Structure of Base Buds in Relation to Yield of Grapes

Abstract

The reason for consistent overcropping of some French hybrid grape cultivars was investigated by analyzing components of yield on vines of White Riesling, Concord, Ives, Aurore, Baco noir, Marechal Foch and De Chaunac. Cultivars with overcropped vines characteristically had more crop on shoots arising from base buds than normally cropped vines.

The structure of base buds was compared to buds at leaf nodes. Cultivars which produce significant crops from base buds have more base buds per cane, more cluster primordia per base bud and a higher rate of winter survival of base buds.

Pruning practices which might prevent overcropping in these cultivars are discussed.