Effects of deficit irrigation with saline water on yield and grape composition of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Monastrell

Abstract Warm and semi-arid climates are characterized by rainfall scarcity, resulting in the frequent use of low-quality water for irrigation. This work was undertaken to study effects stress saline irrigation on yield grape composition Monastrell grapevines grafted onto 1103P rootstock. The experiment carried out during three consecutive seasons a commercial vineyard located Jumilla (SE Spain) with loamy-sandy soil. Rainfed vines were compared five watering regimes including Control, irrigated standard water, four treatments that combined two different schedules initiation (pre- post-veraison) obtained adding types salts (sulphates chlorides). Vines from more severe (i.e., rainfed) showed lower yields vegetative growth. Moreover, treatment clearly modified when Control increasing berry phenolic content. application slightly affected vine performance regardless type added water. Indeed, regime had greater effect yield, growth than waters. Our results suggest that, mid-term (3 years), soil good drainage, waters is not detrimental performance, but does improve composition. Further research required assess long-term application, particularly view important accumulation chlorides sodium leaf tissues observed watered salty at last season this experiment.