Effects of ripening conditions on the following season's growth and yield components for Pinot noir and Gewurztraminer grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.) in a controlled environment

Abstract

Two levels of leaf/area ratio were created for two varieties of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) in a glasshouse. Carbohydrate and free amino acids concentrations in the pruning wood were significantly reduced when the leaf/fruit ratio was low. In the following season, growth parameters were affected as well as yield components such as the number of shoots per plant, the number of inflorescences per shoot, the number of flowers per inflorescence and the number of berries per cluster. Fruit set was however not altered. Weight of grapes at fruit set was reduced by 68% for Gewurztraminer and by 46 % for Pinot noir.