Plant Water Stress Under Low Rainfall, High Temperature Summer Conditions in Portugal

Abstract

Cima Corgo is a sub-region of the Douro Demarcated Area where agriculture is the main activity and vines are the single most important crop, and in certain areas the only crop. Steep slopes, shallow soils, high summer temperatures and little or no summer rainfall combine to create a stressful environment for crop production in most years. Agricultural production has been made possible by using drought resistant crops such as vines and appropriate cultivation techniques. Indeed, the physiography of the entire region has been profoundly changed to create a soil environment capable of storing sufficient water from winter rainfall to last throughout the summer. Effective crop management and cultivation techniques are crucial in preventing dramatic production losses during the drier seasons which have become more frequent during the last decade.