as empresas permanecerem numa região tradicional, cuja legislação dificulta as inovações radicais, mas que, concomitantemente, assegura os valores da qualidade. Verifica-se uma transferência de valores tradicionais de um produto específico, o vinho do Porto, para os novos produtos lançados recentemente no mercado; e, simultaneamente, uma transferência do valor agregado do vinho do Porto para o valor do vínculo da família com o processo produtivo e com as terras da Região Demarcada do Douro.

Characterization of "Xisto" as a Way to Promote its Use as Natural Stone

The main objective of this work was to contribute to the knowledge of the geological resources of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (TMAD) region, in particular of its “Xisto” (Portuguese word for “schist”, lato sensum), considering its economic and social impact. The target area is characterized by the abundant occurrence of different types of “schist”, belonging to the Variscan basement. This work is a contribution to improve the knowledge about mineralogy, fabric, chemistry and technology of the “schist”, in order to promote its exploitation and use as a natural stone. It was possible to identify the main factors that have an influence on the characteristics of all types of “schist”, conditioning its use as natural stone.

"Schist" from Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (NE of Portugal): Potential Use as Natural Stone

The main purpose of this work was to increase the knowledge about the geological resources of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro region (TMAD), particularly about their “schists” (slate, phyllite and schist), due to the economic and social effects that their mining and processing can have, not only on the local economy, but also on a national level. This work presents the results of the study conducted on “schists” from TMAD, aiming for their use as natural stone. Special emphasis is given on the results obtained from the following physical and mechanical tests: compressive strength, flexural strength, apparent density, open porosity, water absorption, abrasion resistance and resistance to ageing by thermal shock. These tests were determinant to define the most suitable applications for each schistose stone that was studied, taking into account the existing groups of natural stone products. For defining the recommended applications for each “schist”, European standards for natural stone products were considered, as well as technical specifications that exist in some European countries, which were the basis for the establishment of a proposal of technical specifications for Portugal, already published by one of the authors of this work.

Decision support systems in water resources in the demarcated region of Douro – case study in Pinhão river basin, Portugal

AbstractThis paper puts forward the importance of decision support systems (DSS) for the planning and management of water resources. A case study of the Pinhão river basin, in Portugal, is presented. Given the importance of vineyards in the Douro region, it is important to determine if water availability will be enough to meet present and future water demands. In order to answer this question, DSS tools were used to assess different scenarios. The MIKE BASIN software was used in the hydrographical basin of Pinhão river, assisted by a geographic information system, GIS, which allowed the modelling of the basin, both temporally and spatially, facilitating the visualisation and interpretation of results. According to the attained results, it was verified that, at present, the hydrographical basin meets the considered water needs. The DSS proved to be an important tool to assist the decision‐making process in the studied river basin.

The Douro wine region: a cluster approach

The globalization of the wine industry needs to be perceived as a challenge and an opportunity to innovate by traditional European producers’ countries, like Portugal, characterized by a terroir model, that is, an economic structure supported by a large number of grape growers, small and medium wine firms and high public regulation, to compete in international markets. Using a cluster approach, this article presents the case of the most important Portuguese wine region, the Demarcated Douro Region (DDR), which is a strong reference of terroir and known for producing Port wine. To increase its competitiveness in the world wine market, the DDR needs to evolve from an organized to an innovative cluster.

Entomological and ecological studies in a new potential zoonotic leishmaniasis focus in Torres Novas municipality, Central Region, Portugal

In Portugal human and canine leishmaniasis are caused by Leishmania infantum, and Phlebotomus perniciosus and P. ariasi are the proven vectors. Three main foci were identified in eighty's decade: Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro region, Lisbon region and Algarve region, but according to OnLeish observatory data, canine leishmaniasis cases have been reported from several other regions, for which sand fly species and their infection rates are unknown. This study is the first phlebotomine survey in Torres Novas municipality, Santarém District, Portugal. The main objectives were to identify the phlebotomine species, their bioecological aspects, Leishmania infection rate and the risk factors for the presence of phlebotomine species in the municipality. From June to November, 2010, 275 biotopes were surveyed with CDC light-traps. Captures covered the 17 parishes of the municipality and included domestic, peridomestic and sylvatic biotopes. Specimens were identified morphologically and females were used for molecular detection of Leishmania and bloodmeal identification. Simple and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to identify risk factors for phlebotomine presence. Nonparametric tests were used to compare densities of independent groups. A total of 1262 sand flies were captured and identified, and four species detected: P. perniciosus (73.69%), P. ariasi (8.16%), P. sergenti (6.58%) and Sergentomyia minuta (11.57%). In 71.4% localities at least one L. infantum proven vector species was present. Risk factors were identified as: high average temperatures and low relative humidities, sheltered locations and absence of strong wind, presence of pine trees as dominant vegetation, peridomestic biotopes, particularly sheep pens or proximity of sheep, poultry and house martin nests. L. infantum infection rate was 4% for P. ariasi and 0.48% for the total of Larroussius females. P. perniciosus females exhibited an opportunistic behavior, feeding in a wide variety of vertebrate hosts. The high abundance and distribution of proven vector species, together with a canine leishmaniasis seroprevalence of 7.93% in the District, and the capture of a gravid infective sand fly female, suggests that Torres Novas municipality is a potential zoonotic leishmaniasis focus in the country.

Altodouro, a new Leptospira serovar of the Pomona serogroup isolated from rodents in northern Portugal

A Leptospira strain (designated RIM 139) was isolated from the kidney of a house-mouse, Mus musculus, in Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro region of northern Portugal. The isolate showed typical leptospiral motility and morphology under dark-field microscopy and was pathogenic for hamsters.Species determination was carried out on basis of PCR products generated by species-specific primers and by sequencing of the secY gene. Putative serogroup typing was performed using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) with a panel of rabbit anti-Leptospira sera representative of the major pathogenic serogroups. Serovar identification was carried out by a combination of monoclonal antibodies and cross-agglutinin absorption test (CAAT). The novel nature of the strain was confirmed by restriction endonuclease analysis (REA). Results showed that RIM 139 represents a new serovar. The name Altodouro is proposed for this new serovar. Speciation findings – PCR analysis of the ompL1 gene and sequencing of the secY gene – indicated that it belonged to Leptospira kirschneri as did amplification with G1/G2 and B64-I/B64-II the primer sets.