ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the majority of the grape production areas of the world are characterized by Mediterranean type climates having warm to hot temperatures and little rainfall during the summer. Grapevines are the most widely planted fruit crop worldwide and are cultivated on all continents except Antarctica. Light saturation for individual leaves of grapevines may change due to conditions under which the vines are grown. The widespread distribution of grapevines is due to a large genetic diversity of available species and cultivars and a low chilling requirement for the release of buds from dormancy. Grapes are primarily used for wine, juice, distilled liquors, dried fruit and fresh consumption fruit. Vineyards commonly produce a harvestable crop in the third growing season, subsequent to establishment of a root system and training the vines to fit a specific trellis system. The Geneva double curtain training system has often resulted in greater bud fruitfulness and vine productivity, and improved fruit quality.
