Effects of moderate irrigation on vegetative growth and productive parameters of Monastrell vines grown in semiarid conditions

Abstract

This study compares the vegetative growth and productive parameters of non-irrigated Monastrell vines with those under two moderate irrigation treatments. Plant water status and gas exchange parameters were used to evaluate the effect of moderate irrigation on the physiological status of the plants. The predawn and midday leaf water potentials were significantly lower in non irrigated vines, reaching values that indicated severe water stress. Stomatic conductance decreased as the season progressed, especially in non-irrigated vines. This stomata closure resulted in lower net photosynthesis, which affected vegetative growth and productivity. Non-irrigated vines developed a very small canopy and pruning weight together with a very low production compared with irrigated vines. The results demonstrate that the improvement in the physiological status of plants, with moderate irrigation leads to higher yield together with an equilibrium in the vegetative/reproductive growth.