Grapevine

Vitis vinifera

1. Identification and origin

The grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is a woody species of the family Vitaceae, native to the Caucasus region and the Fertile Crescent, where it was domesticated more than 7,000 years ago. It is currently the main viticultural species worldwide, the basis of grape production for wine, table use and raisins. In Portugal, it is widely distributed across all wine-growing regions, with a great diversity of native grape varieties.

2. Economic importance

The vine is one of the agricultural crops of greatest global economic value, sustaining the wine, table grape, raisin and derivative industries. In Portugal, it represents a strategic sector, with strong economic, social and cultural impact. National viticulture stands out for its diversity of grape varieties, the quality of its wines and the importance of Protected Designations of Origin (PDO). The crop also contributes to carbon sequestration, landscape conservation and the maintenance of traditional agricultural systems.

3. Botanical characterisation

The grapevine is a climbing plant, with woody canes and tendrils opposite the leaves. The leaves are palmate, with 3–5 lobes and a serrated margin. The inflorescences are compound panicles, with small, hermaphroditic flowers. The fruit is a berry (grape), with a thin skin, juicy pulp and seeds (or seedless in specific cultivars). The root system is deep and branched, providing good exploration of the soil. The vegetative cycle includes budbreak, flowering, fruit set, veraison and ripening.

4. Soil and climate requirements

The grapevine adapts to temperate and Mediterranean climates, with high tolerance to summer drought. It prefers well-drained soils of medium texture, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It tolerates poor soils, provided they are not waterlogged. Grape quality is strongly influenced by solar radiation, thermal amplitude and moderate water availability. Excess vigour, associated with fertile soils or excessive irrigation, reduces fruit quality.

5. Main pests

• Phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae) — severe root damage; the main reason for the use of American rootstocks
• European grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana) — perforations and promotion of rots
• Honeydew moth (Criptoblabes gnidiella) — increasing damage to berries, especially in warm regions
• Green leafhopper (Empoasca vitis) — chloroses and reduction of photosynthesis
• Mealybugs (Planococcus ficus, Pseudococcus spp., Parthenolecanium corni) — honeydew, sooty mould and virus transmission
• Leafhopper vector of flavescence dorée (Scaphoideus titanus) — transmission of the phytoplasma responsible for the disease
• Mites (Tetranychus urticae, Calepitrimerus vitis) — leaf discolouration and reduction of vigour

6. Main diseases

• Downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) — oily spots and leaf necroses
• Powdery mildew (Erysiphe necator) — white coating and damage to leaves and berries
• Grey rot (Botrytis cinerea) — rots under humid conditions
• Esca and other wood diseases (Phaeoacremonium spp., Phaeomoniella chlamydospora) — decline and death of arms
• Flavescence dorée (16SrV group phytoplasma) — yellowing, rolling, abortion of clusters; transmitted by Scaphoideus titanus
• Leafroll virus (GLRaV) — rolling, chloroses and reduction of production

7. General crop management

Vine management is based on the choice of rootstocks adapted to the soil and resistant to phylloxera. Winter pruning and summer pruning regulate vigour and production. The control of downy mildew and powdery mildew is essential, especially in humid regions. Canopy management (leaf removal, shoot topping, cluster thinning) improves ventilation and cluster quality. The monitoring of Lobesia botrana, Criptoblabes gnidiella and Scaphoideus titanus is critical to prevent damage and associated diseases. Irrigation should be moderate and adjusted to the production objective. Harvest occurs when the grape reaches technological and phenolic ripeness suited to the type of wine or commercial destination.

Bibliographic references

• EPPO Global Database – Vitis vinifera
• CABI – Crop Protection Compendium – Vitis vinifera
• Jackson, R. S. (2014). Wine Science: Principles and Applications. Academic Press.
• Keller, M. (2015). The Science of Grapevines: Anatomy and Physiology. Academic Press.
• OIV. (2017). Viticulture: Compendium of International Methods and Practices. Organisation Internationale de la Vigne et du Vin.