The Science of Grapevines: Anatomy and Physiology

Product Description
Written by a recognized expert, and based on his experience in teaching the subject to students with a variety of educational backgrounds, The Science of Grapevines: Anatomy and Physiology is the only book to comprehensively explore the physiology of the grapevine as it occurs around the world.

While other books have focused on the vines of specific regions, the globalization of the wine industry and the resulting increase of lands around the world being used for grapevine cultivation has left a gap in information. This book addresses not only the specific issues and concerns of grapevines from regions around the world, but includes important emerging topics such as global climate change, water relations, temperature effect and more.

The truly unique approach of this book is the scientifically-grounded exploration, often applying discoveries in other plant species, of the main physiological processes underlying grapevine form and function, their interactions, developmental and environmental control, and their implications for practical vineyard management.

Features:
* Focuses on the physiology of the whole plant rather than at the cellular and organ levels, providing an understanding of whole-plant function
* Comprehensive coverage of role of water relations and temperature impact prepares the reader for changing climate impact
* Includes European, North and South American grapes and grape-related industry information--providing important insights into implications of differences and similarities

Author Markus Keller

Amazon Exclusive: A Letter from Markus Keller, Author of The Science of Grapevines

Dear Amazon Readers,

At the time of this writing, this book had first published only a few months ago, and already it has surpassed all my expectations. It started as a collection of teaching notes prepared for my students of the physiology and production of grapes in the classroom, vineyard and laboratory. Thanks to their input and that of many other talented individuals who make the world of grapes and wine such a delightful one into which to immerse oneself, these rather disjointed notes have evolved into a comprehensive and broadly referenced textbook that is enjoyed by students and practitioners with diverse practical or theoretical experiences.

I ve had the privilege to grow up in a farming and grape-growing family, to attend excellent public schools with passionate teachers, to travel and explore the world of grapes and wine, and to work with growers, winemakers, scientists, and educators who know how to perform daily miracles: helping plants to turn energy derived from the sun, and nutrients and water derived from the air and the soil, into grapes that may be enjoyed fresh or dried, or become delicious juice or wine or brandy, while resourcefully overcoming myriad challenges imposed by capricious climates and political and economic landscapes. They have taught me many invaluable lessons, and I continue to learn from them as well as from my own scientific research.

I gain new information and experiences from every project I work on and use these not only to keep this book current, but also to help growers to produce better grapes and students to appreciate the ingenious way of life of my favorite fruit. My goal is to help you make informed decisions when growing grapevines, or processing or appreciating their products. I strive to do this by creating, collecting, and interpreting knowledge gained through scientific exploration, and practical and historical experiences. In addition to a wealth of biological information, the book also contains many practical tips that will help you as a viticulturist. I want to give you plenty of food for thought, so you ll want to learn more and to embark on your own journey of exploration.

In its young life, The Science of Grapevines has already found its way onto the bookshelves of colleges and other education providers, and onto the desks of growers, students and wine lovers throughout the country and overseas. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of those who have purchased, used, reviewed, and recommended the book. But I also would like to encourage you to send your feedback to me to help me make the next edition stronger, more informative, and a greater joy to read.

--Markus Keller