The dynamics of cell division and gene expression during bud dormancy in grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.)

Grapevine is the most commercially important fruit crop worldwide and displays a high degree of plasticity to climate. Earlier grapevine studies observed a pronounced peak in dormancy in late summer/ early autumn, which confounds the contemporary view of dormancy and particularly the relationship to chilling. This thesis sought to improve knowledge of seasonal regulation of dormancy in grapevine with particular attention is given to the condition prior to winter. Applying physiology, microscopy, and next-generation sequencing technique, the results elucidated cellular and transcriptomic regulation underpin the developmental transition of mature latent buds of grapevine cv. Cabernet Sauvignon.