Studies on Fruit Bud Differentiation in Grape Variety Perlette

Microscopical examination of 12 μ thick bud sections of Vitis vinifera L. variety Perlette was carried out from 1st April to 20th September 1968 at an interval of 10 days. The first evidence of fruit bud differentiation was observed on 20th April. Bract formation was evident on 1st May. Peak period of fruit bud differentiation was observed to be May-June. Fruit bud differentiation continued throughout the season and was complected by 20th September. Main shoot extension remained suppressed during the peak period of fruit bud differentiation. Starch accumulation followed a trend similar to fruit bud formation. Both started in the basal portion of the shoot (1–8 nodes) and continued to the terminal portion (9–12 nodes).