Effect of Rootstock on Vineyard Establishment Using Green-Growing Benchgrafts

• Published in: Agronomy (Basel) 2023-06, Vol.13 (6), p.1586
• Main Authors: Munoz, Jose R., Stauch, Samantha J., Wootten, Jennifer, Kitchen, Matthew, Abreu, Matteo, Rodriguez, Christian Jose, Casassa, L. Federico, Wolpert, James A., Dodson Peterson, Jean Catherine
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: California Central Coast; Carbohydrates; Circumferences; Diameters; Dormancy; establishment; Grafting; Grapes; Horticultural industry; non-structural carbohydrates; Phenology; Planting; Radiation; Revegetation; rootstock; Rootstocks; Senescence; Success; Vines; Vineyards; Viticulture; Vitis rupestris; Vitis vinifera; Wine; Wine industry; Wineries; Wineries & vineyards
• ISSN: 2073-4395; 2073-4395
• DOI: 10.3390/agronomy13061586

Demand for vine plant material has increased drastically due to the ongoing expansion of viticulture, and recent widespread replanting efforts. Nurseries and growers are turning to green-grafted vines to meet demand. Unfortunately, most vineyard establishment studies have centered around dormant benchgrafted vines. Thus, little is known regarding the specific establishment trends of green-growing benchgrafts. This study aimed to explore the role rootstock selection has in green-growing benchgraft establishment and development over the first four years post-planting. Vitis vinifera L. cv. Sauvignon blanc was grafted onto multiple rootstocks of varying parentage, including ‘101-14MGT’ (V. riparia × V. rupestris), ‘1103P’ (V. berlandieri × V. rupestris), ‘110R’ (V. berlandieri × V. rupestris), ‘420A MGT’ (V. berlandieri × V. riparia), and ‘Teleki 5C’ (V. berlandieri × V. riparia). The experimental site was organized using a completely randomized design (n = 12) with all vines managed to industry-standard cultural practices. Vines grafted onto 1103P had the largest average trunk diameter (p = 0.0012) and circumference (p < 0.0001) at 22.2 mm and 7.57 cm, respectively. Vines grafted onto 110R had the second-largest trunk circumference at 6.65 cm. Vines grafted onto 110R had the largest concentration of total non-structural carbohydrates at planting at 1.47 g/L, followed by 1103P at 1.25 g/L (p < 0.0001). Total non-structural carbohydrate concentrations in the trunk during dormancy was the highest in 110R at 16.0% total dry weight (p = 0.0008). The larger trunk size and more extensive carbohydrate reserves suggest that green-growing benchgrafts using 110R or 1103P have a higher capacity and likelihood of establishment success.