Grapevine in a Changing Environment: A Molecular and Ecophysiological Perspective

Over the last decade, the extent and severity of heat and light stress, often in combination with water scarcity, have caused extensive agricultural losses all over the world. There is consensus that the Vitis vinifera L. displays large variations in terms of tolerance to abiotic summer stresses, i.e. excessive temperature and radiation, water shortage in the soil and high leaf-to-air water vapour pressure deficit (VPD), both when considered alone or in combination. However, a quantification of the effects of such factors on source function and sink strength is crucial to avoid severe imbalances between vine growth and yield, to optimize the use of natural resources, especially water and light, and to develop appropriate management strategies. Therefore, this chapter will provide a brief overview about current knowledge on light and heat stresses with or without a concurrent water stress and how they mutually interact to modify physiology, growth patterns and productivity in the grapevine. Chapter complements this review by summarizing in particular the impact of light, water and heat in berry composition.