Grapevine Planting Research Articles

Above- and below-ground morpho-physiological traits indicate that biochar is a potential peat substitute for grapevine cuttings nursery production

The growing demand for grapevine planting materials, due to growing global viticulture, is promoting research studies to improve vineyard sustainability. In greenhouse nurseries, peat is the most common growing medium component used although is an expensive and non-renewable material. Indeed, the reduction of peat exploitation is receiving great attention, and currently, several materials are being investigated as peat substitutes for composing the cultivation substrates. Biochar, a carbon-rich, recalcitrant charred organic co-product of the pyrolysis or gasification process, has emerged as a potentially promising replacement for soilless substrates in nursery plant material propagation. Although several studies carried out at greenhouse nurseries have shown that biochar, can improve plant growth, only a few studies have focused on the production of grapevine plant material. To fulfil this knowledge gap and push forward the sustainability of the nursery sector, we evaluated above and below-ground morpho-physiological traits of one-year-old potted grapevine cuttings growing with 30% volume of four different biochar types (i.e., from pyrolysis and gasification) mixed with commercial peat. The present study shows that biochar can be used in growing media mixes without adverse effects on roots, improves soil water retention and leaf water potential, and improves the effects on soil microbiology.

Perbanyakan Tanaman Anggur Ninel (Vitis vinifera L) dengan Metode Stek Sambung pada Spesies Batang Bawah dan Media Tanam yang Berbeda

Grafted cutting is a method for vegetative Ninel vine propagation. The purpose of thisstudy was to ascertain the impact of several grapevine rootstock species and planting media types on the development of Ninel grape seeds propagated through grafted cutting. The study was conducted in Kebonrejo village, Salaman district, Magelang regency (290 m asl) from April 2 to May 24, 2022, using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) consist of 2 treatment factors with 3 blocks. The rootstock species of grapevines, such us Vitis vinifera, Vitis labrusca, and Vitis riparia are the first factor. Planting media types classified as second factor include blends of topsoil + husk charcoal, topsoil + cocopeat, and topsoil + sand. The datas were anylized by Anova and continued with the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test and Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The findings demonstrated that the grafted cutting method with rootstock from the Vitis riparia species on the scion of Vitis vinifera of the Ninel variety had the maximum yield in terms of shoot length, shoot diameter, leaf area and grafting success. Topsoil + husk charcoal and topsoil + sand were the types of planting medium that had the greatest effectiveness at grafted cutting.Keywords : planting medium, rootstock species, grafted cutting, Ninel vine

Biostimulants and indolebutyric acid improve rooting of wood cuttings from different grapevine rootstocks

The rooting of rootstocks is considered a critical point in the production of high-quality grapevine planting material. To maximize the cutting rhizogenesis process, plant hormones, such as auxins, are used for the development of adventitious roots. In addition, some groups of biostimulant have as their main role the development of root system, ensuring good growth of the plant aerial part. However, research using algae extract-based biostimulants in vegetative propagation of vine rootstocks is scarce. In this sense, the objective of this work was to evaluate the use of the biostimulant based on algae extract and indolebutyric acid (IBA), in the development of the root system and vegetative growth of grapevine rootstocks. The rootstocks evaluated were ‘3309 C’, ‘101-14 Mgt’, ‘Paulsen 1103’, ‘99 R’, ‘110 R’, ‘Kober 5BB’, ‘SO4’, ‘420A Mgt’, ‘Solferino’, ‘Gravesac’, ‘IAC 572’, ‘IAC 766’, ‘IAC 313’, ‘Harmony’, ‘Freedom’, ‘Salt Creek’ and ‘VR 043- 43’. The experimental design was completely randomized with four replications, arranged in a factorial scheme, involving 17 rootstocks associated with four treatments to stimulate rooting (IBA, algae extract, IBA + algae extract and control). The use of indolebutyric acid and algae extract-based biostimulant proved to be efficient in rooting woody cuttings from different vine rootstocks. The use of IBA, algae extract-based biostimulant and IBA combined with algae extract resulted in higher rates of rooting and development than the control. The rootstocks presenting the highest rooting rates and vegetative development were ‘IAC 572’ and ‘Freedom’. ‘Gravesac’, ‘101-14 Mgt’ and ‘99 R’, showing high rates of rooting and root development, but low vegetative development. The rootstocks exhibiting the lowest rooting rates and vegetative development were ‘Salt Creek’, ‘VR 043-43’ and ‘110 R’.

WINE PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT AT SRIKANDI VINEYARD, JATI AGUNG DISTRICT, SOUTH LAMPUNG REGENCY

The purpose of this study is to find out an overview of the Srikandi Vineyard business and understand the management of wine production in the Srikandi Vineyard. The activity was held on February 28, 2022 to April 23, 2022 at the Srikandi Jatimulyo Vineyard, Jl. P. Senopati, Gg. Rajawali, Jatimulyo Village, Jati Agung District, South Lampung Regency, Lampung Province. The activities carried out for approximately 2 months (8 weeks) at the Srikandi Jatimulyo Vineyard are related to the management of grape crop production, the products produced are grapes and grape seedlings. However, in this paper, the author focuses on writing reports on production management, namely the preparation of grapevine planting media, replanting old plants into new seedlings, pruning vines, sanitizing the greenhouse environment, and making photosynthetic bacteria (PSB). The conclusion of this activity is that Srikandi Vineyard is a home industry whose output is grapes and grape seedlings, the type of cultivated grapes is imported types of grapes, the greenhouse area of Srikandi Vineyard is 400 m2. Srikandi Vineyard also serves the manufacture of greenhouses and their care until they bear fruit. Grape production management from initial inputs to ready-to-harvest fruits, inputs consist of land, planting media, seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural tools. The process consists of the manufacture of planting media, planting, applying fertilizers, pruning, and fruiting. Harvesting of vines can be carried out after 6 months from the beginning of the seedlings are planted, and the berries are stored in a cooling device so that the berries are kept fresh.

Grapevine roditis leaf Discoloration-associated virus: express pest risk analysis for Ukraine

Aim. To conduct an express pest risk analysis of Grapevine Roditis leaf discoloration-associated virus (GRLDaV) for Ukraine, a virus that has been related to a grapevine disease and was included in the EPPO Alert List in 2018. Methods. The phytosanitary risk analysis was carried out on the basis of an analytical review of expert literature and in accordance with the EPPO Decision-support scheme for an Express Pest Risk Analysis (EPPO, 2012) and with methodological recommendations for Ukraine (Pylypenko et al, 2012). The possibility of further spread and the potential range of the virus were determined using modern software packages AgroAtlas (Afonin and Li, 2011; Shumilin and Li, 2009), MapInfo Pro15.0 (ESTIMap®) and IDRISI SELVA (Clarklabs®). Results. An express pest risk analysis of GRLDaV for Ukraine was carried out for the first time. Outbreaks of the virus were first detected in the 1980ies in Greece (Rumbos, Avgelis, 1989) and from 2014–2018 in: Italy (Chiumenti et al, 2015, 2016; Maliogka et al, 2015), Turkey (Adan, 2016; Serçe et al, 2018) and Croatia (Vončina et al, 2018). Climatic predictors were analyzed in the outbreaks of the countries where the causal agent of the disease was identified. The potential range of GRLDaV in Ukraine has been established in case of importing infected planting material with further spreading of the virus. Risk management measures are proposed, which envisage including GRLDaV in the list of the Regulated Non-Quarantine Harmful Organisms of Ukraine. Conclusions. There is a possibility of introduction, further spread, and harmfulness of Grapevine Roditis leaf discoloration-associated virus in Ukraine, which is due to the presence of the host plant (grapevine, Vitis vinifera ssp. vinifera L.) and the corresponding climatic conditions of the southern and (part of) western Ukraine, where grapevine is cultivated on an industrial scale. The introduction of GRLDaV into Ukraine is possible as a result of the import of GRLDaV-infected grapevine planting material from the countries where the virus has been reported and presumably is still present. The current Ukrainian phytosanitary measures cannot reliably prevent the risk of intoduction of GRLDaV into Ukraine. The inclusion of GRLDaV in the List of the Regulated Non-Quarantine Harmful Organisms of Ukraine with the recommendation of permission to import grapevine planting material certified for the absence of GRLDaV (from the countries where the virus is reported) or mandatory testing of imported grapevine planting material for the presence of GRLDaV (from areas where such certification is absent), can be an effective risk management measure. It requires the producers and importers of grapevine planting material to include GRLDaV virus in their certification schemes to prevent eventual further spreading of the virus. It is recommended to do a nation-wide survey to determine the likelihood of the presence of GRLDaV in the region. Further research to identify possible natural virus vectors and to develop methods of (latent) GRLDaV diagnostics are needed. Finally additional studies on prevention and control of the virus (including breeding for resistance) are also required.

Grapevine nursery propagation material as source of fungal trunk disease pathogens in Uruguay.

Grapevine fungal trunk diseases (GTDs) have become a serious problem for grapevines worldwide. Nursery vines infected during the propagation process are considered one of the main ways of dissemination of GTD pathogens. In this study, we examined the status of GTDs in grapevine planting material, from rootstocks and scion mother cuttings to grafted rooted vines ready to plant, according to the local nursery propagation process. During 2018-2019, internal symptoms of GTDs were examined in 2400 propagation materials and fungal isolations were carried out from a subsample of 1026 selected materials. Our results revealed that nursery grapevine plants produced in Uruguay have a high incidence of GTDs, regardless of the scion/rootstock combination. Typical brown to black streaks and sectorial wood necrosis were observed in materials on all propagation stages, with a markedly increasing incidence throughout the nursery process, reaching almost 100% in grafted rooted vines ready to plant. Botryosphaeria dieback, Petri disease and black-foot disease were the main GTDs found. The results showed that Botryosphaeria dieback and Petri disease pathogens infect materials from the early stages of the process, with a marked increase towards the end of the plant production process, whereas black-foot disease pathogens were found exclusively in vines ready to plant. Diaporthe dieback pathogens were also detected in materials in all stages but in a low proportion (less than 10% of infected material). Based on single locus analysis, the 180 isolates selected were placed into eight genera and 89% identified within 22 fungal species associated with GTDs, with Phaeoacremonium oleae and Diaporthe terebinthifolii as new records on grapevine worldwide. Our results have concluded that locally produced vines are one of the main ways of dissemination of GTD pathogens and showed that a nursery sanitation programme is required to reduce the incidence of these diseases.

Quality improvement of the grapevine planting stock through virus elimination by in vitro chemotherapy

Quality improvement of the grapevine planting stock through virus elimination by in vitro chemotherapy

VvMYB15 and VvWRKY40 Positively Co-regulated Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Grape Berries in Response to Root Restriction.

In most grapevine planting regions, especially in south of China, plenty of rainfall and high water level underground are the characteristic of the area, a series of problem during fruit ripening easily caused poor color quality. Thereby affecting fruit quality, yield and economic benefits. The accumulation of anthocyanin is regulated by transcriptional regulatory factor and a series of cultivation measures, root restriction can make plants in the environment of stress and stress relief, root restriction induced the higher expression of VvMYB15 and VvWRKY40, and consistent with anthocyanin accumulation. Whether and how root restriction-inducible VvMYB15 and VvWRKY40 transcription factor regulate anthocyanin synthesis in grape berry is still unclear. In this study, we identified that the transient overexpression of VvMYB15 and VvWRKY40 alone or both in strawberry fruits and grape berries can promote anthocyanin accumulation and increase the expression level of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes, indicating VvMYB15 and VvWRKY40 play a positive regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis. Furthermore, we confirmed that both VvMYB15 and VvWRKY40 specifically bind to the promoter region of VvF3′5′H and VvUFGT, and the expression of VvF3′5′H and VvUFGT is further activated through the heterodimer formation between VvMYB15 and VvWRKY40. Finally, we confirmed that VvMYB15 promoted anthocyanin accumulation by interacting with VvWRKY40 in grape berries, our findings provide insights into a mechanism involving the synergistic regulation of root restriction-dependent coloration and biosynthesis via a VvMYB15 and VvWRKY40 alone or both in grape berries.

Responses of soil bacterial and fungal communities to the long-term monoculture of grapevine.

Soil microorganisms are essential for the long-term sustainability of agricultural ecosystems. However, continuous grapevine replanting can disrupt the stability of soil microbial communities. We investigated the bacterial and fungal abundance, diversity, and community composition in rhizosphere soils with continuous grapevine replanting for 5, 6, 7 (Y5, Y6, and Y7; short-term), and 20 (Y20; long-term) years with high-throughput sequencing. Results showed that diversities and abundances of bacterial and fungal communities in Y20 were significantly lower than in other samples. The bacterial and fungal community compositions were markedly affected by the replanting time and planting year. After short-term grapevine replanting, relative abundances of potential beneficial bacteria and harmful fungi in rhizosphere soils were higher compared to long-term planting. Bacterial and fungal communities were significantly correlated with available nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus, available potassium (AK), and pH. AK and AN were the primary soil factors related to the shift of bacterial and fungal communities. Bacterial and fungal co-occurrence patterns were remarkably affected by replanting time, showing that fallow land harbored co-occurrence networks more complex than those in other groups, with the Y20 group showing the lowest complexity. Then, we isolated the dominant fungi in grapevine rhizosphere soil after continuous replanting and verified the harmful effects of three candidate strains through pot experiments. The results showed that 12days post-treating the soil with fungal spore suspensions significantly inhibited grapevine seedlings' growth, whereas Fusarium solani inhibited plant growth. Overall, we showed that F. solani might be a potentially harmful fungus related to grapevine replant diseases. KEY POINTS: • Continuous grapevine planting reduced soil microbe diversities/abundances. • Beneficial bacteria and harmful fungi increased after short-term replanting. • F. solani may be a harmful fungus related to grapevine replant diseases.

Cold-Hardy Grape Cultivar Winter Injury and Trunk Re-Establishment Following Severe Weather Events in North Dakota

Extreme winter temperatures during the 2018–2019 dormant season contributed to trunk collapse and complete trunk death of numerous genotypes throughout a diverse grapevine planting in eastern North Dakota, USA. Through the early portion of the dormant season, 12 genotypes were screened to identify lethal temperature exotherms of primary buds; from these results, none were anticipated to be fully prepared to survive the −37 °C minimum temperature recorded in the region. Trunk collapse, death, and survival were monitored for 35 replicated genotypes. New trunks were retrained from suckers and monitored for growth following trunk removal. Only five genotypes exceeded 50% trunk survival at the end of the 2019 growing season, ‘Valiant’, ‘King of the North’, ‘John Viola’, ‘Baltica’, and ‘Bluebell’. Following re-establishment, ‘La Crescent’ was the most vigorous genotype with the largest sucker circumference, sucker length, and internode length. Nearly all genotypes evaluated produced suckers with lengths approaching the high-wire trellis height (1.8 m), designating their potential for cordon retraining in 2020. Cumulatively, however, the lethal temperature exotherm results and the trunk survival examination indicate a harrowing need for investigation of new management practices (such as protected training systems) and the generation of new cold-hardy genotypes to enhance productivity under standard unprotected systems.

The Economic Impact of Paraffin Type and Substrate Mixture on the Production of Grafted Vines—Case Study Muscat Ottonel

The study focussed on a nursery by analyzing its strategic choices to obtain the best profit on grapevine planting material. The production of grapevine grafts involves high labor and material costs. In this study, Muscat Ottonel grape variety grafted on Oppenheim Sellection 4 rootstock was paraffined with different types of wax: standard wax (SW), paraffin with 8-chinolinol (8C) and paraffin with oxiquinolein (OX) (before callusing), and silver color (S), blue color (B) and standard (SW) paraffin (after grafting callusing and before planting in field nursery). After uprooting from the field nursery, all variants were paraffined with red paraffin for storage. The unit cost price was calculated based on total expenses and the yield of grafts obtained in the vine field nursery. The lowest price per unit cost was recorded for the 8C/S variant, directly related to the first quality yield after uprooting from the nursery. The highest profit rate was for the 8C/S variant, while the lowest was registered to the SW/SW variant. The grafts of the 8C/S variant were potted in three rooting mixtures. Variant B (forest ground 60% + black peat 25% + river sand 10% + conifer sawdust 5%) generated the highest yield of the potted grafted vine with a rate of profit of over 170%, due to the lower production cost and high yield of potted vines, while variant C (forest ground 70% + river sand 15% + conifer sawdust 15%), determinate the lowest yield. Results may be useful in orienting the small-to-medium grapevine planting materials producers to choose the best cooperative strategies, which nurseries might implement to enhance their competitiveness and survive in the long-run.

Quantification of Cadophora luteo-olivacea From Grapevine Nursery Stock and Vineyard Soil Using Droplet Digital PCR.

Cadophora luteo-olivacea is the most prevalent Cadophora species associated with Petri disease and esca of grapevine. Accurate, early, and specific detection and quantification of C. luteo-olivacea are essential to alert growers and nurseries to the presence of the pathogens in soil and to prevent the spread of this pathogen through grapevine planting material. The aim of this study was to develop molecular tools to detect and quantify C. luteo-olivacea inoculum from environmental samples. Species specific primers based on the β-tubulin gene and a TaqMan probe for droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and quantitative PCR (qPCR) were first developed to detect and quantify purified DNA of the target fungus. Specificity tests showed that the primers were able to amplify the C. luteo-olivacea DNA (20 isolates) while none of the 29 nontarget fungal species (58 isolates) tested were amplified. The ddPCR was shown to be more sensitive compared with qPCR in the detection and quantification of C. luteo-olivacea at very low concentrations and was further selected to accurately detect and quantify the fungus from environmental samples. Twenty-five of the 94 grafting plants (26.6%) analyzed by ddPCR tested positive to C. luteo-olivacea DNA (>3 copies/µl). C. luteo-olivacea was barely detected from vineyard soils. The procedure employed in this study revealed the presence of the pathogen in symptomless vines, which makes implementation of this technique suitable for certification schemes of C. luteo-olivacea-free grapevine planting material.

The Effect of Hot Water Treatment of Rooted Grapevine Nursery Stock on the Survival of the Root-knot Nematode, Meloidogyne javanica (Nematoda: Heteroderidae)

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are endoparasites which cause severe losses in grapevine. To ensure economically viable grape production, it is important that nurseries produce rooted nursery material free of plant-parasitic nematodes. Hot water treatment (HWT) at 50°C for 45 min to eliminate root-knot nematode (RKN) from rooted nursery material was investigated as a method to ensure nematode free plant material. Rooted grapevine rootstocks known to be susceptible (US 8-7 and 110 Richter), moderately resistant (1103 Paulsen and 143 B) and resistant (Ramsey) to Meloidogyne javanica were artificially infested by inoculating them with RKN eggs and larvae. After one growing season, the vines were lifted, shoots and root systems trimmed and subjected to different HWT regimes viz. 50°C for 45 min and 55°C for 20 min, while some were left as untreated controls. To evaluate plant response, each vine was planted in a pot, together with a three-week old tomato seedling as an indicator of root-knot nematode infestation. The tomato plants were removed after 12 weeks and their roots examined for the presence of M. javanica galls and egg masses. At the end of the growing season, the effects of the treatments on plant growth were assessed by determining total shoot and root mass. The results demonstrated that HWT at 55°C for 20 min significantly reduced the nematode populations in the rooted stocks, but did not eliminate the nematodes from the roots since indicator plants from HWT vines still supported a small number of galls. HWT at 55°C for 20 min also reduced the level of infestation of RKN in grapevine planting material, but resulted in a significant reduction in growth.

Evaluation of long-term protection from nursery to vineyard provided by Trichoderma atroviride SC1 against fungal grapevine trunk pathogens.

Fungal grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) represent a threat to viticulture, being responsible for important economic losses worldwide. Nursery and vineyard experiments were set up to evaluate the ability of Trichoderma atroviride SC1 to reduce infections of GTD pathogens in grapevine planting material during the propagation process and to assess the long-term protection provided by this biocontrol agent on grapevine plants in young vineyards during two growing seasons. Reductions of some GTD pathogen incidence and severity were found on grapevine propagation material after nursery application of T. atroviride SC1 during the grafting process, and also after additional T. atroviride SC1 treatments performed during two growing seasons in young vineyards, when compared with untreated plants. Trichoderma atroviride SC1 showed promise to reduce infections caused by some GTD pathogens in nurseries, and also when establishing new vineyards. This biological control agent could possibly be a valuable component in an integrated management approach where various strategies are combined to reduce GTD infections. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Valorization of Vineyard By-Products to Obtain Composted Digestate and Biochar Suitable for Nursery Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) Production

Although compost and biochar received high attention as growing media, little information is available on the potential of vineyard by-products for the production and use of composted solid digestate (CSD) and biochar (BC). In the present study, two experiments are reported on CSD and BC mixed with commercial peat (CP) for grapevine planting material production. Four doses (0, 10%, 20%, 40% vol.) of CSD and BC were assessed in the first and second experiment, respectively. CSD mixed at a dose of 10% recorded the highest values of shoot dry weight (SDW) and a fraction of total dry biomass allocated to shoot (FTS), both cropping bench-graft and bare-rooted vine. On the other hand, CSD mixed at a dose of 40% displayed the highest values of SDW and FTS, cropping two-year-old vine. BC used at a dose of 10% improved SDW, root dry weight, total dry weight, FTS, shoot diameter, and height on bare-rooted vine. The present study shows that CSD and BC, coming from the valorization of vineyard by-products, can be used in the production of innovative growing media suitable for nursery grapevine production. Further studies are needed to assess the combined applications of CSD and BC in the same growing media.

Characterization and pathogenicity of Cylindrocarpon-like asexual morphs associated with black foot disease in Algerian grapevine nurseries, with the description of Pleiocarpon algeriense sp. nov.

During a survey of black foot disease in Algerian grapevine nurseries, a collection of 79 Cylindrocarpon-like isolates were obtained. Based on morphology and DNA sequence data of histone H3 (his3), three species of Dactylonectria were identified including Dactylonectria torresensis (40 isolates), D. macrodidyma (24 isolates) and D. novozelandica (14 isolates). In addition, one isolate belonging to the genus Pleiocarpon was found and it is described here as a new species, Pleiocarpon algeriense, based on morphological features and DNA sequence data of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1), β-tubulin (tub2), large subunit nrDNA (LSU) and histone H3 (his3). This is the first time that these species are reported in Algeria. Pathogenicity tests, were conducted with representative isolates from each species. All of them were able to induce typical necrosis symptoms on grapevine cuttings. These results emphasize the urgent need to implement an integrated management strategy for black foot disease in Algerian grapevine nurseries in order to reduce the incidence of this disease on grapevine planting material and to prevent that it spreads to new grapevine production areas.

High-throughput amplicon sequencing-based analysis of active fungal communities inhabiting grapevine after hot-water treatments reveals unexpectedly high fungal diversity

Abstract The ecology of total fungal communities in grapevine is so far largely derived from studies on culture-dependent methods or cultivation-independent rDNA approaches. Sequencing the ribosomal RNA transcripts (rRNA) would rather reveal the functionally and metabolically active important taxa of the fungal community and provide insights into its activity in the wood. The present study investigated changes in the potentially active fungal communities of internal grapevine wood after Hot-Water Treatment (HWT) in planting material from Czech Republic and Spain at two different times during the propagation process and from two plant zones. We examined fungal communities using both traditional isolation into culture and high-throughput amplicon sequencing (HTAS) of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region in extracted total RNA. HTAS from metatranscriptomic RNA increased the resolution of the fungal community analysis and revealed a highly diverse mycobiota of grapevine wood compared to the traditional method. Fungal diversity differed between grapevine genotypes and showed a temporal variation over the vegetative period. Grapevine planting materials exhibited high fungal diversity after HWT, which demonstrates that the HWT process does not sterilize the internal wood of grapevine. HWT reduced the infection caused by fungal trunk disease pathogens but was not completely effective in eliminating their growth. This study provides important and practically useful insights into the dynamics of active fungal communities in hot-water treated plants, and represents the first study of active fungal communities on grapevine grafted plants by comparing traditional and next-generation sequencing methods.

Effects of Different Storage Conditions on Rooting and Shooting Performance of Grapevine (Vitis Vinifera L.) Cuttings in Hydroponic Culture System

The shortfall in grapevine planting materials urged the researchers to enhance rapid propagation techniques with successfully storing the propagation materials such as rootstock and scion canes. The present study was conducted to assess the effects of different storage conditions (cold storage room at 1 °C plus 80-90% relative humidity and sand medium in open area) on rooting and shooting performance of cuttings of seven grapevine cultivars. For assessments, a hydroponic culture system was established in which the cuttings were rooted. Investigations on the cuttings prepared from the canes sampled at 6th, 7th and 8th months of the storage times showed that cold storage room significantly maintained the quality of canes with better callusing, rooting and shooting features. Storage at cold room can be recommended for long term storage, while dipping the canes in damp sand medium can be considered for a short time around a few months keeping of grapevine canes. Grapevine cultivars exhibited slight variation in response to both storage duration and storage conditions.

Influence of viticultural practices on the sensory characteristics of wine grape varieties

Sensory descriptors, which characterize quality of grape varieties Zagrey and Aromatnyiy of selection of the NCS “IVW named after V. Ye. Tairov” (Ukraine), were determined in accordance with the procedure, developed by Institut Cooperatif du Vin (Montpelier, France). For evaluating visual, tactile and gustatory properties of pulp, skin and seeds, the scientific protocol, which consists of 20 parameters, was used. A one-way analysis of variance and data analysis by the method of principal components made it possible to establish the interrelation between the viticultural practices of growing a grapevine (planting scheme, trunk height) and sensory descriptors of the berries of the studied varieties. Growing grape variety Aromatic according to planting scheme, corresponding to 2222 plants per ha, contributed to enhancement of fruit aromas of skin. Training of vines of this variety on the trunk of 160 cm in height intensified perception of sweetness and pulp aroma. The low-dense planting of grape variety Zagrey (3333, 2222 plants per 1 ha) were distinguished by the harvest with high elasticity of berries, high ability to fall and weak adhesion of tissues of berries. At planting vines by the scheme 3´1, the most intensive aromas of pulp were noted at growing on the trunk of 40 cm in height. At planting vines by the scheme 3´1.5 m, growing on the trunk of 80 cm in height was optimum by indicators of adhesion of pulp and skin, pulp sweetness and intensity of tannin substances of seeds. Examination of the influence of the complex of viticultural factors on the sensory profile of berries was performed by the methods of two-way analysis of variance based on the example of grape variety Zagrey. The value of calculation indicator η 2 made it possible to establish that the factor of trunk height has the most pronounced influence, determining final grades of ability of berries to fall, ability of skin to rupture, color of skin, sweetness, aroma and intensity of pulp aroma, color and intensity of tannin substances of seeds.

THE EFFECT OF HYDRATION ON THE QUALITY OF ROOTSTOCK CUTTINGS

Carbohydrate content allows both the evaluation of the physiological processes that occur over the vegetation period, as well as that of the initial quality of the material used to produce grafts (Iliescu, 2010, 2011). The degree of wood maturation of rootstock cuttings (their content in carbohydrates: soluble sugars and starch) is a very important indicator for the quality of the grapevine planting material that will be obtained in nursery. The rooting of cuttings rootstock, the callusing of grafted vines are influenced and by the carbohydrate reserves of the rootstock. Obtaining quality vine cuttings, with consistently high yield in Blaj wine-growing center, is conditioned by several technological and ecoclimatic factors. The quality of the initial material (scion and rootstock) is determined by the agricultural technique that was used, but an important role is also attributed to the ecoclimatic factors present during the active and the dormant vegetation periods (Tara, 1997; Iliescu, 2010).