Secondary Bud Gas Exchange, Growth, and Fruitfulness of Vitis vinifera L. cultivars, 'Grenache' and 'Cabernet Sauvignon' Grown on the Texas High Plains

In 2017, the grape and wine industry had an overall economic impact of $13.1 billion within the state of Texas. The majority of grapes grown in Texas are produced within the Texas High Plains American Viticultural Area (AVA). However, vineyards within the Texas High Plains AVA are subject to late spring frosts which can potentially diminish fruit quality, and reduce crop production. To assist in planning and production efforts, Texas High Plains AVA grape growers require information regarding vine secondary bud growth and fruitfulness. Therefore, the objectives of this experiment were to compare the growth and fruitfulness of shoots grown from primary and secondary buds of Vitis vinifera L. 'Grenache' and 'Cabernet Sauvignon' vines grafted to 110R rootstocks. Vines were planted in an experimental vineyard in 2008. Each year over two consecutive growing seasons (2016 – 2017) vines were exposed to the following treatments: primary bud growth intact, and following bud break allowing primary bud shoot growth to reach 15.0 cm in length then removing primary bud shoots (forcing growth from secondary buds). Gas exchange, growth, fruitfulness, and fruit total soluble solid data were collected each year. Collected data followed similar trends each growing season. Hence, data from each growing season were pooled. Gas exchange data indicate leaves from primary shoots had lower photosynthetic rates, and stomatal conductance when compared to leaves grown on secondary shoots. In addition, 'Grenache' leaves had greater gas exchange when compared to 'Cabernet Sauvignon' leaves. Pruning weights, vine yield, cluster mass, and total soluble solids were greater for shoots grown from primary buds. 'Cabernet Sauvignon' vines had greater pruning weights, but 'Grenache' vines had greater crop load (Ravaz Index) and cluster mass. Yield and total soluble solids did not differ between grape cultivars, but the number of clusters from each vine, and berry mass varied with cultivar and bud treatment. In the late spring frost-prone Texas High Plains AVA, cultivar selection continues to be a critical factor for vineyard success. Results indicate decreased yields from all vines with shoot growth only from secondary buds. However, even though 'Grenache' and 'Cabernet Sauvignon' vines responded differently to bud treatments ('Cabernet Sauvignon' vines generally produced a greater number of smaller clusters when compared to 'Grenache' vines), for each cultivar overall yield was similar across all bud treatments. Therefore, Texas High Plains AVA and other grape producers now have additional information that may assist them when making critical vineyard management choices.