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Differential fruitset between grapevine cultivars is related to differences in pollen viability and amine concentration in flowers
Author(s) -
Baby T.,
Gilliham M.,
Tyerman S.D.,
Collins C.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
australian journal of grape and wine research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.65
H-Index - 77
eISSN - 1755-0238
pISSN - 1322-7130
DOI - 10.1111/ajgw.12191
Subject(s) - cultivar , pollen , biology , horticulture , berry , botany
Background and Aims Reproductive capacity among grapevine cultivars varies considerably and impacts yield. Bioactive amines are reported to be involved in many aspects of plant reproductive physiology. We aimed to examine the association between the reproductive performance of cultivars and the concentration of amines in the reproductive organs. Methods and Results The reproductive performance of S hiraz, M erlot and C abernet S auvignon was assessed by determining fruitset, coulure index, millerandage index, pollen tube growth and stigma receptivity. Endogenous concentration of amines in flowers and berries was measured. Poor reproductive performance exhibited by C abernet S auvignon and M erlot compared with that of S hiraz was correlated with poor pollen viability. Amine profiles in the flowers and berries varied significantly among cultivars. A significantly higher concentration of diaminopropane was found in M erlot and C abernet S auvignon and correlated with a higher proportion of underdeveloped berries. An aromatic amine phenylethylamine was found to be the major free amine in the flowers of M erlot, a cultivar susceptible to poor fruitset. Conclusion Variable reproductive performance exhibited by grapevine cultivars is related to differences in pollen viability and amine concentration in the reproductive organs. Significance of the Study A better understanding of the association between reproductive performance and amines in the reproductive organs of grapevines has been achieved.