Handbook

This subject builds on concepts of plant physiology and viticulture acquired in earlier plant biology-related subjects. The subject focuses on the implications of the environment and cultural practices on the field performance of grapevines. Students will examine the key physiological processes involved in grapevine vegetative and reproductive development. Students will also explore grapevine water usage, root functioning, carbohydrate assimilation and utilisation, source and sink organ physiology, and the acquisition and importance of key nutrients. In addition, students will focus on berry metabolism in relation to the accumulation of compounds with particular importance for wine production. Finally, students will investigate the implications of abiotic stresses and phytohormones on grapevine performance.