Quade, Michael2022-03-082022-03-082021-08https://hdl.handle.net/1813/111108The cold hardiness and deacclimation rates of various clones of four V. vinifera grapevine varieties were evaluated by measuring lethal temperatures of dormant buds using low temperature exotherms. This study aimed to elucidate the potential cold hardiness trait differences across clones of each variety. Levels of cold hardiness play an important role in grower choice when considering planting new fields or replacing lost crops in regions subject to low temperatures during the winter. Ultimately, it was shown that there is no significant cold hardiness difference between clones within any of the four sampled varieties. However, a revised experimental design and additional sampling must be done over multiple seasons to gain a better view of any potential clonal variation that may arise. It is likely that the microclimatic environmental differences between vineyard sites was a compounding factor, and as such the effect of clonal variation was challenging to isolate. The results of this study did show a discernable difference in cold hardiness levels and deacclimation rates between the sampled varieties, which is well-documented in other studies in this area. While it is still unknown whether clone has an influence on winter cold hardiness, these results may be important for future vineyard plantings in regions with increased winter temperature fluctuation as a result of ongoing climate change. Additionally, further investigation is warranted into the potential genetic variation between clones within a variety, as this may uncover the basis for other clonal trait variations of interest.en-USAttribution 4.0 Internationalterm paper