Bacchus
* required background music - Carnival of the Animals - Aquarium
Bud Break (Fourth Leaf Unfolded)
I know we have all seen National Geographic videos of animals awakening after a winter’s hibernation. Polar bears digging out of their snow caves, prairie dogs emerging from their den, chipmunks rising from their holes.
Well imagine these scenarios, but let’s consider the reawakening of the vine. Here is a little story of what is taking place in most Northern Hemisphere vineyards right now……. First, a look at how we arrived here.
A vine bud = A point at which future growth will occur (fruit, foliage). The bud’s which are breaking now were developed most likely on last year’s vines - sometimes they are latent from 1-2 years prior. Looking at it another way, these vines which are now sprouting will soon begin developing next years buds.
Following harvest, when the fruit’s of their labor are cut and rushed to the OR, cellar I mean (I hope), and the weather continues to cool and the days get shorter, these vines prepare themselves for a well deserved rest. They drop their leaves, force out excess water (protects them from freezing and cracking), and winterize their bark, including the bud scales (an outer protective layer). From now until spring, vines become dormant. They continue feeding on the snack supply (starch) stored in the trunks, vines, and roots to maintain basic vitality. While they are slumbering, vineyard workers will prune them back which helps in many ways. However, with regard to buds, if the vines are left unpruned (countless buds available), the possibility of generating too much fruit the subsequent harvest is of major concern since they will not all be able to ripen fully.
Fruit Bud
Fast forward to now, as temperatures begin to warm and stabilize, if the chosen buds made it through winter, they will begin unfolding leaf by leaf. If they froze, there is still hope, as each of these buds come in a three-pack(primary, secondary, tertiary). If one dies in the throws of winter, there is a chance for another to carry the story forward. Some of these buds will simply produce leaves, while others will produce leaves and flowers. As the leaves unfold, flower clusters (inflorescence) will begin to emerge from the fruit buds. I know, these clusters look like baby grapes, they are however inflorescence, which if successful during bloom, will lead to fruit set. Stay tuned for a look at bloom! In the meantime, let’s hope for no frost or mildew……..
Cheers
