Tuesday, May 31, 2011

A meristem mutiny.

The table grapes in Vinoland are looking rather healthy right now. Of course they aren't flowering yet, like every other vine in Vinoland, but they are very enthused in another way. Whilst I was suckering the trunks, and thinning out adventitious buds, I came across several shoots which had decided to grow multiple apical meristems in one cosy, not-so-little assemblage of grapey-goodness. A split or double meristem is not that unusual of an occurrence, especially in the Syrah vines, but this was the first time I have seen three fused meristems growing together. Can we say overachiever?

7 comments:

monkey said...

basically does this mean there will be more grapes to snaffle while walking around the vinyard 2 months from now?

Thud said...

I didn't understand any of this...I need to lie down.

Thomas said...

Thud,

Do not under any circumstances lay on your second meristem--can be painful.

Vinogirl said...

Monkey: Initially, it seemed the wine grapes did indeed produce extra clusters but on closer observation it seems that the meristem mutates after the clusters are in place - fruit is usually in the 3rd and 4th position on the shoot. Of course you are quite welcome to snack on as many (immature) grapes as you like whilst you walk around Vinoland.

Thud: Maybe you should have a glass of wine, it'll make everything seem clearer.

Thomas: He'd have to know what one was first!

Affer said...

Have you seen how rusty your secateur blades are? Tsk, tsk!

Vinogirl said...

Affer, yes I have, and I think it's about time Vinomaker cleaned them, don't you?

Jamie Goode said...

Would be interesting to culture the mutant meristem tissue and produce a vine from it - will it be true to type?