Phenology of flowering and starch accumulation in grape (Vitis vinifera L.) cuttings and vines

• Published in: Annals of botany Vol. 95; no. 6; pp. 943 - 948
• Main Authors: Lebon, G, Duchene, E, Brun, O, Clement, C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Oxford University Press 01.05.2005; Oxford Publishing Limited (England)
• Subjects: Anthers; biosynthesis; Botany - methods; Cuttings; developmental stages; Flowering; Flowers; Flowers - cytology; Flowers - growth & development; Flowers - physiology; Fruit set; grapes; Inflorescences; Original; Ovules; plant anatomy; plant cuttings; plant growth; Plant reproduction; Plants; Pollen; Reproduction; reproductive structures; Seeds - physiology; starch; Starch - metabolism; Starches; stems; vines; Vitis - growth & development; Vitis vinifera; Vitis vinifera L
• ISSN: 0305-7364; 1095-8290
• DOI: 10.1093/aob/mci108

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: A reliable protocol for flowering and fruiting in cuttings was developed with the aim of (a) studying inflorescence and flower development in grapevine cuttings and field plants, and (b) assisting haploid plant production. METHODS: Inflorescence and flower development was studied in 'Gewurztraminer' (GW) and 'Pinot Noir' (PN) grape vines and cuttings grown in a glasshouse, along with variations in starch in the flowers. As there is a strong relationship between flower development and starch, the starch content of reproductive structures was estimated. KEY RESULTS: Inflorescence and flower development were similar in the vines and cuttings with consistent differences between the two cultivars. Indeed, the ontogenesis of male and female organs is not synchronous in GW and PN, with both female and male meiosis occurring earlier in PN than in GW. Moreover, changes of starch reserves were similar in the two plant types. CONCLUSIONS: Cuttings have a similar reproductive physiology to vines, and can be used to study grape physiology and to develop haploid plants.