Leaf Morpho-Colorimetric Characterization of Different Grapevine Varieties through Changes on Plant Water Status

Abstract

Background: Currently, some ampelographic methods are developing in order to identify grapevine varieties. For this purpose, morpho-colorimetric parameters in leaves have been analyzed by digital imagen analysis, but some environmental conditions may affect their determinations. (2) Methods: A research study was conducted to characterize leaf morpho-colorimetric parameters in five grapevine varieties growing under different plant water status and to discriminate them under these conditions. Leaves were collected in vines, and twelve leaf morpho-colorimetric and fractal dimension variables were assessed. (3) Results: Merlot presented the highest values of perimeter and area to perimeter ratio in leaves and higher leaf area than Chardonnay in both plant water conditions. Most of the leaf morpho-colorimetric variables allowed discriminating the grapevine varieties under the contrasted hydric conditions. Under non-water stress, Carmenere was not related to any measured parameters. Merlot was positively related to most of the leaf morphometric parameters, whereas Chardonnay presented the opposite behavior. RGB color system variables allowed discriminating the grapevine varieties under water stress conditions, and Sauvignon Blanc was not related to any measured parameter. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were positively related to green color and negatively related to most of the leaf morphometric parameters, whereas Merlot showed the opposite behavior. (4) Conclusions: Leaf morpho-colorimetric and fractal dimension parameters were affected by plant water stress and more variables should be incorporated into the new ampelographic methods in order to characterize leaf morpho-colorimetric parameters of the different grapevine varieties more clearly.