Abstract

Star flowers are flowers that differ from normal Vitis flowers in that the calyptra breaks open from the top like the flowers of most other species plants. This is the first report of the occurrence of star flowers in Turkey. Star flowers were observed in Cardinal (Vitis vinifera L.). The structural features are compared to normal flowers. A genetic analysis using RAPD-PCR was performed to determine if there was a genetic difference between the vines nearing two flower types. There were some minor morphological differences, but RAPD analysis did not show any genetic dissimilarities. Inflorescences appeared more compact on star flowered vines due to shorter pedicels in flowers. Fruit set was also extremely low. This formation is reported in different regions of the world on different cultivars. This might be more common that previously thought. It warrants further research.

Key words: Grape, star flower, genetic analysis, RAPD, cardinal.