The effect of nitrogen as an environmental stress on the growth of roots and shoots of grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) : a dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Horticultural Science (Honours)

Abstract

The response of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) plants to various nitrogen environments (104 ppm N and 10.4 ppm N) were studied. Grape plants were grown in continuously circulated nutrient solution in a temperature and ventilation controlled glasshouse. Dry weights of roots, stems, shoots and leaves were measured, as well as root length, root number, shoot length, leaf area and leaf number. No significant differences were obtained between nitrogen levels, however, trends were obtained to suggest that grapes respond to increasing nitrogen nutrition in terms of growth and morphological adaptation in a similar way to other plant species. The lack of significance can possibly be associated with large plant variation, increased nitrogen supply due to convective and diffusive mechanisms related to hydroponics, and the possibility that the experiment was too short to see differences created by each nitrogen level. Further work needs to be be carried out under a modified method in order to elicit a significant response of grapes to environmental stress in the form of low nitrogen levels.