RESUMEN
The dynamic fluctuations in autumn temperatures, particularly the marked diurnal variations and the subsequent precipitous drops are key and a pivotal role in viticulture, as they critically influence the acclimation process of grapevines to cold, thereby directly impacting their survival and productivity in cold-climate regions. In this comprehensive study, we investigated the cold hardiness of four grapevine cultivars: 'Itasca', 'Frontenac', 'La Crescent', and 'Marquette', focusing on how these cultivars and their individual buds (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th) respond to fluctuating weather and low temperatures typical of autumn [-1.1°C (30°F) -9.4°C (15°F) and -17.8°C (0°F)]. Our results illuminated the striking variability in cold hardiness that was manifest not only among the different cultivars but also within individual buds on the same vine, underscoring the critical influence of bud position on a vine for cold hardiness. 'Frontenac' showed greater cold hardiness at critical temperatures at which 10%, and 50% of the dormant buds were lethally affected by cold (LT10 and LT50) compared to 'Itasca' and 'La Crescent', with 'Marquette' exhibiting intermediate values. However, in cultivars such as 'Itasca' and 'Marquette', certain buds demonstrated a pronounced hardiness when faced with colder temperatures, while others exhibited a heightened sensitivity, thereby revealing a nuanced interplay between bud position and a vine's ability to withstand cold stress. Our study revealed a notable divergence from traditional viticulture understanding; apical buds demonstrated greater cold hardiness than basal buds and opened new paths for research into grapevine physiology. Our results also indicated a significant trend wherein older vines across all studied cultivars displayed enhanced cold hardiness, particularly pronounced at the critical LT50 and the critical temperature at which 90% of the dormant buds were lethally affected by cold (LT90) thresholds, in comparison to younger vines. Moreover, our findings shed light on the impact of autumn's diurnal temperature variations and the subsequent drop in temperatures on vine cold hardiness, thus highlighted the complex interplay between environmental temperature dynamics and dormant bud hardiness. In conclusion, our study showed that the cold damage observed in grapevines in North Dakota was not a result of extreme temperature fluctuations in the fall. This was confirmed by testing the vines after they had reached various threshold temperatures through differential thermal analysis (DTA) and optical differential nucleation and expansion analysis (ODNEAL) methodologies, particularly before the onset of severe pre-winter cold conditions. These comprehensive findings highlighted the complexity of the vine's response to climatic conditions and viticultural management, pointing to the need for specific strategies in vineyard management and cultivar selection to optimize bud hardiness and productivity in the face of various environmental challenges, especially in cold climate viticulture.
RESUMEN
Unraveling the intricate physiological and biochemical intricacies associated with female dominance in grape berries across diverse developmental stages is imperative for optimizing grape production and ensuring the attainment of high-quality yields. This study conducted a thorough analysis of grape berries across phenological stages (BBCH-79, BBCH-81, BBCH-89) and cultivars. At BBCH-89, Bozcaada Çavusu*Vasilâki demonstrated the highest berry weight and total soluble solids (TSS) levels, emphasizing its enological potential. Acidity peaked at BBCH-79 (28.16) and declined at BBCH-89 (6.11), signaling a shift towards lower acidity in later stages. Bozcaada Çavusu*Vasilâki consistently showed the highest maturity index (MI). Mineral content variations were observed across nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), boron (B), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu), with Bozcaada Çavusu*Vasilâki often having the highest concentrations, particularly in potassium, calcium, and boron. Hormonal analysis revealed a significant surge in concentrations at BBCH-89, with Bozcaada Çavusu*Vasilâki standing out. Notably, Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) concentrations increased by 106%, and abscisic acid (ABA) levels peaked at BBCH-79 with a 38% increase in Bozcaada Çavusu*Kuntra. Sugar content analysis showed variations in fructose, glucose, sucrose, rhamnose, xylose, galactose, and arabinose levels across sampling times and cultivars. Bozcaada Çavusu*Vasilâki consistently exhibited higher sugar levels, especially at BBCH-81 and BBCH-89. Vitamin concentrations varied temporally and among cultivars, with BBCH-89 displaying the highest vitamin A concentration (6.24 mg/100 g FW), and Bozcaada Çavusu*Vasilâki often exhibiting maximum values for vitamin B1, B2, B6, and C. Further research and targeted cultivation practices focusing on the unique attributes of Bozcaada Çavusu*Vasilâki could enhance grape production efficiency, emphasizing its potential contribution to achieving consistently high-quality yields across various phenological stages.