Fertilization of Grapevine Based on Gene Expression.

Abstract

The application of genetic information in agricultural production is an important issue, which is highly worthy of attention. Gene expression data can accurately reflect the growth and metabolic status of plants, with which we can predict and monitor the nutritional requirements of plants and then derive accurate fertilization strategies. In this study, to verify the feasibility and workability of gene information-based fertilization strategies and to figure out the specific nutritional requirements of grapevine ( L.) at various developmental stages, the expression levels of 13 N-P-K uptake and metabolism genes and their responses to fertilization during the flowering and berry development stages were validated by using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The results showed that in the particular stages where N-P-K uptake and metabolism genes were highly expressed, these genes also showed more positive responses to fertilization and the grape quality was more dramatically improved. This proved the feasibility and workability of this novel fertilization strategy. The nutritional requirements of grapevine during the flowering and berry developmental phases were summarized in terms of gene expression levels, in which grapevine needs more P at the flowering stage, more N at the first berry expansion stage, less nutrient at the seed stone hardening stage, and more P and K at the second berry expansion stage and the veraison stage. The present study is one of the novel and initial findings regarding the application of fertilizers in vineyards for better cultivation of grapevine during common cultural practices.