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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Geneva, New York » Grape Genetics Research Unit (GGRU) » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #334656
Title: Grapevine winter survival and prospects in an age of changing climate

Author
item Londo, Jason
item MARTINSON, TIM - Cornell University

Submitted to: Appellation Cornell
Publication Type: Research Notes
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/21/2016
Publication Date: 3/1/2016
Citation: Londo, J.P., Martinson, T. 2016. Grapevine winter survival and prospects in an age of changing climate. Appellation Cornell. Research Focus 2016-1: Cornell Viticulture & Enology pp 1-7.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Vines transition from active growth to dormancy by processes controlled by genes, but are greatly influenced by variation in weather conditions - even in the coldest part of the winter. My research program, known as the USDA Cold Hardiness Genetics Research Program, seeks to understand how a vine's genetics interact with climate variation to influence vine dormancy. Our studies of chilling requirements and bud-killing temperatures (LTEs) in wild and cultivated Vitis have revealed deferences in how fast vines respond to temperature changes and how many chilling hours they require to break dormancy. More erratic swings in winter and spring temperatures associated with climate change may have a dramatic impact on the risk of winter injury and early budburst.