Phenology and Vegetative Growth in a New Production Region of Grapevines: Case Study in São Joaquim, Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil

Abstract

In Brazil winemaking is expanding not only in the renewal of vineyards in traditional production areas, but also in the introduction of new crops in the newer winemaking regions. Promising characteristics were observed in the quality of the grapes and wines produced in altitude regions of Santa Catarina. The aim of this study is to characterize the geographic and climatic conditions which affect the phenology and vegetative growth of grapevine in São Joaquim, in the mountains region of Santa Catarina. The vineyards are located in areas with undulated and strongly undulated relief, predominantly in soils originating from basaltic rocks, in climate conditions classified as Cfb according to the Köppen, as Region I according to Winkler classification. The phenological stage of the grapevines in the São Joaquim region begins later and lasts longer in comparison to other winegrowing regions in Brazil. Decrease in photoperiod and low temperatures (<10˚C) were the determining factors for the induction of growth cessation of the shoots in São Joaquim. The geographic location in a lower latitude and its high altitude results in a distinct growing climate compared to the other winegrowing regions in Brazil.