Calcium accumulation and redistribution during the development of grape berry

In this study, we investigated the evolution of calcium content during grape berry development (Vitis vinifera L.). In 5 years using several cultivars, the calcium content per berry was assessed in all compartments of the fruit. In the whole berry the calcium content increased from anthesis to ripeness. In the pericarp it decreased at the onset of ripening whereas it increased in seeds. Furthermore, during ripening, calcium was transported from the flesh to the skin. As calcium is a cation mobile in xylem, we compared our results with those on the functioning of xylem during the development of grape berries. We hypothesize that the calcium accumulation observed in the whole berry during ripening is due to its accumulation in the seeds.