Grapevine propagation: principles and methods for the production of high quality grapevine planting material

Since the worldwide grapevine planting boom in the 1990s, there have been numerous reports of sporadic young vine failures and early decline of young vineyards. In many cases, the leading causes of these problems have been traced to defective, but often asymptomatic, propagating and planting materials infected with trunk disease pathogens, or with other defects that affect vine establishment, vigour and longevity. Current propagation practices favour cross-contamination by trunk disease pathogens and impose physiological stress that affects the quality of finished vines. This review describes the characteristics of high-quality cuttings and practices that will produce a consistent supply of quality planting material. The barriers to the production of high-quality grapevine propagating and planting material are also discussed.