Viticultural Information

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Subject

Zinc

Description

Normal cluster, left. Zinc deficiency increases toward right, with shot berries and poor fruit set.

Zinc (Zn) deficiency mostly occurs in sandy soils of low zinc content. Reclaimed alkali and calcareous (high- lime) soils are also susceptible because their relatively high pH reduces the availability of Zn. Areas that have been cut heavily in land leveling, old poultry yards and coral spots, and sandy soils that have been subjected to heavy manure applications are sometimes associated with chronic Zn deficiency.

Depending on severity, zinc deficiency can affect foliage as well as fruit. Mild deficiencies only affect fruit. The results are reduced fruit set and the presence of shot berries. The shot berries range in size from small berries, which always remain hard and green, to intermediate berries, which are delayed in ripening. Some berries of normal size and maturity are usually present in the clusters.

People

Doug Adams
L. Peter Christensen
Donna Hirschfelt
William L. Peacock
Rhonda Smith
Larry Williams

Publications

Christensen, L.P. 1984. Nutrient level comparisons of leaf petioles and blades in twenty-six grape cultivars on three years, 1979-1981. Am. J. Enol. Vitic. 35:124-33. Abstract

Christensen, L.P., and Jensen, F.L. 1978. Grapevine response to concentrate and dilute application of two zinc compounds. Am. J. Enol. Vitic. 29:213-16. Abstract

Christensen, L.P., and A.N. Kasimatis. 1967. Correction of vineyard zinc deficiency by soil injection of zinc sulfate solutions. Am. J. Enol. Vitic. 18:217-24. Abstract

Christensen, L.P. 2000. Mineral Nutrition and Fertilization (PDF). Pages 102-114 in: Raisin Production Manual. University of California, Agricultural and Natural Resources Publication 3393, Oakland, CA. Buy book

Cooks, J.A., Baranek, P.P., Christensen, L.P., and Malstrom, H.L. 1968. Vineyard response to phosphate-zinc foliar sprays. Am. J. Enol. Vitic. 19:17-26. Abstract

2004. Soil Environment and Grapevine Mineral Nutrition Symposium. Proceedings of the American Society of Enology and Viticulture. To Purchase

This website is a work in progress of the University of California (UC) Division of Agricultural and Natural Resources (ANR) Integrated Grape Production Workgroup. It is designed to increase accessability to the work of UC researchers, including faculty, Cooperative Extension (CE) specialists, CE advisors, and staff. UC Researchers interested in contributing content are invited to contact Deborah Golino dagolino@ucdavis.edu to discuss possible contributions.