Evaluation of the influence of rootstock cane characteristics on grafting success rate

The success of grafting in grapevine nurseries can vary significantly depending on the wood used, even if the same scion and rootstock are used, yet the underlying causes of this variation remain poorly understood. To elucidate the factors influencing grafting success, rootstock wood (Vitis berlandieri x V. rupestris cv. 110 Richter) from ten production fields - each representing different rootstock origins - in Spain and France was characterised and grafted to cv. Tempranillo, and grafting success rates were subsequently determined. Histological analysis of the rootstock canes was carried out to evaluate tissue dimensions (pith, xylem, and phloem), number of xylem vessels, and hydraulic conductivity, revealing significant differences, particularly in the size and presence of large vessels. Metabolite analysis (starch, sucrose, glucose, fructose, and proteins) and isotopic composition (δ 13C and δ 15N) further differentiated the batches. Grafting success rates were recorded after uprooting and showed positive associations with parameters of water status (δ 13C), nitrogen assimilation (δ 15N), and anatomical characteristics of the rootstock canes. These findings underscore the complex interaction of physiological, anatomical, and environmental factors influencing grafting outcomes in grapevines.

This work received the financial support of the projects EFA 324/19–VITES QUALITAS and EFA 033/01 VITRES, 65 % co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Interreg Program V-A Spain-France-Andorra (POCTEFA 2014-2020) and the Interreg Program VI-A Spain-France-Andorra (POCTEFA 2021-2027), whose aim is to reinforce the economic and social integration of the Spain-France-Andorra border area. A. Villa-Llop is the beneficiary of an Industrial pre-doctoral contract of the Government of Navarra (Ref. 283E/2020). N Torres is a beneficiary of a Ramón y Cajal Grant RYC2021-034586-I funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by “European Union NextGeneration EU/PRTR”. D. Marín was beneficiary of postgraduate scholarship funded by Universidad Publica de Navarra (FPI-UPNA-2016).