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Published on: October 5, 2016
Warm spring temperatures induce persistent season-long changes in shoot development in grapevines.
Markus Keller1, Julie M Tarara
1Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center, Washington State University, Prosser, WA 99350, USA. mkeller@wsu.edu
Early season temperature differences significantly impact grapevine shoot growth and architecture. These early effects persist throughout the growing season, influencing overall plant development.
Area of Science:
- Plant Physiology
- Horticulture
- Viticulture
Background:
- Temperature significantly influences budbreak timing in woody plants.
- The impact of early temperatures on subsequent shoot growth and architecture is less understood.
- Grapevine (Vitis vinifera) shoot development is crucial for yield and quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of budbreak temperature differences on seasonal shoot development in grapevines.
- To determine if early temperature variations influence shoot growth and architecture.
- To assess the persistence of these effects throughout the growing season.
Main Methods:
- Field-grown grapevines were subjected to controlled bud heating or cooling treatments near budbreak.
- Treatments were applied from before budbreak until flower visibility (4-8 unfolded leaves).
- Shoot growth, leaf area, and axillary bud development were monitored over two growing seasons.
Main Results:
- Elevated bud temperatures advanced budbreak and accelerated shoot and leaf area development.
- Heated buds resulted in more vigorous shoots with reduced apical dominance due to earlier axillary budbreak.
- Cooled buds led to slower shoot growth and minimal axillary bud outgrowth.
- Developmental differences persisted or increased post-treatment, even with soil water deficit.
Conclusions:
- Budbreak temperature variations induce lasting differences in grapevine shoot growth, architecture, and leaf area.
- Early-season temperature effects on grapevine development are persistent and amplify over time.
- These findings challenge the notion that growth solely reflects current temperatures, highlighting the importance of early-season conditions for growth models.
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