Anatomic changes of the vascular system in grapevine rootstocks

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the occurrence of changes in the vascularization pattern of grapevine rootstocks. The genotypes Paulsen 1103 (Vitis berlandieri x Vitis rupestris), 101‑14 MGT (Vitis riparia x V. rupestris), and SO4 (V. berlandieri x V. riparia) were used. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three treatments (genotypes) and ten plants per plot. Vegetative growth of grapevine rootstocks and anatomic variables, by the analysis of histological sections performed in the apex, middle, and base portion of the stem, were evaluated. The differences in the vascular system became larger from the apex to the base. The SO4 and Paulsen 1103 genotypes had higher xylem area in the base of the stem, of 2.61 and 2.51 mm², respectively, and larger diameter of vessels, of 45.8 and 47.2 µm, respectively, in comparison to 101‑14 MGT that showed 1.60 mm² for xylem and 34.1 µm for vessel diameter. Modifications also occurred for the frequency of vessels. The xylem area, diameter, and frequency of vessels are related to rootstock vegetative growth. Vascularization pattern changes may be a criterion for the choice of rootstocks, due to their effect on the physiological processes.