Establishment Technique and Rootstock Impact ‘Chambourcin’ Grapevine Morphology and Production in Missouri

Abstract

<jats:p>An evaluation of establishment techniques and rootstocks for ‘Chambourcin’ hybrid grape (<jats:italic>Vitis</jats:italic> sp.) was conducted 2009–12. Our objective was to evaluate four establishment methods and their interactions with grafted and ungrafted vines in terms of vine morphology and early fruit production under southwest Missouri conditions. The study was established in May 2009, as a factorial experiment comparing four establishment methods (open-trained without protection—two shoots, grow tube protected—two shoots, paperboard carton protected—two shoots, and fan-trained without protection—six shoots) across two vine types (own-rooted and grafted to ‘Couderc 3309’ hybrid grape rootstock). All vines in four of 12 field replications were destructively harvested near the conclusion of the first growing season, with leaf area and total vine dry matter determined. In years 3 and 4, yield, fruit composition, and vegetative growth were determined from the eight remaining replications. The fan training method increased leaf area and total vine dry matter compared with the other methods, but none of the establishment techniques affected fruit yield. Trunks that were tube protected had longer internodes, smaller diameter, and less dry matter, whereas both protection devices reduced glyphosate injury. Vine type (grafted and ungrafted) did not impact total leaf area or dry weight during the establishment year, but grafted vines had increased trunk and root shank dry weights compared with own-rooted vines. Grafted vines produced greater fruit yield in 2012. The fan training method required more labor to execute; although it was successful at increasing leaf area and root dry weight, it increased susceptibility to glyphosate injury and did not promote increased precocity or early fruit yield.</jats:p>

Performance of ‘Chambourcin’ Winegrape on Nematode-resistant Rootstocks in Missouri

“…The study was integrated into a larger research vineyard (2 acres (Migicovsky et al, 2019;Thomas et al, 2017). The soil was a Hoberg silt loam (fine loamy, siliceous, mesic Mollic Fragiudalfs) that is upland, deep, gently sloping, and moderately well drained to a fragipan at 40 to 90 cm (Hughes, 1982).…”

“…Harvest data included total fruit yield and cluster number per plot. Samples of 100 random ripe berries per plot were collected, weighed, immediately refrigerated, and then analyzed within 2 d for soluble solids concentration, pH, and titratable acidity in terms of tartaric acid [laboratory methods and instruments used are described in Thomas et al (2017)]. Mean berry size was calculated, and mean number of berries per cluster calculated by dividing mean cluster weight by mean berry weight.…”

“…Most of 'Chambourcin' grown in Missouri and the midwestern United States are own-rooted vines. Although the use of rootstocks offers numerous potential benefits in U.S. viticulture (Christensen, 2003), the horticultural and economic advantages of using rootstocks with 'Chambourcin' in the midwestern United States have not yet been satisfactorily demonstrated (Thomas et al, 2017).…”

Performance of ‘Chambourcin’ Winegrape on 10 Different Root Systems in Southern Missouri, USA

“…These attributes, especially phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae) and nematode (phylum Nematoda) resistance (East et al 2021;Whiting 2012Whiting , 2004, support significant grapevine rootstock use worldwide. However, in the midwestern United States, the use of rootstocks is undeveloped because most of the French-American winegrape hybrids grown in the region have adequate phylloxera resistance, and the economic and viticultural benefits of rootstock use have not been well documented (Thomas et al 2017).…”

“…It is a complex interspecific French-American hybrid based on Seibel hybrids, released in 1963 (Robinson et al 2012;University of California, Davis 2020). Despite having sufficient phylloxera tolerance to survive own-rooted, it is sometimes grafted with the assumption that growth and quality parameters are improved (Thomas et al 2020(Thomas et al , 2017. Because the effects of particular rootstocks on different winegrape cultivar production and quality across diverse environments have not been widely tested, it is important to understand the scion cultivar-rootstock-environment interaction (Santiago et al 2007).…”