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1473-1486 G. Ghantous, K. Popov, Z. El Sebaaly and Y.N. Sassine
Adaptation of Syrah wine grape cultivar to changing climatic conditions of the Bekaa valley, Lebanon
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Adaptation of Syrah wine grape cultivar to changing climatic conditions of the Bekaa valley, Lebanon

G. Ghantous¹², K. Popov¹, Z. El Sebaaly² and Y.N. Sassine²*

¹University of Forestry, Faculty of Agronomy, Department of Agronomy, 10 Kliment Ohridsky Blvd., BG1797 Sofia, Bulgaria
²Lebanese University, Faculty of Agronomy, Department of Plant Production, Gallery Matta Street, Dekwaneh, Beirut, Lebanon
*Correspondence: youssef.sassine@ul.edu.lb

Abstract:

Climatic factors play a key role in determining the suitability of a given region for specific cultivars and wine types and the responses of individual grapevine cultivars to climate are of utmost importance for activity planning and decision making in viticulture. The study investigated the effect of climate conditions from 2006 till 2018 on the performance of cv. Syrah cultivated in two vineyards in Lebanon; Kanafar (at 1,020 m.a.s.l) and Mansoura (at 850 m.a.s.l). Cluster analysis based on climate indicators divided years into two clusters; in Kanafar (cluster 1: 2006–2015, cluster 2: 2016–2018) and in Mansoura (cluster 1: 2006 to 2008, cluster 2: 2009 to 2018). Solar radiation (May-June) and average wind speed (July-August-September) were the most influential predictors in Kanafar and Mansoura, respectively. In Kanafar, average yield and weight of 200 berries decreased by 21% and 22.7 g respectively in cluster 2, but in Mansoura only average yield increased by 3.7% in cluster 2. Total soluble solids and titratable acidity were not significantly affected by the shift in climate conditions at both vineyards, however total anthocyanin potential was significantly lower in Kanafar (by 114.2 mg kg-1) and higher in Mansoura (by 353.4 mg kg-1) in cluster 2. Total polyphenolic richness was only affected in Kanafar (reduction by 42 mg GAE g-1 in cluster 2). Syrah performance was more negatively affected by the changing climate conditions at Kanafar rather than Mansoura vineyards and it seems to better adapt to climate conditions of Mansoura overcoming the shift in climate that occurred after 2008 there.

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