Abstract
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 … For more content click the Read More button below.
Syllabus
This subject will cover the following topics:
Shoot, bud and leaf development;Reproductive development;Grapevine water relations;Grapevine root anatomy, growth and nutrient uptake;Photosynthesis and respiration;Carbohydrate utilisation;Grapevine source and sink physiology;Nitrogen and the grapevine;Other nutrients and the grapevine;Berry metabolism;Abiotic stresses and the grapevine; andPhytohormones and grapevine performance.
Assessment items
1. Topics 1 to 3
2. Topics 4 to 6
3. Topics 7 to 9
4. Practical workbook
5. Topics 10 to 12
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
1.
analyse the effects of the environment and cultural inputs on the vegetative and reproductive growth processes of grapevines, with respect to vine performance for grape and wine production;
2.
evaluate the impacts of climate, water and nutrients on vine growth and development, in relation to vine balance and productivity including the quality and quantity of grape production;
3.
explain the process of carbohydrate production, transport and use in the sinks within the vine in relation to vine balance and the production of grapes fit for purpose;
4.
relate berry metabolism and fruit composition to environmental factors and cultural inputs, and discuss the synthesis and accumulation of flavour and phenolic compounds;
5.
describe the effect of different abiotic stresses, including drought, heat, salinity and frost, as well as the impact of phytohormones, on the developmental processes of grapevines, with respect to vine longevity and productivity;
6.
sample and conduct measurements on grapevines and laboratory analyses to compare grapevine physiological responses to various environmental conditions and management inputs; and
7.
interpret the scientific literature related to grapevine physiology and performance.
Assumed knowledge
Knowledge equivalent to VIT211, VIT212 or VIT411 Viticultural Science and PSC215 or PSC416 Plant Physiology
Enrolment restrictions
Incompatible
Replacement
Learning activities
Intensive School
Learning resources
Additional resources required by students
Students attending compulsory intensive schools on Charles Sturt campuses will incur costs associated with travel, accommodation and required resources (minimum: lab coat, safety glasses and covered footwear for lab-based practicals).