Uptake and distribution of potassium by grapevine rootstocks and its implication for grape juice pH of scion varieties

Abstract

Differences in petiole K+ concentration of ungrafted grapevine rootstocks grown under field conditions at Merbein, Victoria, were compared with the rootstock effects on grape juice pH of the scion varieties Chardonnay and Ruby Cabernet. Significant positive correlations were obtained between grape juice pH of the scion varieties on various rootstocks and K+ accumulation in the petioles of ungrafted rootstock vines. Rootstock varieties that contributed to high pH in the grape juice of the scion (e.g. Freedom, Dog Ridge, Rupestris du Lot) showed high K+ concentrations in their petioles, while those rootstocks that contributed to low pH in the grape juice of the scion (e.g. 140 Ruggeri, 1202 Couderc, 110 Richter), had low K+ concentrations in their petioles. In 2 water culture experiments in the glasshouse, K+ uptake and distribution in ungrafted rootstock vines was examined at different K+ levels. In the first experiment the rootstocks 140 Ruggeri and Freedom had similar K+ concentrations in the various plant parts when grown in nutrient solution with 0.1 mmol K+/L. With K+ concentrations of 1, 2, and 10 mmol/L in the nutrient solution Freedom had significantly higher K+ contents in leaves and petioles than 140 Ruggeri. When K+ supply was increased from 1 to 2 mmol/L, K+ concentrations in the various plant parts were not significantly increased. However, when the supply was increased to 10 mmol/L, K t concentrations were significantly different. In the second experiment with K+ levels of 1 and 10 mmol/L, higher K+ contents were obtained in the basal and apical leaves of Dog Ridge and Ramsey compared with 140 Ruggeri, Schwarzmann, 1103 Paulsen and Sultana, while in roots, 140 Ruggeri, 110 Richter and Sultana had the highest K+ contents. Dog Ridge and Rarnsey are both known to increase scion grape juice K+ concentration and pH of the scion variety, while 140 Ruggeri and 1103 Paulsen contribute to low grape juice K+ concentration and pH. The results demonstrate that differences between rootstocks in the extent of K+ accumulation in the shoot are a major determinant of the rootstock effects on grape juice pH. The extent of K+ accumulation can best be measured in basal leaves or petioles. This provides a screening method for the evaluation of rootstocks which restrict K+ accumulation and contribute to lower grape juice pH.

Review: the interaction between rootstocks and cultivars (Vitis vinifera L.) to enhance drought tolerance in grapevine

“…A similar trend is shown with phosphate uptake in apple and citrus trees (Bouma et al 2001). Differences in nutrient uptake among grapevine rootstocks have been described mainly in relation to N (Keller et al 2001), phosphorus (Grant and Matthews 1996) and potassium (Ruhl 1989, Mpelasoka et al 2003. Differences in nutrient uptake among grapevine rootstocks have been described mainly in relation to N (Keller et al 2001), phosphorus (Grant and Matthews 1996) and potassium (Ruhl 1989, Mpelasoka et al 2003.…”

“…It is still not clear, however, whether different rootstock genotypes have a better tolerance for soil water deficits due to a longer root lifespan and/or different root metabolic activities, which allow improved water uptake and/or soil water deficit sensing via the roots. Several studies have found that rootstock genotypes vary in their nutrient acquisition capacity (Ruhl 1989, Grant and Matthews 1996, Keller et al 2001, Mpelasoka et al 2003) and that root physiology and age influence the rate of nutrient uptake (Volder et al 2005). In a similar manner, rootstock genotypes have different mechanisms that involve root functioning and root tissue differentiation in response to a soil water deficit.…”

“…In the grapevine, the rate of nitrate uptake declines to 50% of the starting rate in fine lateral roots after a single day (Volder et al 2005). Differences in nutrient uptake among grapevine rootstocks have been described mainly in relation to N (Keller et al 2001), phosphorus (Grant and Matthews 1996) and potassium (Ruhl 1989, Mpelasoka et al 2003. Therefore, the capacity of the rootstock to generate new roots will have a positive impact on the capacity of nutrient uptake.…”

A review of potassium nutrition in grapevines with special emphasis on berry accumulation

“…For example, cereals seem to be more K-efficient than dicots, and sugar beet is more K-efficient than the potato (Steingrobe and Claassen 2000). In grapevine, differences in the K status of vines, berries, juice or must have been reported when the following were compared: different varieties on own roots (Christensen 1984, Robinson and McCarthy 1985; the same varieties on own roots and on rootstocks (Rühl et al 1988, Gawel et al 2000; different varieties grafted onto the same rootstock (Boselli et al 1995; and different ungrafted rootstocks (Rühl 1989b(Rühl , 2000.…”

Vineyard Practice

“…4.42). The rootstock's impact on potassium uptake (Ruhl, 1989) and its accumulation in the vine (Failla et al, 1990) can be especially important. Potassium distribution affects not only growth, but also juice pH and potential wine quality.…”