Budburst Flashcards
What is budburst?
When vine’s buds swell and open, and green shoots start to emerge
What is another word for budburst?
Budbreak
The four factors that determine when budburst occurs:
- air temperature
- soil temperature
- grape variety
- human factors (e.g. late winter pruning)
What are the temperature requirements for a bud to burst?
Average of 10C/50F
Why can regions with continental climates be advantageous for successful budburst?
Rapidly increasing temperatures in the spring mean that budburst can be relatively uniform. This has positive implications for the uniformity of later stages in the growing season, leading to a crop of grapes with even ripeness.
Why can regions with maritime climates be disadvantageous for budburst?
Budburst can be less synchronized and uneven. Problems can occur when a few unusually mild winter days cause early budburst; any cold days and frosts that follow can potentially harm the newly burst buds, leading to lower yields.
What are the soil temperatures that encourage earlier budburst?
Higher soil temps around the roots encourage earlier budburst.
What types of soils are beneficial in cooler climates?
Dry, free-draining soils (e.g. sandy), because they tend to warm up more quickly than water-storing soils (e.g. clay-rich).
Advantageous in cool climates where an early start to the growing season improves the chance of ripening.
What is an early budding variety?
Varieties that require relatively low temperatures at budburst
Name 4 early budding varieties.
Chardonnay
Pinot Noir
Merlot
Grenache
Name 3 late budding varieties.
Sauvignon Blanc
Cabernet Sauvingon
Syrah
Is budding time linked to ripening time?
No, e.g. Grenache buds early and ripens late
Human factors influencing budburst
Carrying out winter pruning later can delay budburst. This is useful in areas prone to spring frost.
When is budburst in the Northern Hemisphere?
March to April (3-4)
When is budburst in the Southern Hemisphere?
September to October (9-10)
