Shoot

shoot, new growth in a plant that develops from a bud and consists of a stem with leaves and tendrils or inflorescences which become bunches of grapes. Collectively, the shoots and leaves of a vine form its canopy. The buds of a grapevine burst in spring to begin a new shoot (see budbreak). Shoot growth gradually accelerates to a maximum rate before flowering, then may slow to a stop at about veraison, common in unirrigated vineyards in a mediterranean climate. When vines are well-supplied with water, shoots can continue to grow after veraison, which compromises fruit ripening; see water stress. See also water shoot.