Effects of Climate Change on Grapevines Vegetative and Reproductive Growth

Atmospheric CO2 concentration has increased from preindustrial period values of 280 ¿mol CO2 mol-1 air (ppm) to nowadays more than 400 ppm, and it is expected to reach 700 ppm by the end of this century. Due to its greenhouse effect, high CO2 concentration leads to higher temperatures that are being accompanied by less water availability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in red and white Tempranillo grapevine vegetative and reproductive growth affected by the three climate change-related factors above mentioned, the water deficit, elevated CO2 and elevated temperature. Grapevine fruit-bearing cuttings were grown under elevated CO2, elevated temperature and drought conditions in temperature gradient greenhouses located at the University of Navarra (Pamplona, Spain) during three consecutive growing seasons (years 2013, 2014 and 2015) with the aim of detecting individual and/or combined effects of climate change-related factors in the Tempranillo white and red varieties. Drought reduced vegetative growth (total vegetative mass). Elevated CO2 stimulated leaf and root growth in both varieties. Water availability diminished negative effects of high temperature on vegetative growth. Yield response to climate-change related factors was year-depended, however it was affected by drought each year.