Vine vigour effects on leaf gas exchange and resource utilisation

Background and Aims:  Variability in vine vigour is a commonly observed feature in vineyard blocks. Although this aspect is well recognised among viticulturalists, impacts of vigour variability on vine function and resource use efficiency are seldom considered in management decision‐making. This study examined influences of vine vigour variability on vine physiological performance and resource use in a commercially managed vineyard block. Methods and Results:  The vineyard block was divided into different vigour zones using plant cell density data derived from aerial multi‐spectral imaging of the study block. Gas exchange and under‐vine soil moisture status were measured in some of the vigour zones. Low vigour vines had consistently lower photosynthesis and stomatal conductance rates than high vigour vines. The differences were evident both during soil‐drying and rewetting. Similarly, irrigation water utilisation was markedly lower in low than in high vigour vines. Vine fruit yield was linearly and positively related to vines' capacity to utilise applied water. Conclusions:  Vigour has considerable influence on vine physiological performance and on resource utilisation capacity. Uniform irrigation application to a block with variable vigour (which is the norm currently) leads to spatially inefficient resource use, and consequently to a marked within‐block variation in irrigation water productivity. Significance of the Study:  The demonstration that variation in vigour has a corresponding effect on resource utilisation has direct relevance for managing vineyard inputs such as irrigation or fertilisers.