Miguel Damásio, a researcher from the Instituto Nacional De Investigaçao Agraria e Veterinaria in Oeiras (INIAV), Portugal, recently completed a Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) at the Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA) in Barcelona, Spain. This mission was carried out under the auspices of the FruitCREWS COST Action. From July 8th to August 2nd, 2024, Miguel worked under the guidance of Dr. Olfa Zarrouk, focusing on understanding the complex interactions between grapevine scions and rootstocks.
During his mission, Miguel utilized advanced proximal sensing techniques to study how different grapevine rootstocks affect water uptake and transport within the plant. His work involved measuring various physiological parameters, such as photosynthetic rates, stomatal conductance and water isotopes, which are crucial for assessing how these rootstocks respond to water stress. This research is vital for improving water management practices in viticulture, particularly in the face of increasing drought conditions.
The outcomes of Miguel’s work at IRTA are expected to contribute significantly to the FruitCREWS Action by providing new insights into grapevine physiology. His findings will help develop better irrigation strategies and support the breeding of more resilient grapevine varieties, ensuring sustainable viticulture practices in the Mediterranean region. This STSM fostered a productive exchange of knowledge and laid the groundwork for future collaborations between INIAV and IRTA.
