Biochemical Responses to True and Bicarbonate-Induced Iron Deficiency in Grapevine Genotypes

Abstract

ABSTRACT Biochemical responses to direct or bicarbonate-induced iron (Fe) deficiency were compared in two Tunisian native grapevine varieties, Khamri (tolerant) and Balta4 (sensitive), and a tolerant rootstock, 140Ru. Woody cuttings of each genotype were irrigated with a nutrient solution containing one of the following: 20 μM Fe (control), 1 μM Fe (direct Fe-deficiency), or 20 μM Fe + 10 mM HCO3 − (indirect bicarbonate-induced Fe-deficiency). Under direct Fe-deficient conditions, lower leaf chlorosis score and higher chlorophyll and leaf Fe contents were found in Khamri and 140Ru compared with Balta4. Moreover, indirect Fe deficiency caused similar effects on these parameters, which were more pronounced in Balta4. Both tolerant genotypes, Khamri and 140Ru, showed higher roots-acidification capacity and phenol release under the direct Fe deficiency compared with the bicarbonate-induced condition. In the sensitive variety, Balta4, no significant changes were found between the control and Fe-deficient plants. Root Fe(III)-reductase activity was strongly stimulated by both types of Fe deficiency in Khamri and 140Ru, and displayed no significant changes in Balta4. In the three genotypes, root and leaf activities of two Fe-containing enzymes, catalase and guaiacol peroxidase, were significantly affected under Fe deficiency (either direct or induced), though to a greater extent in the sensitive variety, Balta4. The latter also displayed higher leaf malonyldialdehyde (MDA) content, traducing an important membrane lipid peroxidation.