Irrigation stragtegies

Question 1

Why irrigate?

Answer 1

1. Grow grapes in areas where water would limit there growth
   2.To control vegetative growth
2. Increase yield
3. prevent stress in critical vine growth stages

Question 2

Describe Water stress and its effects

Answer 2

Transpiration is the process mostly effected by water stress
1. effects stomatal response - stomata close
2. photosynthesis - stomata closing decreases the rate of photosynthesis
3.Nitrogen metabolism - less protein and enzymatic activity
4. Vegetative growth - Leaf surface and number decrease - decreasing photosynthesis
5. Root growth are restriced by severe stress but stimulated by mild water stress

Question 3

When is water most important for a vine

Answer 3

Budburst to flowering - water is required for shoot and root growth
Flowering to veraison - water is needed to maintain leaf function, support flowering+berry growth
Veraison to harvest - maintains leaf function, berry growth
Post harvest - root growth - stress can limit reserves for the next year

Question 4

What is an effect of too much water

Answer 4

Oxygen is removed from soil - water fills pores, partial death of root system by effecting root metabolism, leaves will change colour

Question 5

Sources for irrigation

Answer 5

Rivers
Dams
Ponds/Lakes

Question 6

Methods of irrigation

Answer 6

1. flood
2. sprinklers
3. drip
4. under canopy sprinklers