Molecular Evaluation of Kyoho Grape Leaf and Berry Characteristics Influenced by Different NPK Fertilizers.

Muhammad Fiaz,Chen Wang,Haifeng Jia,Muhammad Salman Haider,Muhammad Zia Ul Haq,Ting Zheng,Jinggui Fang,Songtao Jiu,Ge Mengqing

doi:10.3390/plants10081578

Abstract

Fertilization, a fundamental aspect of a plant’s life, has been of great concern for agricultural specialists to minimize the yield gap between actual and potential yield. Around the globe, fertilizers with different NPK ratios are being used to attain a better yield of grape. To find the suitable commercially available fertilizer for quality grape production, a 2 years (2017–2018) study was conducted for the evaluation of 10 fertilizers with different NPK ratios. Commercial fertilizers included were Zhanlan (16:16:16), Garsoni (15:15:15), Acron (16:16:16), Norway (21:7:12), Peters 1 (30:10:10), Nutrivant (14:14:30), Peters 2 (20:20:20), UMAX (15:15:15), G2 (20:20:20), and Yara (15:15:15). The fertilizer application rate was 20 g plant−1, and each was applied at L-29, L-33, and L-36 phenological stages. Chlorophylls, carotenoids, macro/micronutrients in leaf, and anthocyanin derivatives in grape peel were evaluated. Expression levels of 24 genes, including nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, and anthocyanin pathways in leaf, peel, and pulp were validated by qPCR at L-29, L-33, and L-36 stages. Results indicated that Norway (21:7:12) and Peters 1 (30:10:10) increased carotenoids, chlorophylls, and anthocyanins in leaves, while Zhanlan (16:16:16) improved fruit biochemical attributes, and anthocyanin (cyanidin, delphinidin, petunidin, malvidin, peonidin, and pelargonidin contents). However, a better grape yield was obtained by the application of Peters 1 (30:10:10). Potassium pathway genes were upregulated by Nutrivant (14:14:30), phosphorous pathway genes by Peters 2 (20:20:20), and nitrogen pathway genes by Peters 1 (30:10:10), while Nutrivant (14:14:30) upregulated anthocyanin pathway genes and simultaneously enhanced anthocyanin biosynthesis in berry peels. Results of two years’ study concluded that Peters 1 (30:10:10) was proved better to increase yield, while Zhanlan (14:14:30) was superior in improving anthocyanin biosynthesis.

Highlights

One of the essential viticulture techniques is the fertilization of the soil that plays a significant role in both yield and grape quality
At stage L‐38, (Brix°), total soluble solids (TSS)/total anthocyanins (TA), and pH were measured from grape berries subjected to different fertilizer combinations
Internal and external factors influence these diagnostic techniques, and these are less sensitive to be employed as fertilization diagnostic techniques, and these are less sensitive to be employed as fertilization strategies

Summary

Introduction

Tumbling fertility is mainly attributed to the erosion of mineral via harvested crop, depletion of organic matters, and less addition of inorganic fertilizers [1]. The application of fertilizer is increasing to maintain soil fertility. One of the essential viticulture techniques is the fertilization of the soil that plays a significant role in both yield and grape quality. Farmers apply fertilizers traditionally based on personal experience and environmental factors of specific regions that exhibit variation in type and dose of fertilizers [4,5]. Phenotypic and physiological processes depend on optimum nutrients availability, especially N, P, and K are macronutrients, and are very essential for crops [6,7] to increase growth and yield potential of plants [8]

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