ISHS Acta Horticulturae 427: Strategies to Optimize Wine Grape Quality
INVESTIGATION OF ASSIMILATE IMPORT MECHANISMS IN BERRIES OF VITIS VINIFERA VAR. ‘CABERNET SAUVIGNON’ |
| Authors: | N. Ollat, J.P. Gaudillère |
| Keywords: | carbon, fruit development, phloem transport, sink strength, water, xylem transport |
| Abstract:
Carbon and water balance, as well as mineral nutrient import was investigated in grape berries throughout their development on fruit-bearing cuttings. During the first growth period, carbon was equally partitioned between pericarp, seed development and respiration. Water was mainly imported by xylem. At the onset of ripening, carbon import increased five times. A stimulation of water flow from phloem was sufficient to explain this higher rate of carbon imports. Mineral nutrient accumulation was also related to the pathways of water import. Calcium was imported during the first growth period and potassium mainly during ripening. Our data support the hypothesis that the sink strength of a grape berry increases substantially at the onset of ripening, and that the controlling parameters of phloem transport are also modified at this stage. | |
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