The vegetative and floral development of the hybrid grape cultivar ‘Ventura’

Abstract

The vegetative and floral development of the hybrid grape cultivar ‘Ventura’ was studied. A tendril forms opposite the last-formed leaf on the shoot but is slightly delayed in its initiation. Six nodes and 10 primordia complete one leaf–tendril initiation cycle. The inflorescence develops at the same site and is initially indistinguishable from the tendril. Inflorescence primordia are initiated on the upper arm, first opposite each other in a decussate arrangement and then apparently spirally. Each inflorescence primordium may subsequently initiate two lateral primordia, which become subtended by bracts. These in turn may repeat the pattern so that ultimately third- or fourth-order cysmose inflorescence branches may be produced. During floral development the calyx is initiated at first as three primordia, followed by a ring, which ultimately develops five lobes. The five corolla primordia alternate with the sepals. The five stamen primordia are initiated opposite the petals. The gynoecium initiates as five primordia, which later become a ring. Two septae are initiated opposite each other on the inner flank of the ring, forming the two-loculed ovary. Each septum forms a placenta, giving rise to two ovules. The upper portion of the gynoecial ring grows up over the ovules and forms the short style and discoid stigma.