Dog days of summer for grapes - Lag Phase
07/27/2022
Lag Phase - How the grapes are growing in the heat of the summer
This is the time of year, we cut back the water to the grapes, yes even in the heat! This forces the plants to redirect their energy from growing a canopy to ripening the fruit. This growth time is called Lag Phase. The lag phase is distinguished by a pause in berry growth, during which seed embryos start to grow rapidly. At the start of the lag phase, berries have reached at least half of their final size. Following the 5 to 10 day lag, cells expand and continue to accumulate acids and tannins, which reach their maximum levels at veraison. During this phase, seeds reach their final size by 10 to 15 days before veraison.
Post By:
Allison VanArnam