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Sugars and flowering in the grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.)
G Lebon1, G Wojnarowiez, B Holzapfel
1URVVC-EA 2069, Stress, Défenses et Reproduction des Plantes, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, BP 1039, F-51687 Reims cedex 2, France.
Journal of Experimental Botany
|May 30, 2008
Summary
Sugars are crucial for grapevine flowering, supplying energy and signaling during critical development stages. Insufficient sugar availability, especially during female meiosis, can cause flower abortion.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Agricultural Science
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Grapevine flowering is a complex, two-year process vital for fruit production.
- Sugars are known to provide energy for reproductive structure development in grapevines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the multifaceted roles of sugars in grapevine flowering, focusing on energy supply and regulatory functions.
- To identify critical stages, like female meiosis, where sugar availability impacts flower formation success.
Main Methods:
- The study synthesizes existing data on sugar metabolism and its impact on grapevine reproductive development.
- It analyzes the transition from reserve mobilization to photosynthesis as sugar sources during key developmental phases.
Main Results:
- Sugars are essential for grapevine flower initiation and development, acting as both energy sources and signaling molecules.
- Female meiosis is a vulnerable stage where sugar deficiency, due to environmental or physiological stress, can lead to significant flower abortion.
- Disruptions in previous year's reserve replenishment or current year's photosynthesis negatively affect flower development.
Conclusions:
- Sugar availability is a critical determinant of successful grapevine flowering, particularly at female meiosis.
- Beyond energy, sugars' roles in gene regulation and stress signaling warrant further investigation in the context of environmental sensitivities during meiosis.
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