This study evaluated the plastic overhead cover (POC) effect on evaporative demand of atmosphere and soil water content, as well as their consequences on gas exchange (photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and transpiration) and leaf water potential in grapevine. The experiment was carried out during the 2005/06 and 2006/07 seasons, in a vineyard of 'Moscato Giallo', trained in "Y" and covered with an impermeable plastic cloth (2.65 m x 160 mm), in 12 rows with 35 m, with five rows left uncovered (control). In both areas, the microclimate was evaluated, in terms of air temperature, air relative humidity, radiation photosynthetically active and wind speed above the canopy. The POC increased the soil water content between rows and restricted it in the most superficial depths of rows (0-10 cm). The POC also decreased the evaporative demand of atmosphere, mainly by reducing wind speed (-90%), which increased the leaf water potential and stomatal conductance. In this way, POC can favor water conditions and increase leaf carbon assimilation in grapevines.
Stomatal conductance; transpiration; evaporative demand; plastic overhead cover; vine
