EFFECT OF TRAINING ON ROOT SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT OF CV. MERLOT GRAPEVINES

Effects of three training systems (modified Moser, Umbrella, Geneva Double Curtain – GDC) on root system were studied with ‘Merlot’ grapevines.
Dividing the canopy of GDC – trained vines horizontally, four variants were tested: GDC–40 (pillar cross arm of 40 cm), GDC– 60, GDC-80 and GDC–100. To establish root system development, the method of rectangular monolith was used.
Training influenced significantly the root system of ‘Merlot’ grapevines.
The fresh weight (FW), as well as dry weight (DW) of the roots – feeding (diameter (d) < 2 mm) and conductive (d>2 mm) – increased like this: Moser-Umbrella-GDC. The greatest root DW was found with GDC–100 (2.5 – times more compared to Moser training) followed by GDC–80 mainly in favor of ticker roots in the class of 5-10 mm.
Root distribution in the solum had a maximum at depths of 20 – 40 cm with Umbrella and GDC trainings, but at depth of 40-60 cm with Moser trained grapevines.
A second maximum at depths of 120–140 cm was found sometimes.
Root system development corresponded to the soil properties.
The highest correlation coefficients were found between the feeding root weight on the one hand and the soil depth, humus, clay or silt content on the other hand.
Training system influenced grape yield, annual growth, leaf area, accumulated dry matter in the leaves during the day, as well.
GDC training of ‘Merlot’ grapevines was related to more intensive reproductive and vegetative growth and good assimilatory reserves in the perennial organs.

International Workshop on Advances in Grapevine and Wine Research

T. Slavtcheva, P. Pourtchev

V. vinifera L., training systems, roots, yield, annual growth, leaf area

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2007.754.28