Rootstock Scion Interaction and Effects on Vine Vigor, Phenology, and Cold Hardiness of Interspecific Hybrid Grape Cultivars (Vitis spp.)

Abstract

Scion-rootstock interactions were analyzed to test the interaction between environment and above-ground vine phenology. The experiment employed ‘Marechal Foch’ and ‘Vidal Blanc’ as reciprocally grafted, own-rooted, and self-grafted vines. Results suggest that genetically complex phenological factors were under the control of the scion cultivar. The effect of the scion on fruit composition was related to differences in yield between the cultivars. Other effects are secondary in nature as a result of vine vigor and shoot density. Factors potentially under specific root influence, (e.g., fruit-set, water status, nutrition, soil pH, salinity, or root pests) were not limiting in this experiment.

Keywords:

• vine size
• pruning weight
• bud-break
• growth
• fruit quality

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This research was supported by the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station and the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council. We appreciate the help of David Francis in vineyard maintenance, James. A. Wolpert, Oriana Silvestroni, and Alberto Palliotti for extensive discussions, and Alan Green for critical reading of an earlier version of the manuscript.