EFFECTS OF VINE WATER STATUS ON VINE PERFORMANCE AND GRAPE COMPOSITION OF (Vitis vinifera L.) cv. 'Sultani Cekirdeksiz'

Drought caused by climate change increased the relevance of irrigation management in viticulture. In order to regulate irrigation strategies for Vitis vinifera L., their influences on vine performance, yield and quality attributes need to be understood. This study evaluates the effects of different irrigation schedulings on vine performance and grape composition in a vineyard of cv. 'Sultani Cekirdeksiz' (Sultana clone, H5) during three consecutive years (2015-2017). Three irrigation treatments were assayed: (i) full irrigation (FI), soil water content was completed to field capacity within one week intervals; (ii) DI65, applying 65% water of FI and (iii) DI35, applying 35% water of FI. Water stress caused by the deficit irrigation treatments limited vine performance in terms of vegetative development and yield. The highest phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and total flavonoid accumulation were obtained under DI35, although this treatment had lowest yield. In conclusion, DI65 (moderate stress) might result in a more balanced yield and grape quality attributes in comparison with FI and DI35.