Variety traits

Shattering of grapes

Vitis vinifera L.

A trait characterizing the shedding of flowers, ovaries, or mature grape berries, which determines the final yield and marketability of the cluster.

In the reference 104 varieties crop Common grape vine, where this is mentioned in the description.

The assessment of shattering is a mandatory element of the ampelographic description of a cultivar. The methodology consists of using isolators on 20–30 inflorescences before the onset of flowering, followed by counting the fallen elements and the total number of berries at harvest. The trait is expressed as the percentage ratio of fallen parts to the total number of ovaries.

For most cultivars, natural shattering is considered the biological norm, where the degree of shattering is 47–60% and does not hinder the formation of a full-grown cluster. Excessive shattering leads to the exposure of the rachis and a sharp decline in productivity, requiring the application of specific agrotechnical measures, such as pinching or girdling of shoots.

In addition to the ovary, shattering can manifest as the dropping of already mature berries due to a disruption in the connection with the pedicel. This process is often associated with a physiological disorder known as rachis paralysis, which occurs as a result of imbalances in water and mineral metabolism, making shattering an indicator of unfavorable growing conditions.

General information about the subject — on the page Shattering.

Sources8

Varieties of Common grape vine mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.