The influence of seed weight on the development and growth of berries and live green ovaries in Vitis vinifera L. cvs. Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon

Background and Aims: Variation in berry size is observed at harvest. Although the growth of seeded berries has been described, no such data are reported for seedless berries or live green ovaries that occur in wine cultivars. This study describes the growth of individual berries in relation to seed development. Methods and Results: Regular measurements of berry diameter described the growth of Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. Seeded berries had typical double sigmoid growth curves, whereas seedless berries, which developed more slowly from midway through Phase I, continued to grow in Phase III if a seed trace was present. Berries without a seed trace did not enlarge after Phase II. Live green ovaries failed to grow after a small initial expansion post-cap fall. Conclusion: Seeded berries had double sigmoid growth as a result of cell division and expansion, whereas the growth of seedless berries and live green ovaries was the result of cell expansion alone. Seed development is necessary for cell division within the mesocarp. Significance of the Study: Seed development is essential for the full development of Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon berries. The data suggest that divergence of berry development from a characteristic growth curve may be linked to the extent of seed development.