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Nitrogen control of transpiration in grapevine
Michele Faralli1,2, Pier Luigi Bianchedi3, Claudio Moser2
1Center Agriculture Food Environment (C3A), University of Trento, via Mach 1, San Michele all'Adige, TN, 38098, Italy.
Physiologia Plantarum
|April 3, 2023
Summary
Nitrate availability influences grapevine water use. Low nitrate levels increase transpiration and alter root-shoot balance, impacting water-use efficiency. Fertilization may optimize water management in changing climates.
Area of Science:
- Plant Physiology
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Transpiration is vital for nutrient uptake and cooling, regulated by stomata.
- Nitrogen availability, particularly nitrate, has been linked to stomatal control of water flux.
- Grapevine water status and transpiration are influenced by various environmental and physiological factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how soil nitrate availability modulates stomatal control of transpiration in grapevine.
- To test the hypothesis that reduced nitrate availability leads to decreased water-use efficiency and higher transpiration.
- To explore the association between leaf water status, stomatal behavior, and root physiology under varying nitrate conditions.
Main Methods:
- Four independent experiments were conducted manipulating soil nitrate availability in grapevine.
- Measurements included leaf water status, stomatal conductance, root aquaporin expression, and xylem sap pH.
- Carbon and oxygen isotopic signatures were used to confirm physiological measurements.
Main Results:
- Limited nitrate availability generally led to increased stomatal conductance or root-shoot ratio.
- Strong associations were observed between leaf water status, stomatal behavior, root aquaporins, and xylem sap pH.
- Genotypic variation in transpiration response to nitrate limitation was noted among rootstocks.
Conclusions:
- Soil nitrate availability significantly modulates grapevine transpiration and water-use efficiency.
- Nitrate fertilization is a potential strategy for optimizing grapevine water management under climate change.
- Rootstock selection may unintentionally influence nutrient acquisition and water use under specific soil conditions.
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