An investigation into the experimental use of grapevines for teaching horticulture in schools: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Diploma in Horticultural Science at Lincoln College

Abstract

Three different experiments using grapevines and grapes were undertaken in a trial to examine their practicality in schools. The first experiment was concerned with the growing of test plants. Using Mullens and Rajasekaran's (1981) method, it was found that by allowing roots to grow before buds burst and removing leaves after bud burst, grape­vine cuttings could produce fruit without inflorescences shrivelling and falling off. Cabernet Sauvignon was found to perform well. The second experiment studied the common grape disease botrytis rot on Ribier grapes. The influence of wounding and the effect of the fungicides captan and iprodione were tested. Captan performed significantly better than iprodione in controlling the disease. Bench grafting was investigated in third experiment. Muller Thurgau scions and Kober 5BB stocks were grafted by the whip and tongue method. One set of were callused in July and another in September, in a range of temperatures (25°C, 28°C, 31°C). There was no difference in the success of callusing in the two time periods, but grafts were found to callus best at 28 °C +/ - 2°C. In a modified form the experiments are considered suitable for use at the sixth and seventh form level in secondary schools. A guide to how the teacher may conduct the experiments is included along with some information on how to establish a vineyard in the school grounds.