A
Absorption
The method that grapevines use in the uptake
of nutrients by the roots in the soil.
Adsorption
The method that grapevines use in the transport
of certain nutrients through the plant by
adhesion of ions or molecules on the surface
of colloidal particles or other solid materials.
Adjuvants
Chemicals or other materials that are mixed
with sprays aid in the penetration, wetting
or spreading of the active ingredient in
the viticultural spray.
Adventitious
roots
Roots that develop in areas of the grapevine
where there previously was no root system,
such as the roots that develop from the
nodes of a newly planted cutting. While
grapevines have adventitious roots, they
do not have adventitious buds and requiring
pre-existing buds for future growth.
Alkali
soil
Soils with high levels of sodium that will
interfere with the growth and development
of the grapevine.
American
hybrid
A grape variety that, unlike French-American
hybrids, was developed in North America.
It is usually a crossing of North American
grape varieties but some varieties do have
Vitis Vinifera in their parentage.
Ampelography
The science of identify grape varieties
and tracing their history using both DNA
and physical characteristics such as the
appearance of clusters and leaves.
Anther
The part of the male-reproductive organs
of the grapevine flower, located on the
stamen, that contains the pollen needed
for fertilization.
Anthesis
A stage during the flowering period of the
grape vine when the calyptra has fallen
off and the vine is in full bloom.
Anthocyanins
Polyphenols located in the skin of grapes
that includes the color pigments that gives
both grapes and wine their color.
Aoutement
French term for the period of ripening when
the vine's shoot stop growing and the plant
shifts it carbohydrate production into reserves
as it prepares for dormancy and next years
growth. During this time the leaves may
begin to change color as the shoots also
change color, usually from a green to a
brown wood color.
Apical
dominance
The tendency of the central mid-section
region of a grapevine shoot up to the apex
to exhibit the most growth and development
of foliage, tendrils and grape clusters.
The apical dominance of the grapevine also
inhibits the growth of lateral buds.
Apical
meristem
The growth cells located at the tip of a
grapevine shoot that have the ability to
differentiate and continue to grow. Unlike
other plants, grapevines do not have terminal
buds that limit growth.
Appellation
A geographical based term to identify where
the grapes for a wine were grown.
Aquifer
A geological landform that retains rain
water drained from the surrounding area.
Aspect
A topographical feature of a vineyard including
the angle and direction of a slope as well
as its altitude.
Axil
The attachment point on a grapevine leaf
of petiole where usually a developing bud
will be located |
