France is the first world producer of grapevine plants. This country has grafted around 270 millions of plants per year. The certification program cover above 90% of all plants produced in this country. The area used to multiply and to grow grapevine seedlings in France reach 3,454 ha. The varieties more cultivated are Merlot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay, and the principals rootstocks used are SO4, 110 Richter 3309 Couderc, 41 B and 140 Ruggieri. Actually, the grafting effectiveness remain close to 58% (at the year of 1999), but this percentage tend to decrease around 45,2% for Pinot Noir and 58% for Cabernet Sauvignon. Around 90% of the plants are produced in sand beds and are destined to direct sale without substrate (naked roots) and the remaining are sold in biodegradable pots. The production of grafted plants has reached the number of 270.4 millions in the year of 2000, exceeding the plants production average obtained in the decade of 1990s and reaching the amount bought by the market. The plants exportations from France were o 19.2 millions at 2000, being Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany and Argentine the main importers.
Rootstock; matrix plants; grafting; plants
