VMW 261 Vine Physiology

Lecture Hours: 4
Credits: 4

Introduces the anatomy, physiology and growth habits of grapevines. Covers plant processes responsible for patterns of growth, yield, and fruit quality in wine grapes in the context of common viticultural practices.

Prerequisite: VMW 101 (or concurrent enrollment) with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Identify and use terms that describe the vegetative and reproductive anatomy of grapevines.
Describe the various tissues of grapevines, and how they are formed at meristems.
Draw the basic types of plant cells, and show their arrangement in the tissues of grapevine roots, shoots, leaves, and fruit.
Outline the annual growth cycle of grapevines.
Describe the cellular processes of photosynthesis, respiration, and basic biosynthesis.
Outline how the processes of transpiration and translocation control the movement of water, sugar, and other nutrients within plants.
Identify the major plant hormones and their role in controlling plant growth patterns.
Describe the processes of flowering, fruit development, and ripening in grapes.
Outline possible interactions between scion and rootstock in grafted grapevines.
Discuss the relationship between patterns of grapevine growth and strategies for vineyard canopy management.

Content Outline

Vegetative and Reproductive Anatomy of Grapevines
Structure of Plant Cells, Tissues, and Meristems.
- Parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma
- Dermal, ground, and vascular tissues
- Shoot and root meristems
- Primary and secondary meristems
- Vegetative and reproductive meristems
Annual Growth Cycle of Grapevines.
- Patterns of roots and shoot growth
- Bud dormancy and apical dominance
- Root-shoot interactions
- Patterns of berry growth
- Environmental factors
Photosynthesis, Respiration, and Biosynthesis
- Where and how sugars are made in photosynthesis
- Where and how sugars are used in respiration
- Synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and nucleic acids
Water Relations
- Uptake, transport, and loss of water in plants
- Stomatal regulation of transpiration and photosynthesis
- Responses to water stress
Translocation of Sugars and Nutrients
- Patterns of sugar and nutrient movement
- Mechanisms of translocation
- Nutrient cycling, storage, and mobilization
Hormonal Regulation of Plant Growth
- Major plant hormones
- Sites of hormones synthesis and action
- Hormonal regulation of growth patterns
- Hormonal regulation of fruit development
Flowering, Fruit Set, Berry Development, and Ripening
- Initiation and development of floral primordia in grapevines
- Pollination, abscission, and fruit set
- Berry growth and development
- Fruit chemistry and ripening
Interactions Between Scion and Rootstock in Grafted Plants
- Compatibility of scion and rootstock
- Root-shoot interactions
- Rootstock trials
Considerations for Vineyard Canopy Management