Rootstocks for Grapevines Now and into the Future: Selection of Rootstocks Based on Drought Tolerance, Soil Nutrient Availability, and Soil pH

Abstract

Rootstocks are used in viticulture to manage plant pests and diseases, particularly phylloxera and root-knot nematodes, and to improve grape and wine production. A wide range of rootstocks are commercially available, making selecting the optimal rootstock a difficult decision. In particular, distinct rootstock genotypes may manifest varying degrees of tolerance or resistance to abiotic stress, necessitating meticulous consideration during the rootstock selection process. This article reviews characteristics of various commercial rootstocks, as well as rootstocks being developed in recent years. This review further discusses responses of rootstocks to drought, soil nutrients, and soil pH. This review mainly focuses on influence of rootstocks on physiology characteristics of grafted scions rather than berry yield and quality. The breadth of this review benefits both researchers and practitioners by providing comprehensive summery of rootstocks to inform selection and to guide future research.