Physiological and Agronomic Strategies for Controlling Ripening in the Vineyard. Research Seminar presented by Mario de la Fuente Lloreda
The seminar will be held on Friday, June 19, at 12:30 p.m., in the CEIGRAM Conference Room. It will be held in a hybrid format to make it easier for those who cannot attend in person to participate.
Climate change poses significant challenges for Mediterranean viticulture, including rising temperatures and decreased rainfall, which alter the composition of the fruit. In addition to varietal selection, training systems, ground cover, and irrigation strategies are considered synergistic and complementary tools. The seminar reviews short- and medium-term viticultural strategies to improve the quality of red grapes under warm Mediterranean climate conditions. Key practices include late pruning, increasing crop load, minimal pruning, crop stress, and double harvesting, all aimed at delaying ripening and improving berry composition. It also analyzes the role of canopy management techniques, such as suckering, late defoliation, and the regulation of the plant’s microclimate and water use efficiency. The integration of these practices can mitigate the negative effects of global warming, improve the acidity and phenolic content of the grapes, and support sustainable red wine production in Mediterranean regions.
Mario de la Fuente holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering from the UPM and is an Assistant Professor in Plant Science—Crop Production and Ecophysiology; he also contributes to the Master’s Program in Viticulture and Enology. He is also a member of the Spanish Delegation to the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) as an expert in viticulture and chairs the OIV’s Viticulture Commission. He is a member of the Scientific and Technical Council (CST) of the French Institute of Vine and Wine (IFV) and of CERVIM, and serves as a scientific and technical editor for the International Viticulture and Enology Society (IVES). Previously, he served as Director of the Wine Technology Platform, a national organization that promotes innovation (R&D&I) projects in the wine sector.
To keep an accurate record of interested participants, an attendance form has been prepared that distinguishes between those who wish to attend in person and those who prefer the online option. To receive a certificate of attendance, you must register on the following website: https://eventos.upm.es/go/SeminariosCEIGRAM-19-06
