Physiological and Biochemical Characterisation of Grape Rootstocks

Abstract

Ten grape rootstocks were characterised for their various morphological, physiological and biochemical parameters. Significant differences were observed for most of the parameters studied. Rootstocks in the group of Vitis berlandierii × Vitis rupestris, such as 110 R, 1103 P, 99 R and B2-56, had a significantly higher content of total phenols, flavon-3-ols, flaveonoids, proline and total protein. Optimum C/N ratios in the mother vines of these rootstocks helped attain better rooting percentages of hardwood cuttings. Rootstocks such as Dog Ridge, 110 R, B2-56 and Salt Creek recorded the highest relative water content (RWC) and water-use efficiency (WUE) at single-leaf level, which is an important mechanism in overcoming drought tolerance. The high phenolic content in rootstocks such as Dog Ridge, 99 R, 110R and 1103 P may help in reducing the incidence of major grape diseases in commercial table varieties if grafted onto these rootstocks. This was established in our earlier studies of the incidence of powdery mildew in Thompson Seedless grafted onto different rootstocks. A significant and positive correlation was observed for WUE and total protein and proline content. Thus, the physio-biochemical characterisation of rootstocks may help to identify particular rootstocks that could influence a desired trait in commercial table / wine grape varieties after grafting.

Influence of Rootstocks on Growth Yield and Fruit Composition of Thompson Seedless Grapes Grown in the Pune Region of India

“…A higher photosynthetic rate and lower transpiration rate was observed in Thompson Seedless grafted onto 110R, 1103P and 99 R rootstocks, and the least was recorded on St. George and own rooted vines (data not shown). The increased yield in these rootstocks may be attributed to increased carboxylation efficiency and increased water-use efficiency, which supports the earlier findings of Satisha et al (2008) indicating 110R and 1103 P to be drought tolerant rootstocks with high stomatal conductance and water-use efficiency under dry climatic conditions.…”

Effect of rootstock on salinity tolerance of sweet almond (cv. Mazzetto)

“…The mechanism of this influence is not well understood but growth regulators such as auxin may be involved. Several reports documented the effect of the rootstock on the biochemical composition, in particular in terms of enzymes and phenols, of the scion of various species, such as almond (Zrig et al, 2011), grape (Satisha et al, 2007) and melon (Schmutz and Lüdders, 1999). Zrig et al (2015) emphasised the photo-protective role of anthocyanins against photo-oxidation during salinity stress in Garnem rootstock total antioxidant activity was positively correlated with carotenoids and anthocyanins concentrations more than with polyamines.…”

Influence of Different Rootstocks on Growth, Photosynthesis, Biochemical Composition, and Nutrient Contents in ‘Fantasy Seedless’ Grapes

“…The increase in phenol content in Dogridge was also correlated with higher root length (Somkuwar et al, 2011). Most of the biochemical constituent's viz., enzymes, plant hormones, proteins, and amino acids, as well as phenolic compounds are synthesized in the plant system with the help of various micronutrients as a co factor in their synthesis (Satisha et al, 2007). Stino et al (2011) reported that highest grafting survival percentage attained by grafting Superior Seedless on Romani Ahmar was associated with the highest indoles content, which might be the reason for this high percent due to its effect on enhancing cell division.…”