Nutritional status differentially affect yield and must composition of hybrids andV. viniferavarieties established under cold climate conditions

Abstract

Nova Scotia is characterized by cold climate and acidic soils and high organic matter for viticultural development. There is little scientific information available about the nutritional management of grapevine varieties cultivated under cold climate conditions even in Nova Scotia. This study carried out in three seasons aimed to find correlations between tissue nutrients with yield and must composition in order to provide better nutritional management for a given variety. The yield of “L’Acadie” variety was correlated with B, K and Mg. In this variety, Ca to Mg ratio could be an interesting indicator of yield. The yield of “New York Muscat” variety was correlated with Zn, while N, P and K was related to bunch weight and weight of berries. Interspecific hybrids presented lower accumulation of B in their tissues than V. vinifera varieties. Zn and Fe were found as determinant micronutrients in “Chardonnay” variety. “Riesling” variety accumulated high levels of K in their tissues even over the optimal values recommended for grapevines. K to Ca ratio could be an important indicator of yield in “Pinot Noir” variety. A strong correlation between the petiole and blade analysis was found in macro and micro-nutrients. These results may contribute to improve the nutritional management of grapevines grown under cold climate conditions, mostly in Nova Scotia.

Viticultural Performance of Hybrids and Vitis vinifera Varieties Established in Annapolis Valley (Nova Scotia)

“…In addition, in these seasons, from bloom until veraison, 2 kg of K 2 O per ha, 2 kg of Mg per ha, and 4 kg of CaO per ha were foliarly applied. More information about soil nutritional parameters obtained in the first 30 cm of soil and determinations is shown by Diez-Zamudio et al [12].…”

“…Ca deficiency is detrimental to fertilization and fruit set due to its importance for pollen tube growth. Generally, the soils of the selected vineyards in this trial are sandy soils, which display a low quantity of coarse elements, important levels of organic matter, a low to high soil acidity, a generalized potassium deficiency and a medium to high soil compaction in many soil profiles [12]. In some areas of Nova Scotia, the local and most economical source of agricultural lime is from a dolomitic limestone quarry, but as a result, repeated applications of dolomitic lime can cause a build-up of soil Mg level.…”

“…Climate and soil conditions are described by Diez-Zamudio et al [12]. Briefly, climatic information was recorded using an automatic weather station (AWS) located at most 2 km from each vineyard.…”

“…For this, eight fully expanded and sun exposed leaves per treatment were wrapped in a plastic transparent film and aluminum foil for at least 2 h, thus achieving an equilibrium between leaf and plant xylem. Stem water potential (ΨStem) measurements were made between 13:00 and 15:00 h once a season after véraison, and δ 13 C was determined at harvest on grape sugars for each experimental replicate based upon 13 C/ 12 C, as performed by Spitzke and Fauhl-Hassek [19].…”