Relationships Between the Yield and Vegetative Characteristics of Individual Shoots of `Cabernet Sauvignon' Grapevines

Abstract

Two-dimensional partitioning of variation was used to determine the sources of relationships between the yield and vegetative characteristics of three `Cabernet Sauvignon' grape (Vitis vinifera L.) clones. Clonal differences were found in shoot growth rate, but not in duration or total growth. A weak positive relationship between total shoot growth and yield resulted from a positive relationship between fruit set and growth duration. Relationships between cluster number and foliar characteristics indicated that light exposure in the previous year may have influenced both vegetative and reproductive development. The mean number of clusters per bud was positively related to the mean area, dry weight, and nitrogen content of leaves.