Evaluation of new rootstocks for grapevine: nutritional aspects

Selection of resistant rootstocks to overcome recent climate-change events is a crucial factor for developing sustainable agricultural practices and for assuring optimal quality of grapes. Our study examined responses of four new rootstocks selected for resistance to water and salt stresses, iron chlorosis, vigor reduction, and enhanced potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) uptake efficiency. The new rootstocks are the result of crossing various species of Vitis (riparia, cordifolia, rupestris and berlandieri) alone or in combination. The four new genotypes were compared with six conventional rootstocks grown at five locations in Italy, using the same 'Cabernet Sauvignon' scion and similar management practices. This paper reports the 2011 data for leaf SPAD and NDVI values, and K, Mg, calcium (Ca), iron (Fe) and boron (B) concentrations both in leaves and in petioles sampled at veraison.