Some grape (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Rasheh) compositional changes under different slope and altitude

Rashe grape cultivar grows in Kurdistan province in rain fed conditions. Microclimate conditions have a great effect on grape berry quality. Information about changes in grape berry composition in the relation to climate changes is limited. In order to measure the effects of slope and altitude on some grape berry chemical composition, a study was conducted on grape cv. ‘Rasheh’ in University of Kurdistan during 2012 and 2013. A randomized complete block design with four treatments (northern and southern slope, low and high altitude) and three replications was used. In this study, amount of carotenoids, anthocyanin, antioxidant capacity, total soluble carbohydrates, tannin and total phenol in grape berry were analyzed. Results showed that southern slope at high altitude increased amount of anthocyanin, antioxidant capacity, phenol and total soluble carbohydrates. Maximum values in the concentration of carotenoid and tannin in grape berry obtained in the northern slope and lower altitude. Berries from Northern slope and lower altitude were found to have a significantly lower anthocyanin and total soluble carbohydrates compared to other treatments. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the planting in the southern slope and higher altitude will help to grape growers for improve the qualitative characteristics of the grape berries.