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Root pressure-volume curve traits capture rootstock drought tolerance.
M K Bartlett1, G Sinclair1, G Fontanesi1
1Department of Viticulture & Enology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
Annals of Botany
|October 20, 2021
Summary
Root pressure-volume curve traits can identify grapevine rootstock drought tolerance. These traits, reflecting root turgor and volume, help screen plants for better water management under drought stress.
Area of Science:
- Plant physiology
- Drought stress response
- Horticultural science
Background:
- Plant water uptake is limited by living root tissues under drought.
- Root turgor and volume loss under water stress impacts root structure, hydraulics, and growth.
- Functional traits are needed to screen plants for root drought tolerance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test if root pressure-volume (p-v) curve traits can differentiate grapevine rootstock drought tolerance.
- To evaluate the relationship between root p-v traits and physiological responses to drought.
Main Methods:
- Greenhouse experiment with eight grapevine rootstocks grafted to 'Chardonnay'.
- Assessed root p-v curve traits, gas exchange, hydraulic conductance, and biomass under drought.
- Rootstocks varied in field-trial drought performance.
Main Results:
- Root p-v traits varied significantly among rootstocks.
- Drought reduced root turgor loss point (πtlp), osmotic potential at full hydration (πo), and capacitance (C).
- Drought-tolerant rootstocks showed distinct p-v traits under well-watered and water-stressed conditions.
Conclusions:
- Acclimation of root p-v traits may enhance gas exchange under drought.
- Root hydraulics and root-to-shoot signaling are potential mechanisms.
- Maintaining root turgor and volume is crucial for field drought performance in heterogeneous soils.
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