Response of Vitis vinifera cultivars to multiple summer stresses and development of precision strategies to mitigate negative effects of climate changes on grape and wine

The thesis explores innovative strategies to mitigate the impacts of heatwaves on grapevine cultivation. It addresses the challenges posed by climate change and aims to develop tools to safeguard plant vitality and production. Three experiments are conducted to achieve this objective. In the first experiment, conducted in pots, a multifunctional irrigation system is implemented to regulate the microclimate around the fruit-zone during heatwaves. Two red grape varieties, 'Sangiovese' and 'Montepulciano', are cultivated and exposed to different water regimes. Results show that misting increases yield and anthocyanin concentration, crucial for berry color. A field experiment investigates misting's effect on a white grape variety over two years. Misting reduces air and berry temperatures, leading to increased yield and reduced sunburn damages. Flavonol synthesis remains unaffected by thermal reduction but is stimulated under increased light exposure. In the third experiment, the effectiveness of a treatment with mineral compounds, such as chabasite-based zeolite, in enhancing anthocyanin accumulation and physiological performance is assessed. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of foliar zeolite treatment in reducing canopy temperatures and improving anthocyanin accumulation in grapes and wine. In conclusion, the research provides insights into managing summer stresses in grapevines. Implementing these findings can aid in adapting grapevines to climate change challenges.