Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the influence of the application of mycorrhizal fungal inoculum on “Cabernet Sauvignon” (Vitis vinifera L.) leaf gas exchange, yield parameters, as well as grape berry composition, especially regarding phenolic compounds. The experiment was conducted over two years under natural vineyard conditions of the Zagreb wine-growing area, the continental region of Croatia. “Cabernet Sauvignon” grapevines were grafted on SO4 rootstock, both being commonly used in all wine production areas in Croatia. Results obtained demonstrated that symbiotic grapevines, in general, expressed improved leaf gas exchange parameters and higher yield parameters, especially regarding the number of clusters per vine. It should be emphasized that mycorrhizal fungi affected higher total flavan-3-ols, total anthocyanins, and total polyphenols in berry skin in both experimental years. Despite variation in some yield parameters, generally, it is possible to obtain higher yields together with the improved phenolic composition of grapes.
Highlights
IntroductionMycorrhizal fungi live in symbiosis with plant roots
The aim of this study was to assess the influence of the application of mycorrhizal fungal inoculum on “Cabernet Sauvignon” (Vitis vinifera L.) photosynthetic rate, yield parameters, as well as grape composition, especially regarding phenolic compounds
“Cabernet Sauvignon” grapevines were grafted on SO4 rootstock, both being commonly used in all wine production areas in Croatia
Summary
Mycorrhizal fungi live in symbiosis with plant roots. During this mutualism, mycorrhizal fungus helps the plant to acquire water and mineral nutrients from the soil, gaining photosynthetic products from a plant in return [1]. Mycorrhizal symbiosis plays a key role in nutrient cycling in the ecosystem and protects plants against environmental stress and enhances plant resistance to pests and diseases [2–4]. Mycorrhizal fungi increase tolerance to adverse soil conditions [1]. Most tree species are in symbiosis with endomycorrhizal or arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi, or both [5]. AM fungi form tree-like hyphal structures (arbuscules) within root cells. The other association formed by ECM fungi is characterized by hyphal growth and the “Hartig net” formation and a sheath (mantle) around the root tips [1]
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