The progression of primary bud necrosis in the grapevine cv. Shiraz (Vitis vinifera L.): A histological analysis

Abstract

Primary Bud Necrosis (PBN) is a physiological disorder occurring in the compound axillary buds of grapevines. PBN causes the axillary bud to senesce and in some cases secondary buds can also abort. Since PBN is common in the grapevine variety Shiraz the aim of this study was to characterise anatomical changes at different stages of PBN development in this cultivar. Grapevine buds were collected from a vineyard located at Charleston, South Australia, Australia. Buds were dissected, assessed for the presence of PBN and rated on severity of the disorder. Buds at various stages of PBN were fixed for light microscopy. Cell breakdown was observed in all buds where PBN was visible. Collapse and thickening of cell walls was observed in a region of necrotic tissue and severity of PBN appeared to increase over time. The location of cell breakdown due to PBN appeared to be random and was not isolated to one region within the primary bud. PBN appeared to stop primordial growth, with cells differentiating further and maturing more rapidly without forming whole leaves. This cell region then breaks down and the necrosis can extend into the secondary buds.