Grapevine Cold Hardiness: Integrating Environmetnal Cues and Vine Physiology
- Research Date
- 2020
- Authors
- Paolo Sabbatini
- Priorities
- Crop Quality, Sustainability
- Crop Categories
- Fruit, Grapes
Winter damages in cold climate viticulture are a major concern for grape growers, as low temperatures can cause vine damage and yield losses. To increase cold hardness resistance in grapevines, the use of abscisic acid (ABA) has been proposed. ABA is a naturally occurring hormone that regulates various physiological processes, including stress responses in plants. Studies have shown that ABA application can improve grapevine cold tolerance by inducing changes in gene expression and metabolite accumulation. These changes result in increased cold-hardiness and reduced winter damage. Optimal timing, concentration, and application method of ABA in grapevines were investigated. Overall, the use of ABA in cold climate Michigan viticulture shows promising results in improving grapevine cold tolerance and reducing winter damages.