Grapevine reproductive development extends over two growing seasons (vegetative cycles), for the complete formation of inflorescences and clusters. Induction and floral differentiation, the mechanism that leads to the formation of reproductive structures inside dormant buds, is a complex process divided into three well-defined stages (formation of anlagen, inflorescence primordia and flowers). This sequence of stages comprises morphological, biochemical, and physiological events, influenced by a set of environmental and endogenous factors. Inflorescence primordia formation determines the potential number of clusters that will be formed in the following growing season. Thus, during bud dormancy, viticulturists and winemakers can obtain a first yield prediction through the determination of bud fruitfulness. This information allows adjustments to be made to bud load, promoting balanced yield and fruit quality and higher commercial value. The present review describes the morphology and physiology of the formation of inflorescence primordia, as well as discusses the main abiotic and biotic factors involved, including a physiological disorder known as primary bud necrosis. In the same way, we intend to approach the more used techniques of analysis of fruitfulness and its importance for a robust yield forecasting.
The transition between the dormancy and budburst is accompanied by physiological and biochemical changes, which include variations in the carbohydrates, enzymatic activity, as well as hormones present inside the buds. The present study aimed to evaluate the biochemical changes that occur in dormant buds and forced bursting of three Vitis vinifera L. white varieties (Alvarinho, Fernão-Pires, and Loureiro) from two vineyards located in the Vinhos Verdes Demarcated Region, NW Portugal. For this purpose, the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), proline, carbohydrates, and gibberellic acid (GA3), as well as antioxidant enzymes activity were analysed. The results showed that the MDA, proline, total soluble sugars, and GA3 contents tended to be higher at budburst. In contrast, the starch content was higher at dormancy. The enzymatic activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), peroxidase (POX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were lower at budburst, compared with dormancy, while the reverse was observed in catalase (CAT). Significant differences were also observed between varieties for most biochemical parameters analysed, with the exception of CAT activity. Alvarinho stood out from other varieties for presenting higher MDA, proline, soluble sugars, and GA3 content, while Fernão-Pires displayed higher values of APX and POX activities and starch content. To our knowledge, the present work is the first attempt to examine the biochemical changes in dormant buds and bursting, which determine the vegetative and reproductive continuity of grapevines. This information contributes to better vineyard management, particularly important in light of the climate change scenarios, which can affect the biochemical mechanisms of the buds and compromise the yield and quality of grapevines.
Assessing bud fruitfulness (fertility) before budburst can provide useful information for determining the yield potential for the following growing season and allows the number of buds per vine to be adjusted according to the productive potential of each season. The present study aims to assess bud fruitfulness and the incidence of necrotic buds using different analysis techniques in three spur pruned (cordon) grapevine white varieties planted in the Vinhos Verdes Demarcated Region (VVDR), NW Portugal. The first two dormant buds and cane samples were collected before winter pruning in December 2016 and 2017 from three (Vitis vinifera L.) varieties (Alvarinho, Fernão-Pires and Loureiro) in two different VVDR sub-regions. The fruitfulness and the incidence of bud necrosis were determined using anatomical bud analysis and by forcing bud growth under controlled environmental conditions. Additional analyses were performed to determine the total soluble sugars and starch in cane samples on node and internode regions. There were significant differences in fruitfulness among varieties over the two growing seasons (2016/2017 and 2017/2018). The Fernão-Pires variety showed the highest bud fruitfulness for the two first buds of the three varieties. Total soluble sugars and starch content were influenced by the site, variety and position on the cane. A year-to-year variation was observed, with a decrease in bud necrosis and an increase in the fruitfulness indices and carbohydrates content from 2016/2017 to 2017/2018. To our knowledge, no previous studies combining anatomical and forced bud growth techniques have been carried out on these three white varieties.
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