Springer Taming the Wild Grape: Botany and Horticulture in the Vitaceae

This book places grapes in the context of their family, the Vitaceae. It begins by focusing on the relationship of the family to other angiosperms and the interrelationships and characteristics of its genera. Two chapters emphasize the structure and development of its major vegetative and reproductive characteristics. Keys and illustrated descriptions for 19 North American species including 10 Vitis are provided. The three chapters on Vitis begin with a brief history of grape growing, with emphasis on North America. There is an illustrated life history of grape, following the two-year cycle from bud initiation to fruit maturity. The final chapter discusses the history of grapevine identification in North America, concluding with descriptions and illustrations of 30 important North American cold climate cultivars. The book is a general resource for understanding the growth, development, life history, and identification of grapes and the Vitaceae. Review “This is a well written reference book designed for grape geeks. It is also very well illustrated with both color and black & white photos. This is a very detailed but concise book describing the morphology and growth characteristics of the Vitaceae family and Vitis Genus. … Anyone considering themselves a viticulture professional should consider having this book in their library.” (Wine Grower News, Issue 330, March, 2016) From the Back Cover This book places grapes in the context of their family, the Vitaceae, analyzing the relationship of the family to other angiosperms and the interrelationships and characteristics of its genera. The text includes a brief history of grape growing, with emphasis on North America, and an illustrated life history of grape, following the two-year cycle from bud initiation to fruit maturity. Along with the history of agricultural practices, this book discusses the history of grapevine identification in North America, concluding with descriptions and illustrations of 30 important North American cold climate cultivars. Through illuminating analysis and illustrations, Taming the Wild Grape serves as a general resource for understanding the growth, development, life history, and identification of grapes and the Vitaceae. About the Author Dr. Jean M. Gerrath Professor Emeritus University of Northern Iowa Department of Biology 70 Dumbarton St. Guelph, ON N1E 3T6 Dr. Usher Posluszny University of Guelph Molecular and cellular Biology 50 Stone Road East Guelph, ON N1G 2W1