Water Content Levels of Specific Crops
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Over the years the Phytogram™ has been used to compile and process Petiole and Berry Water Content statistics. Such measurements were developed over the entire growing season, 24/7. This has enabled Irrigation Managers to review plant-based site status via the Internet. From this experience, the Agricultural Electronics Corporation is able to suggest hydration level ranges for specific crops. All values are expressed in nfd/mm (nanofarads per millimeter) - U.S. Patent 6,870376B1.
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Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon
Mid Season
80 to 120 will lead to strong vegetative growth such that hedging will be required.
50 to 80 vegetative growth is seriously abated.
Below 50 is indicative of excessively drought stressed vines.
Between Veraison and Harvest
Normally allowed to drop to 20 to 30 range.
Strongly water stressed vines may be allowed to drop into the 16 to 20 range.
Chardonnay
Held in the 50-75 range throughout the season with little attempt to decrease level prior to harvest.
Wine Grape Berries
Maximum level of 40. Berry water content moves in concert with petiole water content in the range below 100.
20 or less is indicative of a deficit condition.
8 to 12 is indicative of a strongly water stressed berry.
To schedule berry ripeness and flavor the Viticulturist or Irrigation Manager would hold the hydration level within a specific range during the two to three week flavor intensification period prior to harvest. Experience with the Phytogram™ has shown these berry hydration levels to be:
Chardonnay ............... 14-17 Nanofarads/millimeter
Cabernet Sauvignon ....12-15
Merlot ........................12-15
Pinot Noir ..................10-14
Pinot Grigio ................10-12
Syrah .......................... 8-10
These ranges are based on results from over fifty berry-block seasons.
See also a more thorough discussion of "Quantification of Berry Ripening, Flavor Development and Harvest Time by Means of the Phytogram™ by William Gensler, October, 2006 (Berry Ripening Paper))
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