Revista de la Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias
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Nutritional and morpho-anatomical characterization of Phyllostachys aurea (Poaceae, Bambusoideae, Bambuseae) foliage for Argentine livestock systems
Full text linkBamboo cultivation in Argentina could represent a major economic activity if its various applications were revealed. This study characterized the anatomy and micromorphology of leaf blades by optical and scanning electron microscopes. Foliage leaves presented predominant parenchyma and scarce sclerenchyma. Foliage chemical and biological composition were analyzed in 3 populations of P. aurea sampled in two contrasting seasons of the year. The six samples evaluated showed 13% protein, adequate for ruminant feed. Neutral detergent fiber (aNDFom) was approximately 60% DM, a probable limiting factor for consumption. Significant differences in ADFom (acid detergent fiber) and ADLom (acid detergent lignin) favored spring results, with lower values than winter results. The presence of silica in different cell types could limit digestion. Fermentation kinetics indicated that dry matter digestibility is close to 50%, and higher in spring given lower amounts of indigestible components. In addition, all samples analyzed had a low content of immediately soluble material and a high content of potentially fermentable insoluble material. Anatomy and chemical-nutritional characterization allow P. aurea foliage to be considered in ruminant feeding.
Highlights:
Nutritional and morpho-anatomical studies are complementary in the evaluation of forages for ruminants.
Anatomy and chemical-nutritional characterization allow aurea foliage to be considered in ruminant feeding.
Silica in epidermis, trichomes, cell walls or lumen of grasses acts as structural inhibitor of microbial digestion leading to lower acceptability and DMD.
The high silica content accounts for 82% of the total ash, suggesting the presence of indigestible substances.
Phyllostachys aurea foliage leaves showed 13% protein, adequate for ruminant feed and neutral detergent fiber was approximately 60%DM.Bamboo cultivation in Argentina could represent a major economic activity if its various applications were revealed. This study characterized the anatomy and micromorphology of leaf blades by optical and scanning electron microscopes. Foliage leaves presented predominant parenchyma and scarce sclerenchyma. Foliage chemical and biological composition were analyzed in 3 populations of P. aurea sampled in two contrasting seasons of the year. The six samples evaluated showed 13% protein, adequate for ruminant feed. Neutral detergent fiber (aNDFom) was approximately 60% DM, a probable limiting factor for consumption. Significant differences in ADFom (acid detergent fiber) and ADLom (acid detergent lignin) favored spring results, with lower values than winter results. The presence of silica in different cell types could limit digestion. Fermentation kinetics indicated that dry matter digestibility is close to 50%, and higher in spring given lower amounts of indigestible components. In addition, all samples analyzed had a low content of immediately soluble material and a high content of potentially fermentable insoluble material. Anatomy and chemical-nutritional characterization allow P. aurea foliage to be considered in ruminant feeding.
Highlights:
Nutritional and morpho-anatomical studies are complementary in the evaluation of forages for ruminants.
Anatomy and chemical-nutritional characterization allow aurea foliage to be considered in ruminant feeding.
Silica in epidermis, trichomes, cell walls or lumen of grasses acts as structural inhibitor of microbial digestion leading to lower acceptability and DMD.
The high silica content accounts for 82% of the total ash, suggesting the presence of indigestible substances.
Phyllostachys aurea foliage leaves showed 13% protein, adequate for ruminant feed and neutral detergent fiber was approximately 60%DM
Fungicide Management of Late Leaf Spot and Peanut Smut
Full text linkLate leaf spot (LLS), caused by Nothopassalora personata, is the most devastating peanut disease in the world. In Argentina, peanut smut (Thecaphora frezii) has increased significantly in recent decades. LLS is mainly managed through chemical fungicides, however, peanut smut is not effectively controlled, except for some resistant peanut genotypes. This study evaluated the effects of widely used fungicides for LLS control on both diseases and crop yield. Field trials were conducted over three consecutive years in two locations, with different fungicide doses and number of applications. Disease intensities were significantly higher in General Cabrera (GC) than in Vicuña Mackenna (VM) resulting in higher yields in VM. This could be due to the longer history of peanut cultivation in GC, where fungicide applications reduced LLS intensity. Among fungicides, chlorothalonil showed the best performance. However, these treatments were ineffective against peanut smut, likely due to difficulties reaching the infection site. Considering fungicides are one major management tool, further study of different active ingredients against both diseases should also consider sustainable integrated management.
Highlights:
The intensity of late leaf spot and peanut smut was strongly associated with location.
The use of chemical treatments proved effective in controlling late leaf spot.
Peanut smut was not managed thought fungicides.
It is possible to manage peanut late leaf spot using fungicides with a lower environmental impact.Late leaf spot (LLS), caused by Nothopassalora personata, is the most devastating peanut disease in the world. In Argentina, peanut smut (Thecaphora frezii) has increased significantly in recent decades. LLS is mainly managed through chemical fungicides, however, peanut smut is not effectively controlled, except for some resistant peanut genotypes. This study evaluated the effects of widely used fungicides for LLS control on both diseases and crop yield. Field trials were conducted over three consecutive years in two locations, with different fungicide doses and number of applications. Disease intensities were significantly higher in General Cabrera (GC) than in Vicuña Mackenna (VM) resulting in higher yields in VM. This could be due to the longer history of peanut cultivation in GC, where fungicide applications reduced LLS intensity. Among fungicides, chlorothalonil showed the best performance. However, these treatments were ineffective against peanut smut, likely due to difficulties reaching the infection site. Considering fungicides are one major management tool, further study of different active ingredients against both diseases should also consider sustainable integrated management.
Highlights:
The intensity of late leaf spot and peanut smut was strongly associated with location.
The use of chemical treatments proved effective in controlling late leaf spot.
Peanut smut was not managed thought fungicides.
It is possible to manage peanut late leaf spot using fungicides with a lower environmental impact
Physiological and biochemical responses of Neltuma ruscifolia under Na2SO4 stress
Full text linkSalt stress limits plant production in arid and semi-arid zones. Although Na2SO4 is frequent in saline soils, most studies on plant physiological responses to salt stress were conducted using NaCl. This study aimed to determine the effect of Na2SO4 salt stress on physiological and biochemical responses in Neltuma ruscifolia. Increasing concentrations of Na2SO4 were added to 6-month-old plants grown hydroponically in 25% Hoagland nutrient solution. After 60 days of saline treatments, biomass, cysteine concentration, gas exchange, mineral composition, abscisic acid and salicylic acid concentrations, and antioxidant enzyme activity were determined. It is concluded that 200 mmol L-1 Na2SO4 is the threshold for N. ruscifolia seedling growth. Growth inhibition can be attributed to altered ionic homeostasis and photosynthesis inhibition after stomatal closure. Nevertheless, the species shows adaptive responses to this salt. Stomatal closure and increased foliar concentrations of abscisic acid contribute to water economy, while cysteine synthesis reduces sulfate toxicity. In parallel, salt stress induces salicylic acidaccumulation in leaves, increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes that prevent oxidative stress.
Highlights:
The threshold for growth of Neltuma ruscifoliais 200 mmol L-1 Na2SO4.
Salt stress altered ionic homeostasis.
Sodium sulfate inhibited photosynthesis due to stomatal closure.
Salt stress increased concentrations of abscisic acid and salicylic acid.Salt stress limits plant production in arid and semi-arid zones. Although Na2SO4 is frequent in saline soils, most studies on plant physiological responses to salt stress were conducted using NaCl. This study aimed to determine the effect of Na2SO4 salt stress on physiological and biochemical responses in Neltuma ruscifolia. Increasing concentrations of Na2SO4 were added to 6-month-old plants grown hydroponically in 25% Hoagland nutrient solution. After 60 days of saline treatments, biomass, cysteine concentration, gas exchange, mineral composition, abscisic acid and salicylic acid concentrations, and antioxidant enzyme activity were determined. It is concluded that 200 mmol L-1 Na2SO4 is the threshold for N. ruscifolia seedling growth. Growth inhibition can be attributed to altered ionic homeostasis and photosynthesis inhibition after stomatal closure. Nevertheless, the species shows adaptive responses to this salt. Stomatal closure and increased foliar concentrations of abscisic acid contribute to water economy, while cysteine synthesis reduces sulfate toxicity. In parallel, salt stress induces salicylic acidaccumulation in leaves, increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes that prevent oxidative stress.
Highlights:
The threshold for growth of Neltuma ruscifoliais 200 mmol L-1 Na2SO4.
Salt stress altered ionic homeostasis.
Sodium sulfate inhibited photosynthesis due to stomatal closure.
Salt stress increased concentrations of abscisic acid and salicylic acid.
Salt stress triggers the species' antioxidant response.
Comparison of fatty acid profiles of sacha inchi oil (Plukenetia huayllabambana), sesame oil (Sesamum indicum), and peanut oil (Arachis hypogaea) using two extraction methods for food purposes
Full text linkVegetable oil consumption has increased in recent decades due to the high content of monounsaturated (Omega 9) and polyunsaturated (Omega 3 and 6) fatty acids. For this reason, this research compared the fatty acid profile of sacha inchi, sesame and peanut oils under two extraction methods for food purposes. A completely randomized experimental design considered an A*B factorial arrangement with 3 repetitions. Factor A corresponds to oilseed type and Factor B is extraction method. The results showed that both factors significantly influenced (p<0.05) bromatological characteristics (pH, acidity, peroxide value, relative density and ash). The lowest concentration of saturated fatty acids was obtained in sacha inchi oil + cold pressing (6.80 g/100 g), while monounsaturated fatty acids increased in peanut oil + hot pressing (51.51 g/100 g). Sacha inchi oil + cold pressing had the highest content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (84.36 g/100 g).
Highlights:
Comparison of lipid profiles in sacha inchi, sesame, and peanut oils.
Cold extraction preserves quality, hot extraction increases yield.
Cold-pressed sacha inchi contains more polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Hot-pressed peanut is more stable and has lower acidity.
Sacha inchi provides omega-3, while peanut and sesame are more oxidation-stable.Vegetable oil consumption has increased in recent decades due to the high content of monounsaturated (Omega 9) and polyunsaturated (Omega 3 and 6) fatty acids. For this reason, this research compared the fatty acid profile of sacha inchi, sesame and peanut oils under two extraction methods for food purposes. A completely randomized experimental design considered an A*B factorial arrangement with 3 repetitions. Factor A corresponds to oilseed type and Factor B is extraction method. The results showed that both factors significantly influenced (p<0.05) bromatological characteristics (pH, acidity, peroxide value, relative density and ash). The lowest concentration of saturated fatty acids was obtained in sacha inchi oil + cold pressing (6.80 g/100 g), while monounsaturated fatty acids increased in peanut oil + hot pressing (51.51 g/100 g). Sacha inchi oil + cold pressing had the highest content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (84.36 g/100 g).
Highlights:
Comparison of lipid profiles in sacha inchi, sesame, and peanut oils.
Cold extraction preserves quality, hot extraction increases yield.
Cold-pressed sacha inchi contains more polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Hot-pressed peanut is more stable and has lower acidity.
Sacha inchi provides omega-3, while peanut and sesame are more oxidation-stable
Pesticide drift: comparing spraying systems under variable field climatic conditions
Full text linkSafe pesticide application must ensure efficacy in pest control while minimizing environmental and human health risks. This study investigated pesticide potential drift by comparing ground and aerial spraying systems under different climatic conditions. The research was conducted in Rio Verde, Goiás, Brazil, using a randomized block experimental design with 10 repetitions and a 2 x 2 split-plot scheme, considering spraying systems and climatic conditions as factors. Favorable and Unfavorable conditions were determined by relative air humidity, temperature, and wind speed. Aerial spraying was performed using a Cessna aircraft, while terrestrial spraying was done using a self-propelled Montana Parruda sprayer. Variables assessed included Volumetric Median Diameter (VMD), droplet density (DEN), and target coverage. Results revealed that aerial spraying has a higher drift potential, exceeding 180 m, compared to terrestrial spraying, limited to 90 m under unfavorable conditions. Although terrestrial spraying produces larger droplets, its shorter distance to the target and reduced speed minimize lateral movement, limiting drift potential. Droplet density and non-target area coverage were low for both systems, (0.1%). Under ideal conditions, aerial spraying is more efficient, but both methods require rigorous safety measures to prevent contamination risks. This study underlines the importance of considering droplet size and specific environmental conditions when choosing a spraying system, contributing to safer and more efficient agricultural practices.
Highlights:
Terrestrial spraying produces larger droplets which results in limited drift potential.
Aerial spraying has a higher drift potential compared to terrestrial spraying.
Aerial spraying is more efficient under favorable environmental conditions.
For safer and more efficient agricultural practices it is important considering droplet size and specific environmental conditions.Safe pesticide application must ensure efficacy in pest control while minimizing environmental and human health risks. This study investigated pesticide potential drift by comparing ground and aerial spraying systems under different climatic conditions. The research was conducted in Rio Verde, Goiás, Brazil, using a randomized block experimental design with 10 repetitions and a 2 x 2 split-plot scheme, considering spraying systems and climatic conditions as factors. Favorable and Unfavorable conditions were determined by relative air humidity, temperature, and wind speed. Aerial spraying was performed using a Cessna aircraft, while terrestrial spraying was done using a self-propelled Montana Parruda sprayer. Variables assessed included Volumetric Median Diameter (VMD), droplet density (DEN), and target coverage. Results revealed that aerial spraying has a higher drift potential, exceeding 180 m, compared to terrestrial spraying, limited to 90 m under unfavorable conditions. Although terrestrial spraying produces larger droplets, its shorter distance to the target and reduced speed minimize lateral movement, limiting drift potential. Droplet density and non-target area coverage were low for both systems, (0.1%). Under ideal conditions, aerial spraying is more efficient, but both methods require rigorous safety measures to prevent contamination risks. This study underlines the importance of considering droplet size and specific environmental conditions when choosing a spraying system, contributing to safer and more efficient agricultural practices.
Highlights:
Terrestrial spraying produces larger droplets which results in limited drift potential.
Aerial spraying has a higher drift potential compared to terrestrial spraying.
Aerial spraying is more efficient under favorable environmental conditions.
For safer and more efficient agricultural practices it is important considering droplet size and specific environmental conditions
Impact of Cry1Ac soybean (Glicine max) on biological and reproductive cycles and herbivory capacity of Spodoptera cosmioides and Spodoptera eridania (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Full text linkIncreasing populations of Spodoptera cosmioides (Walker) and Spodoptera eridania (Stoll) have recently been detected in soybean crops in central Argentina. Besides being polyphagous, these species tolerate the Cry1Ac insecticidal toxin, expressed by genetically modified Bt soybean (MON89788 x MON87701). Consequently, when facing big populations, farmers often apply insecticides. This study aimed to determine the effects of Bt soybean on the consumption, biological cycle, and reproduction of both Spodoptera species. Larval feeding on Bt soybean led to a shorter pupal period (23% less than control) and a decreased leaf-area consumption for S. cosmioides (14% less than the non-Bt soybean). In S. eridania, the larval stage, adult longevity, larva-to-adult, and oviposition periods were reduced (11, 23, 13, and 30% shorter than control, respectively). Despite these reductions, both Lepidoptera species completed their reproductive cycles. These valuable findings help us understand the biology of these potential pests in Bt soybean crops in Argentina.
Highlights:
We studied the effect of the insecticidal toxin Cry1Ac expressed by genetically modified Bt soybean on the biological and reproductive cycle and foliar consumption of cosmioides and S. eridania.
Spodoptera cosmioides registred a shorter duration of the pupal period.
In eridania shorter duration of the larval and adult stages, larva-to-adult period and oviposition period were observed.
Leaf-area consumption by cosmioides decreased in Bt soybean.Increasing populations of Spodoptera cosmioides (Walker) and Spodoptera eridania (Stoll) have recently been detected in soybean crops in central Argentina. Besides being polyphagous, these species tolerate the Cry1Ac insecticidal toxin, expressed by genetically modified Bt soybean (MON89788 x MON87701). Consequently, when facing big populations, farmers often apply insecticides. This study aimed to determine the effects of Bt soybean on the consumption, biological cycle, and reproduction of both Spodoptera species. Larval feeding on Bt soybean led to a shorter pupal period (23% less than control) and a decreased leaf-area consumption for S. cosmioides (14% less than the non-Bt soybean). In S. eridania, the larval stage, adult longevity, larva-to-adult, and oviposition periods were reduced (11, 23, 13, and 30% shorter than control, respectively). Despite these reductions, both Lepidoptera species completed their reproductive cycles. These valuable findings help us understand the biology of these potential pests in Bt soybean crops in Argentina.
Highlights:
We studied the effect of the insecticidal toxin Cry1Ac expressed by genetically modified Bt soybean on the biological and reproductive cycle and foliar consumption of cosmioides and S. eridania.
Spodoptera cosmioides registred a shorter duration of the pupal period.
In eridania shorter duration of the larval and adult stages, larva-to-adult period and oviposition period were observed.
Leaf-area consumption by cosmioides decreased in Bt soybean
Water quality assessment of streams and rivers for irrigation in Southern Continental Patagonia
Full text linkThis work aimed to analyze and classify the suitability of freshwater sources for irrigation in three large hydrographic regions of Southern Continental Patagonia: Coyle, Serrano, and Gallegos. In these regions, there is a lack of information on the irrigation suitability of surface waters. For this, 74 surface water locations were sampled from 42 watercourses in Santa Cruz province and Magallanes region in Argentina and Chile, during dry and wet seasons between 2017 and 2019. The concentration of ions of agricultural interest was evaluated in the laboratory. The pH ranged between 6.1-9.5 with little seasonal variability. The prevailing ions were Ca2+ Mg2+ and HCO3-, while the lower cation concentration was K+. The Sodium Adsorption Ratio was 0.58 ± 0.21 during winter and 0.46 ± 0.15 in summer. Most waters in the region have electrical conductivity values below 250 µS/cm and may be categorized as low-salinity waters. We determined no significant hazards for crops, vegetables, and pasture production in terms of the combined salinity and sodicity indicators. However, a potential negative impact on soil structural stability mainly due to Na+ concentration must be considered for the implementation of suitable irrigation projects.
Highlights:
Assessment of freshwater quality for irrigation in arid and semiarid environments of Southern Patagonia.
Comparative interpretation of salinity and alkali hazards for crops and pasture irrigation and soil stability.
The concentration of sodium in freshwater, although low, represents a significant risk for soil stability.
Most rivers and streams have optimal quality for crops and pastures irrigation.This work aimed to analyze and classify the suitability of freshwater sources for irrigation in three large hydrographic regions of Southern Continental Patagonia: Coyle, Serrano, and Gallegos. In these regions, there is a lack of information on the irrigation suitability of surface waters. For this, 74 surface water locations were sampled from 42 watercourses in Santa Cruz province and Magallanes region in Argentina and Chile, during dry and wet seasons between 2017 and 2019. The concentration of ions of agricultural interest was evaluated in the laboratory. The pH ranged between 6.1-9.5 with little seasonal variability. The prevailing ions were Ca2+ Mg2+ and HCO3-, while the lower cation concentration was K+. The Sodium Adsorption Ratio was 0.58 ± 0.21 during winter and 0.46 ± 0.15 in summer. Most waters in the region have electrical conductivity values below 250 µS/cm and may be categorized as low-salinity waters. We determined no significant hazards for crops, vegetables, and pasture production in terms of the combined salinity and sodicity indicators. However, a potential negative impact on soil structural stability mainly due to Na+ concentration must be considered for the implementation of suitable irrigation projects.
Highlights:
Assessment of freshwater quality for irrigation in arid and semiarid environments of Southern Patagonia.
Comparative interpretation of salinity and alkali hazards for crops and pasture irrigation and soil stability.
The concentration of sodium in freshwater, although low, represents a significant risk for soil stability.
Most rivers and streams have optimal quality for crops and pastures irrigation
Arachis genetic resources: evaluation of peanut smut resistance in wild species:
Full text linkGenetic resources are essential for crop improvement. Particularly, wild species related to peanuts are an important source of resistance to various factors. Thecaphora frezii, a pathogen causing peanut smut, leads to yield losses in Argentina’s peanut sector up to 35%. This study evaluated the response of 11 diploid species with A, B, F and K genomes, A. monticola (AABB), and diploid interspecific hybrids (BB), to T. frezii over two cropping seasons. Plants were grown in 20L pots (three replicates each) under field conditions and inoculated with teliospores of the pathogen (20,000 tel./g of soil). The disease was quantified through incidence (% of diseased pods) and severity (scale from 0 to 4). Among A genome species, A. duranensis exhibited the highest incidence at 15.27%; for K genome species, A. batizocoi reached 13.18%. Resistance to T. frezii was observed in the wild species A. diogoi and A. stenosperma (A genome), A. williamsii (B genome), A. trinitensis (F genome), A. cruziana (K genome), and the intragenomic hybrids, constituting new records. Our findings expand the peanut gene pool information for breeders and identify resistant genotypes, supporting the need to preserve wild peanut germplasm to ensure its availability.
Highlights:
Arachis species with B and F genomes displayed resistance to peanut smut, while AA and KK genome species exhibited varying susceptibility.
Genotypes resistant to Tecaphora frezii were identified, expanding the peanut gene pool available for developing resistant genotypes.
Wild Arachis species constitute important sources of alleles to diversify A. hypogaea genome and enhance resistance to multiple diseases, including peanut smut.
Careful conservation of wild groundnut germplasm is crucial to ensure its availability for future breeding efforts.
Genetic resources are essential for crop improvement. Particularly, wild species related to peanuts are an important source of resistance to various factors. Thecaphora frezii, a pathogen causing peanut smut, leads to yield losses in Argentina’s peanut sector up to 35%. This study evaluated the response of 11 diploid species with A, B, F and K genomes, A. monticola (AABB), and diploid interspecific hybrids (BB), to T. frezii over two cropping seasons. Plants were grown in 20L pots (three replicates each) under field conditions and inoculated with teliospores of the pathogen (20,000 tel./g of soil). The disease was quantified through incidence (% of diseased pods) and severity (scale from 0 to 4). Among A genome species, A. duranensis exhibited the highest incidence at 15.27%; for K genome species, A. batizocoi reached 13.18%. Resistance to T. frezii was observed in the wild species A. diogoi and A. stenosperma (A genome), A. williamsii (B genome), A. trinitensis (F genome), A. cruziana (K genome), and the intragenomic hybrids, constituting new records. Our findings expand the peanut gene pool information for breeders and identify resistant genotypes, supporting the need to preserve wild peanut germplasm to ensure its availability.
Highlights:
Arachis species with B and F genomes displayed resistance to peanut smut, while AA and KK genome species exhibited varying susceptibility.
Genotypes resistant to Tecaphora frezii were identified, expanding the peanut gene pool available for developing resistant genotypes.
Wild Arachis species constitute important sources of alleles to diversify A. hypogaea genome and enhance resistance to multiple diseases, including peanut smut.
Careful conservation of wild groundnut germplasm is crucial to ensure its availability for future breeding efforts
Impact of intra-vineyard soil heterogeneity on Malbec. Vine growth, yield and wine elemental composition and sensory profile
Full text linkIn Mendoza, viticulture is increasingly expanding into mountainous regions, taking advantage of cooler temperatures. High-altitude vineyards, characterized by greater soil heterogeneity, can significantly impact grapevine growth, development, elemental uptake, and wine sensory attributes. Despite its relevance, the effects of intra-vineyard variability on wine organoleptic quality and elemental composition remain underexplored in the existing literature. This study investigated a high-altitude vineyard planted with Vitis vinifera L. cv. "Malbec", focusing on two contrasting soil depth profiles: shallow soil (SS) and deep soil (DS). The DS exhibited a finer texture, higher water retention and greater cation exchange capacity than the SS. Additionally, DS contained higher concentrations of Mn, while SS was richer in Ca. Vegetative growth and yield varied according to soil type and vintage. Wines from DS showed higher [Mn], consistent with the soil, and increased [Fe] and [Cu] compared to SS wines, possibly due to indirect effects. Significant differences were observed in wine organoleptic properties, with SS wines exhibiting greater color intensity, astringency, and structure. Certain aromas, such as cherry and plum were negatively correlated with [Mn]. These findings highlight the influence of vineyard soils on the elemental composition and sensory profiles of wines, providing valuable insights into terroir characteristics for management strategies.
Highlights:
Intra-vineyard soil heterogeneity significantly affects vegetative growth, elemental composition, and the sensory profile of Malbec wine.
Vines in deep soils exhibited greater vigor and produced more clusters per plant than those in shallow soils.
Deep soils retain more water, have higher clay and silt content, and produce wines with higher Mn. In contrast, shallow soils are sandier and rockier, with lower water retention, leading to wines with greater color intensity, astringency, and structure.In Mendoza, viticulture is increasingly expanding into mountainous regions, taking advantage of cooler temperatures. High-altitude vineyards, characterized by greater soil heterogeneity, can significantly impact grapevine growth, development, elemental uptake, and wine sensory attributes. Despite its relevance, the effects of intra-vineyard variability on wine organoleptic quality and elemental composition remain underexplored in the existing literature. This study investigated a high-altitude vineyard planted with Vitis vinifera L. cv. "Malbec", focusing on two contrasting soil depth profiles: shallow soil (SS) and deep soil (DS). The DS exhibited a finer texture, higher water retention and greater cation exchange capacity than the SS. Additionally, DS contained higher concentrations of Mn, while SS was richer in Ca. Vegetative growth and yield varied according to soil type and vintage. Wines from DS showed higher [Mn], consistent with the soil, and increased [Fe] and [Cu] compared to SS wines, possibly due to indirect effects. Significant differences were observed in wine organoleptic properties, with SS wines exhibiting greater color intensity, astringency, and structure. Certain aromas, such as cherry and plum were negatively correlated with [Mn]. These findings highlight the influence of vineyard soils on the elemental composition and sensory profiles of wines, providing valuable insights into terroir characteristics for management strategies.
Highlights:
Intra-vineyard soil heterogeneity significantly affects vegetative growth, elemental composition, and the sensory profile of Malbec wine.
Vines in deep soils exhibited greater vigor and produced more clusters per plant than those in shallow soils.
Deep soils retain more water, have higher clay and silt content, and produce wines with higher Mn. In contrast, shallow soils are sandier and rockier, with lower water retention, leading to wines with greater color intensity, astringency, and structure
Social Welfare Effects of Water Security Improvements in Arid Regions: The Case of Mendoza, Argentina
Full text linkWater security is a critical challenge in Mendoza, Argentina, an arid region that faces rising water demand and uncertainty caused by climate change. Agriculture consumes 90% of the fresh water in the region, while vineyards occupy just over 60% of the cultivated area. This study estimates the social welfare effects of an improvement in water security achieved by reallocating water from vineyards to other uses. We used a multidisciplinary approach, applying benefit transfer to estimate social welfare changes and water footprint to quantify shifts in water availability. Our findings suggest that a water security policy in the Mendocinian Northern Oasis can result in an average 21-percentage-point increase in annual water availability for other uses. This equals an average household welfare gain of 17.43 US dollars per year (95% CI: 8.40-35.64) at 2024 prices over the next 30 years. This study offers a framework for regions worldwide facing similar challenges of water scarcity, increasing water demand, and climate change. Moreover, it can support the design of more informed water management strategies to ensure long-term water security.
Highlights:
A framework is proposed for evaluating water security improvements in arid regions.
Aligning water distribution with crop water needs enables efficient water allocation.
Water security improvement policies increase social welfare for Mendocinian citizens.
A multidisciplinary approach is developed using benefit transfer and water footprint.
Water security improvement equals an annual welfare gain of 17.43 US dollars per household.Water security is a critical challenge in Mendoza, Argentina, an arid region that faces rising water demand and uncertainty caused by climate change. Agriculture consumes 90% of the fresh water in the region, while vineyards occupy just over 60% of the cultivated area. This study estimates the social welfare effects of an improvement in water security achieved by reallocating water from vineyards to other uses. We used a multidisciplinary approach, applying benefit transfer to estimate social welfare changes and water footprint to quantify shifts in water availability. Our findings suggest that a water security policy in the Mendocinian Northern Oasis can result in an average 21-percentage-point increase in annual water availability for other uses. This equals an average household welfare gain of 17.43 US dollars per year (95% CI: 8.40-35.64) at 2024 prices over the next 30 years. This study offers a framework for regions worldwide facing similar challenges of water scarcity, increasing water demand, and climate change. Moreover, it can support the design of more informed water management strategies to ensure long-term water security.
Highlights:
A framework is proposed for evaluating water security improvements in arid regions.
Aligning water distribution with crop water needs enables efficient water allocation.
Water security improvement policies increase social welfare for Mendocinian citizens.
A multidisciplinary approach is developed using benefit transfer and water footprint.
Water security improvement equals an annual welfare gain of 17.43 US dollars per household