The Growing Environment

Question 1

Solar Radiation

Answer 1

Is the main source for heat and sunlight. Heat impacts how grapes perform during the growing season. Grape exposure to sunshine can impact the development of anthocyanins (color pigments) in black grapes and methoxyprazines (herbaceous aromas).

Question 2

Latitude

Answer 2

Generally 30-50 degrees from the equator which can have an impact on solar radiation all thing being equal.

Question 3

Altitude

Answer 3

Temps fall by approximately 1.1 degrees F for every 100m increase in altitude. Sunshine is more intense since solar radiation travels less distance. Ultraviolet radiation is also greater. Both contribute to anthocyanin and tanin synthesis.

Question 4

Diurnal Range

Answer 4

Difference in temperature between the day and nigh. High differences mean high diurnal range.

Question 5

Aspect and Slope

Answer 5

Vineyards planted on slopes that face a particular direction (aspect). Importance of aspect and slopes (steepness) are more important in high latitudes because solar radiation hits the earth at lower angles in higher latitudes.

Question 6

Stomata

Answer 6

During photosynthesis pores (stomata) on the underside of the leaves that lets water diffuse out and carbon dioxide enter. Transpiration is where the water diffusing brings up nutrients from the soil up through the vines.

Question 7

Evapotranspiration rate

Answer 7

Amount of transpiration from the vine, combine with the evaporation of water from the soil surface. high evapotranspiration rate means more water is needed to satisfy the vine’s requirements.

Question 8

Nitrogen

Answer 8

Essential nutrient for vine growth. too much creates too much vegetative growth with sugars being diverted to the growing shoots and leaves rather than grapes.

Question 9

Potassium

Answer 9

Helps regulate the flow of water in the vine. Too much potassium can cause problems in the uptake of magnesium. Can also lead to high potassium in grapes which are high PH. Low levels of potassium can lead to low sugar accumulation in the grapes.

Question 10

Phosphorus

Answer 10

Too little results in poor roots, resulting in lower intake of water and nutrients and lower yields. Usually there’s enough phosphorus in most soil.

Question 11

Calcium

Answer 11

Important nutrient. Calcium deficiency is rare but can impact fruit set.

Question 12

Magnesium

Answer 12

Found in chlorophyll and is important in photosynthesis. Too little can impact grape yields and poor ripening.

Question 13

Soil Texure

Answer 13

Describes the proportions of the mineral particles of sand, silt and clay. High clay are said to be finely textured. Sandy soils are loose textured. Silt is in the middle. Loam means there are proportionate amounts of sand, silt and clay.

Question 14

Soil Structure

Answer 14

Describes how the mineral particles in the soil form (crumb). Size, shape and stability of these aggregates important for determining water drainage, root growth, and workability of the soil.

Question 15

Growing Degree Days

Answer 15

Model of heat simulation during the growing season (April to October (N) and October to April (S). 5 bands coldest to hottest.

Question 16

Huglin Index

Answer 16

SImilar to GDD but factors in both mean and max temperatures and increased day length in higher altitudes.

Question 17

Mean Temperature of the warmest month

Answer 17

Uses the mean temp of the warmest month either July (N) or Jan (S) termed MJT. Split into 6 bands to aid description and communication ranging from cold to very hot.

Question 18

Growing Season Temperature

Answer 18

Similar to GDD uses the growing season averages with bands ranging from cool to hot.

Question 19

Maritime

Answer 19

Low annual differences in summer and winter temperatures. Rainfall is also evenly spread.

Question 20

Mediterranean

Answer 20

Also experience low annual differences in summer and winter. Rain is often in winter months and summers are usually dry.

Question 21

Continental

Answer 21

Experience higher annual differences between summer and winter. Typically have short summers and cold winters with temperatures rapidly changing in spring and autumn. Burgundy and Alsace.

Question 22

Cool Climate

Answer 22

62 degrees or below

Question 23

Moderate Climate

Answer 23

62-65 degrees

Question 24

Warm Climate

Answer 24

65-70 degrees

Question 25

Hot Climate

Answer 25

above 70 degrees

Question 26

Continentality

Answer 26

Measure of difference of annual average temps between hotter and coldest months. Water reduces continentality while inland areas typically have high continentality.

Question 27

Climate Change

Answer 27

Can impact the timing of budburst and harvest. Higher sugar accumulation and reduction of acidity occur. But do not quicken the ripening of most aroma and tanin compounds.

Question 28

Rootstock Dog Ridge and Ramsey

Answer 28

Good to protect against nematodes

Question 29

Rootstock 110, 140R

Answer 29

Good for low rainfall and acid, rocky soil and sandy soil

Question 30

Rootstock 41B

Answer 30

Good for chalky limestone soil

Question 31

Riparia Gloire Rootstock

Answer 31

Good for clay soil that retains water

Question 32

Rootstock 420A, 3309C

Answer 32

Good to promote low yielding rootstock (maybe on fertile soil)