The Vine

Question 1

What are the two most important vine species?

Answer 1

• vitis vinifera

- American vines

Question 2

You can’t grow a grape variety by using seeds. What are the two techniques grape growers use to preserve the unique qualities of a grape variety?

Answer 2

• cutting

- layering

Question 3

What is cutting?

Answer 3

a section of a vine shoot that is planted and then grows as a new plant

Question 4

What is layering?

Answer 4

• a cane is bent down and a section is buried in the ground
• the cane tip points upwards out of the ground
• the buried section takes root and, once these roots are established, the cane linking the new growth to the original plant is cut

Question 5

Why do most grape growers use cuttings instead of layering?

Answer 5

due to the risk of phylloxera

Question 6

What are the advantages of grafting vitis vinifera onto the rootstock of an American vine or hybrid?

Answer 6

• phylloxera resistance
• this offers protection of the American vine
• with flavour of European vine
• better resistance to drought conditions

Question 7

Anatomy of the vine: what are the four sections of a vine?

Answer 7

• the green parts
• one-year-old wood
• permanent wood
• the roots

Question 8

What are the four green parts of a vine?

Answer 8

• buds
• tendrils
• leaves
• flowers and/or berries