Response of champenoise grapevine to low temperatures: Changes of shoot and bud proline concentrations in response to low temperatures and correlations with freezing tolerance

Abstract

SummaryConcentration of free proline was measured in mature shoots and buds of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) at different phenological stages (stages 1, 3 and 5), after exposure to temperatures corresponding to crystallization of their intracellular liquids. Without treatment, the level of free proline concentration was not constant during the vegetative cycle of grapevine buds, but remained unchanged in grapevine shoots. After cold exposure, there were significant correlations between freezing tolerance and an increase in the concentration of proline in buds of grapevine at stages 3 and 5. The correlation is less evident within stage 1 buds and for shoots regardless of phenological stage.