The photoprotective role of epidermal anthocyanins and surface pubescence in young leaves of grapevine (Vitis vinifera).

Background And Aims: Depending on cultivar, surfaces of young leaves of Vitis vinifera may be glabrous-green ('Soultanina') or transiently have anthocyanins ('Siriki') or pubescence ('Athiri'). A test is made of the hypothesis that anthocyanins and pubescence act as light screens affording a photoprotective advantage to the corresponding leaves, and an assessment is made of the magnitude of their effect.

Methods: Measurements were made on young leaves of the three cultivars in spring under field conditions.