Vegetative growth of grape-vine varieties under controlled temperature and light intensity

Five commercial grape-vine varieties (Muscat Gordo Blanco, Rhine Riesling, Shiraz, Ohanez and Sultana) have been grown from rooted cuttings in controlled environment growth cabinets for 3 months. Measurements were made, after growth at different light intensities or temperatures, of plant dry weight, shoot length, node number and lateral growth. All varieties responded similarly to light intensity; only dry weights were affected by changes in light intensity. In respect of temperature, no variety grew well below 20° C, most reached optimum growth at about 25° C, and all tolerated temperatures up to 35° C very well. There were some minor differences between varieties. In respect of daylength, there was a range in short-day tolerance from Rhine Riesling (relatively intolerant) to Muscat Gordo Blanco (tolerant).