Rootstock Varieties Research Articles

Comparative transcriptome and hormone analyses of roots in apple among three rootstocks with different rooting abilities

Background Root plays an important role in the growth and development of fruit trees; however, the molecular mechanisms behind the differences among rootstock varie-ties remain unclear. Methods This study examined the effects of different rootstocks on root structure and the endogenous hormone content of 1-year old apple seedlings in combinations of Tianhong 2 (T2)/Malus robusta (HT), T2/G935, and T2/Jizhen 2 (J2). Results The results showed that the T2/HT treatment had greater root length, surface area, volume, average diameter, tips and forks, followed by G935 and J2. In T2/HT leaves and roots, the indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellins (GA3) levels were highest, and the abscisic acid (ABA) levels were the lowest. A root transcriptome analysis detected 10,064, 10,511, and 8,719 differentially expressed genes in T2/HT vs. T2/G935, T2/HT vs. T2/J2, and T2/J2 vs. T2/G935, respectively. The analysis of Gene Ontology (GO) terms indicated a significant enrichment in biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that plant hormone signaling, MAPK signaling pathway–plant, and plant–pathogen interaction played important roles in differences in the rooting ability of different rootstocks. In addition, some key differential genes were associated with root growth and development and were involved in these metabolic pathways. This study is important for enriching theoretical studies of fruit tree roots.

Difference in sucrose concentration between scion and rootstock influences the incompatibility of cucumber/pumpkin grafted plants

Grafting is widely used in cucumbers to enhance their tolerance to environmental stress. Compatibility is a key factor for successful grafting, however, the physiological mechanisms that affect grafting compatibility are not clear. This study aimed to investigate the physiological mechanism underlying cucumber/pumpkin grafting compatibility. Two pumpkin cultivars with significant differences in compatibility, Figleaf gourd (compatible rootstock, Cf) and Dongyangshenli (incompatible rootstock, Cmo), were used as rootstocks. Three cucumber cultivars with different growth rates were used as scions, including cucumber ‘Shenluchunsi’ (strong growth, V1), ‘Cuilü’ (weak growth, V2), and ‘Liangyoulüjian 102’ (medium growth, V3). Six grafting combinations (V1/Cf, V2/Cf, V3/Cf, V1/Cmo, V2/Cmo, and V3/Cmo) were used to analyze the effect of scion and rootstock varieties, as well as the chemical composition of the exudate from the stem cutting surface, on the compatibility of grafted plants. Here, we found that rootstock was closely correlated with the compatibility of cucumber/pumpkin grafted plants. The sucrose content in the exudate of the stem, enzyme activity, and the expression of genes related to sucrose biosynthesis in Cmo were significantly higher than those in Cf. Correlation analysis showed that the sucrose content difference between the exudate of rootstock and scion stems was negatively correlated with graft compatibility. Exogenous treatment with a 0.5% sucrose solution on the scions significantly reduced the difference in sucrose content between rootstock and scion and enhanced graft survival rate in the incompatible combination. The stem segment grafting experiment in vitro found that the high difference in sucrose concentration between the rootstock and scion decreased the grafting compatibility of cucumber/pumpkin by reducing the adhesion of the cutting surface. Taken together, the higher sucrose concentration difference between rootstock and scion decreased the adhesion of the cutting surface, resulting in the incompatibility of cucumber/pumpkin grafted plants.

Effects of ‘Candidatus’ Liberibacter Asiaticus on the Root System of Poncirus trifoliata Hybrids as a Rootstock for ‘Valencia’ Scion

The symptoms of huanglongbing (HLB), a disease caused by the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), are visible on the canopy of citrus plants. They include mottling of leaves followed by dropping and lopsided fruits with premature dropping. Loss in phloem functionality and degradation of the root system are also HLB symptoms with a severe impact on plant growth and production. Some Citrus relatives, such as Poncirus trifoliata and its hybrids, have shown more tolerance to HLB disease and low titers of CLas compared to Citrus species, but little is known about the effects of CLas on their root system. In this study, we investigated the effects of CLas-infected ‘Valencia’ scion on the citrandarin IAC3222 (a hybrid between P. trifoliata and Sunki mandarin) used as rootstock as well as interstock between ‘Valencia’ and Swingle citrumelo rootstock. At 13 months post-inoculation, the cycle threshold values (CT) for CLas in the infected scion samples indicated a high CLas titer (from 15.9 to 22.7) regardless of the rootstock variety or interstock used. However, no CLas-positive samples were detected in the roots of IAC3222 (CT ranging from 37.9 to 40.0), in contrast to all Swingle roots (CT ranging from 27.9 to 31.3). Both root volume and mass were reduced in IAC3222 compared to uninfected ‘Valencia’ scion, suggesting that scion infection damages roots, regardless of whether they are contaminated or not by CLas. The damage to the root system of IAC3222 was significantly less severe than that of the Swingle rootstock. Multivariate hierarchical analysis considering all evaluated parameters clustered the CLas-infected plants grafted on IAC3222 together with the non-inoculated plants. We concluded that the IAC3222 rootstock was less affected by the CLas-infected scion compared to the Swingle rootstock and is a promising rootstock to minimize the HLB effect on plant development.

Modulating ‘Xinomavro’ (Vitis vinifera L.) Vine Growth and Berry Composition: A Comparative Analysis of Rootstock Effects

Rootstocks serve as a strategic tool for grapevine adaptation to specific biotic and abiotic conditions and for managing vine growth, grape yield, and berry composition in commercial vineyards. This study investigates the influences of four different rootstock varieties (101-14 MGt, 3309 C, 110 R, and 140 Ru) on the viticultural performance of ‘Xinomavro’ vines, a prominent Greek red winegrape varietal. By conducting a two-year field experiment using various rootstocks, we assessed parameters related to water status, vegetative growth, yield, and berry composition. Our results revealed that rootstock selection has a significant impact on vine development, especially in terms of berry size and the concentrations of secondary metabolites. Principal component analysis confirmed the complex interaction between rootstock vigor and vine productivity. This study underscores the importance of rootstock variety in manipulating grapevine characteristics, particularly for the ‘Xinomavro’ variety, in response to regional climatic conditions.

Qualitative Characteristics and Functional Properties of Cherry Tomato under Soilless Culture Depending on Rootstock Variety, Harvesting Time and Bunch Portion.

Tomato grafting is an effective practice in increasing the profitability of fresh-market tomato cultivation, especially in greenhouses, and is also considered a strategy for enhancing fruit quality. In this study, selected quanti-qualitative traits, and the of bioactive health-promoting compound and organic acid contents of cherry tomato fruits from three different scion/rootstock combinations (Sunstream/Top Bental, Sunstream/Kaiser and Sunstream/Suzuka) grown under a greenhouse hydroponic system were evaluated in three different harvests (beginning, middle and end of the whole harvesting period) and on three different bunch portions (proximal, central and distal). Although the tomato productive performance was influenced by the rootstock, with Suzuka and Kaiser grafted plants showing the highest total marketable yield (9.8 kg plant-1, i.e., 20% more than Top Bental), the yield-related traits (bunch number, weight and length per plant, and fruit number per bunch) and the qualitative characteristics of the fruits (color, equatorial and polar diameters, dry matter and solid soluble contents, pH and titratable acidity) showed less variability, by displaying, along with the bioactive compound contents (total polyphenols, lycopene, β-carotene), DPPH free radical scavenging activity and organic acids contents (lactic and acetic), a significant effect of the harvesting time and bunch portion. Fruits from the beginning of the harvesting period showed better qualitative and functional properties, with the lycopene and β-carotene contents equal to 178.6 and 3 mg 100 g-1 fw, and fruits from proximal and central bunch portions had lycopene and β-carotene contents equal to 203.1 and 2.9 mg 100 g-1 fw.

Rootstock influences on growth and bearing precocity in juvenile cocoa

Within the cocoa germplasm used for variety development in West Africa, knowledge of varieties that are suitable as rootstocks to promote growth and precocity of clones is lacking. Six cocoa varieties were used to generate 36 clones for evaluation. For each of the six scions selected as ortets from previous progeny trials, the corresponding seed-derived family was regenerated through manual pollinations. The scions were grafted in a full diallel fashion on each of the six seed-derived family, and field evaluated in four replications following a randomized complete block design. Also, seed-derived varieties were evaluated in the nursery for vigour characteristics, and under similar conditions as the 36 clones in the field. Genotype heterozygosity at 72 SNP loci was significantly correlated with vigour characteristics of the six varieties. Seed-derived varieties of high vigour benefited clone performance for vigour, and dry bean yield when used as rootstocks but not as scion. The maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) was different among seed-derived varieties and clones in the dry season but not the rainy season. Among clones, higher Fv/Fm values were associated with higher-vigour rootstock varieties. Diallel grafting model enabled partitioning of total variance into several sub-components. The variance due to specific compatibility ability was not significant for any of the measured traits. Decomposition of the reciprocal variance revealed that significant reciprocal effects were mainly due to significant maternal (rootstock) effects. The key finding is that, for any scion, the most precocious clone is obtained by grafting on high vigour rootstock varieties.

Integrative physiological, metabolomic, and transcriptomic analysis reveals the drought responses of two apple rootstock cultivars

BackgroundDrought is considered the main environmental factor restricting apple production and thus the development of the apple industry. Rootstocks play an important role in enhancing the drought tolerance of apple plants. Studies of the physiology have demonstrated that ‘ZC9-3’ is a strong drought-resistant rootstock, whereas ‘Jizhen-2’ is a weak drought-resistant rootstock. However, the metabolites in these two apple rootstock varieties that respond to drought stress have not yet been characterized, and the molecular mechanisms underlying their responses to drought stress remain unclear.ResultsIn this study, the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying differences in the drought resistance of ‘Jizhen-2’ (drought-sensitive) and ‘ZC9-3’ (drought-resistant) apple rootstocks were explored. Under drought stress, the relative water content of the leaves was maintained at higher levels in ‘ZC9-3’ than in ‘Jizhen-2’, and the photosynthetic, antioxidant, and osmoregulatory capacities of ‘ZC9-3’ were stronger than those of ‘Jizhen-2’. Metabolome analysis revealed a total of 95 and 156 differentially accumulated metabolites in ‘Jizhen-2’ and ‘ZC9-3’ under drought stress, respectively. The up-regulated metabolites in the two cultivars were mainly amino acids and derivatives. Transcriptome analysis revealed that there were more differentially expressed genes and transcription factors in ‘ZC9-3’ than in ‘Jizhen-2’ throughout the drought treatment. Metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis revealed that amino acid biosynthesis pathways play key roles in mediating drought resistance in apple rootstocks. A total of 13 metabolites, including L-α-aminoadipate, L-homoserine, L-threonine, L-isoleucine, L-valine, L-leucine, (2S)-2-isopropylmalate, anthranilate, L-tryptophan, L-phenylalanine, L-tyrosine, L-glutamate, and L-proline, play an important role in the difference in drought resistance between ‘ZC9-3’ and ‘Jizhen-2’. In addition, 13 genes encoding O-acetylserine-(thiol)-lyase, S-adenosylmethionine synthetase, ketol-acid isomeroreductase, dihydroxyacid dehydratase, isopropylmalate isomerase, branched-chain aminotransferase, pyruvate kinase, 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase/shikimate 5-dehydrogenase, N-acetylglutamate-5-P-reductase, and pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase positively regulate the response of ‘ZC9-3’ to drought stress.ConclusionsThis study enhances our understanding of the response of apple rootstocks to drought stress at the physiological, metabolic, and transcriptional levels and provides key insights that will aid the cultivation of drought-resistant apple rootstock cultivars. Especially, it identifies key metabolites and genes underlying the drought resistance of apple rootstocks.

Determination of fruit characteristics, nutrients and biochemical contents of Transvalia (Prunus persica L.) peach cultivar grafted on different clonal rootstocks obtained by selection and hybridization

Rootstocks are frequently used in modern orchard practices due to their special characteristics. They not only eliminate the limiting factors in fruit growing but also have advantages such as increasing productivity, fruit quality, dwarfing, and nutrient yield. In addition, rootstocks have a significant impact on plant development, fruit characteristics, nutrients, and biochemical content. The study was conducted to investigate the effects of different peach rootstocks on fruit quality, nutrient content, and biochemical content. A total of 16 rootstocks of the species P. persica were used as test material. GGF3 rootstock has the highest values in terms of fruit weight (297.33 g), fruit width (83.50 mm), fruit length (77.58 mm), seed weight (9.96 g), seed width (28.16 mm), and seed length (43.47 mm) features. The effect of rootstocks on nutrients (except Cu, K, P, and Fe) in the fruits was statistically significant. The effect of rootstocks on nutrients (except Cr and Na) in the leaves was found to be statistically significant. The effect of rootstocks on both leaf and fruit plant nutrient contents varied. The rootstocks had statistically significant effects on fruit nutrient contents (except Cu, K, P, and Fe) and leaf nutrient contents (except Cr, and Na). It has been found that there is a positive relationship between micro and macronutrients. According to the results of biochemical analysis, statistically significant differences were found in biochemical contents. The highest total phenolic, total flavonoid, and total monomeric anthocyanin contents except for the total antioxidant content of peach fruits were observed in Kl 38 rootstock (137.19 mg kg−1, 25.68 mg kg−1 and 7.48 mg kg−1, respectively). The highest total antioxidant content was detected in NG1 and NGF14 rootstocks (349.46 mg kg−1). According to principal component analysis (PCA), the eigenvalue of 13 PCs was above 1.0 and accounted for 86.08 % of the total variation; this effectively showed the variation among peach rootstocks with respect to the traits analyzed. The data obtained show that rootstock varieties have a significant impact on the traits and that the selection of rootstock varieties has a very important place, especially in economic breeding.

The impact of dynamic meteorological conditions in the ATU Gagauzia on the growth and development of grapevines

The southern region of the Republic of Moldova, specifically ATU Gagauzia, offers highly favourable conditions for cultivating diverse grape varieties with multiple harvest utilization options, including wine, brandy, juices, and fresh or dried consumption. Grapevines, adaptable yet sensitive to environmental changes, were the focus of our analysis regarding meteorological fluctuations' impact on the growth of grape shoots and the development of leaf surfaces. Our research aimed to assess the changes in meteorological conditions in the ATU Gagauzia and their impact on the growth dynamics of grapevine shoots, as well as the development of leaf surfaces, yields of introduced clones of European selection. Temperature and precipitation levels significantly impacted the growth of grapevine shoots and the development of shoot leaf surfaces, vines, and vineyards. Aligning these factors with the requirements of grapevines optimizes the growth and development of the annual grapevine growth. Meteorological conditions varied across study years, benefiting grapevine growth in certain years (2017-2018) but proving less favourable in others due (2019-2020) to reduced precipitation and higher temperatures during the growing season. The research findings indicate that the growth parameters of shoots, the development of leaf surfaces, LAI, and yield of clone R5 Cabernet Sauvignon in the agroecological conditions of ATU Gagauzia depend on both the rootstock variety and the fluctuating meteorological conditions. It has been established that when grafting the investigated clone onto RхR 101-14, growth indicators, the development of annual shoot growth, leaf surface and yields were lower compared to the vines grafted onto BxR Kober 5BB. This difference was evident throughout the entire research period but was particularly pronounced during periods of adverse meteorological conditions. Specifically, in 2020, these indicators decreased by 1.1-1.2 times compared to the experimental option BxR Kober 5BB.

Field and laboratory investigations of clonal rootstocks in South Cisbaikal

The study of the possibility of using low-growing clonal rootstocks in the conditions of the South Сisbaikal, the territory most suitable for horticulture in the Irkutsk region, was the goal of this work. The studies were carried out in 2017-2022 on experimental plots, which are located in the Irkutsk district of the Irkutsk region and on the territory of SIPPB SB RAS (Irkutsk). Assembled collection was included: six varieties of clonal rootstocks bred by MichGAU (62-396, 54-118, 70-20-20, 70-6-8, 64-143, 62-223), stock bred by A.P. Apoyan (Armenian RIVWFG) (Arm18), rootstock of Estonian selection (E56), eight rootstocks of Orenburg ESHV selection (Ural, Ural2, Ural5, 18-7, B-3-4, 4-12, 8-2, OB), rootstock Crimean OSH (K-2). The conducted field observations allow us to state that clonal rootstocks can be used in horticulture in the South Сisbaikal. We found out that of all the studied clonal rootstocks, the rootstocks of the Ural selection Ural and Ural 2 and the rootstock of the Estonian selection E-56 showed high winter hardiness. We attributed clonal rootstocks 70-6-8, Arm18, K-2 to low winter-hardiness. The rest of the rootstocks over the years of research showed an average winter hardiness. The results of laboratory studies confirmed the high winter hardiness of E-56. The study of cultivar-rootstock combinations showed good compatibility of clonal rootstocks with semi-cultivated apple trees: strong fusion of the rootstock with the scion, active growth, well-developed leaf apparatus, the absence of any signs of starvation and discoloration. It has been statistically proven that the variety and type of rootstock affect the degree of temperature damage to the fruit tree. Highly winter-hardy clonal rootstocks and medium-hardy clonal rootstocks with high regenerative capacity were selected as promising for breeding.

Early rootstock selection under ‘tahiti’ acid lime crown in Capitão Poço, Pará State, Brazil

Citrus represents one of the main fruit crops grown in the world, highlighting the ‘Tahiti’ acid lime tree. The objective was to compare rootstock varieties combined with this scion to identify those with the best agronomic performance and precocity of production, in addition to Phytophthora gummosis resistance. The experiment was carried out in Capitão Poço, northeast region of Pará, and the following seven rootstock genotypes were evaluated: ‘Sunki Tropical’, ‘BRS O S Passos’, ‘BRS Bravo’, ‘BRS Donadio’, ‘Citrandarin Indio’, ‘BRS Matta’, and ‘LVK x LCR-038’. A randomized block experimental design was used, with three replications and 10 plants per plot. The evaluated characteristics were: plant height (m); crown volume (m3); number of ripe fruit per plant; total yield of ripened fruit per plant (kg plant-1); cumulative fruit yield (fruit kg plant-1); and average productive efficiency (fruit kg m-3 of crown). The average productive efficiency was high. For early selection, the best rootstocks in terms of yield, stability and adaptability were Sunki Tropical, BRS O S Passos, and Cintradarin Indio. The fruit number had the greatest direct effect on fruit yield, and crown pruning was directly harmful. Further studies to understand the complex interaction of G x E for BRS Donadio and Sunki Tropical should be carried out.

ПОКАЗАТЕЛИ ИМПЕНДАНСА ДЛЯ ОЦЕНКИ СОВМЕСТИМОСТИ ПОДВОЙНО-ПРИВОЙНЫХ КОМБИНАЦИЙ ВИНОГРАДА АБОРИГЕННЫХ СОРТОВ КРЫМА

Indicators of the level of electrical conductivity resistance of tissues (impedance) of grafted grape seedlings of indigenous varieties of the Crimea were studied. The experiments involved 15 variety-rootstock combinations consisting of five graft varieties (Dzhevat kara, Sary Pandas, Ekim Kara, Kefesiya, Kokur white) and three rootstock varieties (Berlandieri × Riparia Kober 5 BB, Berlandieri × Riparia CO4, Riparia × Rupestris 101-14). In order to reliably evaluate and interpret the data obtained, the impedance indicators of the studied rootstock-graft com-binations were compared with the data on the yield of standard grafted seedlings from a ground school. A multifactorial analysis of var-iance was carried out, according to the results of which an assessment of the influence of fac-tors of rootstock, graft, conditions of the year of research, as well as their interaction on the impedance indicators of grafted grape seedlings of Crimean native varieties was given.

Winemaking terroir – the guideline for choosing of grape rootstocks for soils with different characteristics

The selection of rootstocks is one of the first and most important stages in the establishment of grape plantations under grafted conditions, which determines the productivity of rootstock-scion combinations and the further chain of design solutions: spatial placement of rows on the land plot, accompanying the production process of agronomic and agrochemical methods. Given the high importance of terroir factors for viticulture and winemaking, we were aware of the need to consider them in detail at this design stage. The aim was to create an algorithm for selecting varieties based on local terroir factors and apply it to the design of vineyards. Based on the analysis of literary sources and the agronomic experience of viticulture and winemaking specialists, we have identified key stress factors that in general, should be taken into account when selecting varieties of rootstocks. Based on the results of a comprehensive study of terroir and analytical diagnostics of soil samples taken on a land plot located in the Bakhchisaray district of the Republic of Crimea, local stress factors representing risks were clarified and prioritized neo-medially at the site of testing the landscape-adapted approach to the selection of rootstocks: carbonate condition, risk of phylloxera infestation, high content of fine fractions in granulometric composition, short-term droughts, risk of local overwatering, phosphorus deficiency. In total 20 the most common commercial varieties of rootstocks were considered for each selected soil area. The sample reduction scenario, based on the prioritization of the above stressors, reduced the number of varieties considered to three variants: 1103 Paulsen, 140 Ruggeri, and Fercal, which were scored against each other and considering the local terroir conditions of the plot, for further comparison in terms of market and logistics in making the final design decision.

Long-term field evaluation of Pera sweet orange selections under the Brazilian humid subtropical climate

Currently, a low number of citrus varieties are commercially planted to supply the Brazilian citrus industry demand. The diversification of citrus scion and rootstock varieties is an important strategy to prevent disease outbreaks and to obtain higher off-season profits, as well as to extend fruit supply for the citrus processing industry. The aim of this study was to evaluate 16 Pera sweet orange selections (Citrus ×sinensis Osbeck) under a humid subtropical climate in the northwest region of the state of Paraná, Brazil regarding tree development, production, and disease incidence. The experimental orchard was planted in December 2012 in a randomized block design with three replications and five trees per plot. All scions were grafted on Rangpur lime rootstock (C. ×limonia Osbeck). The evaluations were performed from 2016 through 2022, and included vegetative growth, yield, fruit quality, estimated tree density and productivity for new plantings, and incidence of diseases as citrus canker, huanglongbing (HLB), and citrus tristeza virus (CTV). All data was submitted to ANOVA and means grouped by the Scott Knott’s test (p ≤ 0.05). Pera Perão was the most vigorous variety, with the heaviest and largest fruit, and was among the selections with the highest content of soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA) and juice. However, this variety showed a light-yellow juice color, and one of the lowest SS·TA−1 ratio. This selection had the lowest percentage of fruits with citrus canker but was among the selections with the highest HLB incidence. The selections Ovale, Clone 9, and Clone 42 also showed higher vegetative growth and fruit length, but lower SS content, juice yield and technological indices. All other Pera selections had lower tree height and canopy volume than Ovale, Clone 9, and Clone 42, and adequate overall fruit quality. Conversely, Pera Comprida, Dibbern, Morretes, and Seleç ão 12 scored lower cumulative fruit yield. Pera Pirangi and Comprida had the highest citrus canker incidence on fruits, while Morretes, Ovo, Pirangi, Seleç ão 12, and Seleç ão 27 had the highest HLB incidence alongside Perão. Low severity level of stem pitting was observed within the evaluated selections. The scores ranged from one (absence of stem pitting) to two (sparse surface stem pitting). IAC, Olímpia, Mel, Bianchi, and IPR 159 revealed to be the most suitable for new plantings under humid subtropical edaphoclimatic conditions, as trees had small vegetative growth, high yield performance and fruit quality, in addition to showing lower incidences of citrus canker, HLB and CTV.

Ampelographic Characteristics of Grape Varieties Cultivated in Aksaray Province

In this study, eight cultivars, all of which are Vitis vinifera L., are grown in Aksaray province were determined. Identification material was selected approximately 20 years old, own roots vines in the producer vineyards. Ampelographic characteristics are defined by 123 descriptive characters in the OIV (The International Organization of Vine and Wine) list of grape and grapevine rootstock varieties identification criteria. With the numerical codes of the OIV identification criteria, similarity analysis was made in the IBM SPSS Statistics software (SPSS) package program, and the similarity relationships of the cultivars were visualized with a dendrogram. Aşeri and Mor Üzüm varieties defined in Aksaray province are not registered in the European Catalogue, but all varieties are Vitis vinifera L. Subsp. vinifera is registered as Turkey varieties. All the cultivar excluding Aşeri, and Emir names defined here are included in the Turkey grapevine genetic resources list, and several cultivars containing the same name or synonyms have been defined in different studies. The ampelographic descriptions of Aşeri and Emir grape varieties were made for the first time. The ampelographic definitions of Ak Dimrit, Çavuş, Kalecik Karası, Mor Üzüm, Parmak Üzümü and Sergi Karası cvs were confirmed with previous descriptions made in different provinces. The similarities and differences of the varieties we identified were reflected in the similarity dendrogram. Six of the eight grape varieties are hermaphrodite, and two of them (Çavuş and Sergi Karası) are functional female flowers. In the international variety catalogue records, the most common Aksaray variety on a global scale is Çavuş variety originating from Turkey. The cv. Parmak Üzümü was a separate ecotype due to its differences from previous identification records. It would be appropriate to protect the Aşeri, Emir, and Parmak Üzümü varieties, which we described for the first time, in the grapevine genetic resources of Turkey

Influence of nutrient media on the physiological parameters of grape microclones

Successful rooting of grape microclones in uncontrolled environmental conditions (in vivo) depends on the level of resistance, which is formed at the stage of their passage and growth in vitro. An important role in this case is played by indicators of the water regime of the vegetative mass. The purpose of this study was to get acquainted with the results of determining the water-holding capacity, the intensity of transpiration of grape microclones in vitro and to establish the share of their influence on the adaptation potential in vivo. Biotechnological, laboratory, vegetation, and mathematical and statistical research methods were used in this study. The obtained results showed that to optimize the physiological processes in the tissues of the leaves and shoots of grape microclones, to increase their viability under in vivo conditions, it is advisable to cultivate them in vitro on structured nutrient media (MS + agroperlite, MS + vermiculite, MS + agroperlite + vermiculite) with the content of phytohormones IAA – 0.2 mg/l, and 6-BAP – 0.3 mg/l. Structured nutrient media contributed to an increase in water retention capacity and a decrease in the intensity of transpiration of tissues of leaves and shoots of microclones of both technical and rootstock varieties. During 60 minutes of research, from 0.006 g to 0.034 g of water evaporated from microclones of technical varieties, from 0.003 g to 0.053 g from microclones of rootstock varieties, respectively. Transpiration intensity (after 10 min) decreased by 1.7-1.8 times. On the control Murashige and Skoog nutrient medium, plants evaporated a larger amount of water during the corresponding period of time: from 0.006 g to 0.079 g (technical varieties) and from 0.008 g to 0.086 g (rootstock varieties); the intensity of transpiration was higher. After cultivation of grape microclones on structured nutrient media, they were characterized by a higher content of dry matter in the tissues of leaves and shoots (14.6-15.0%) and better survival rates in vivo (76.3-98.5%, at 58.5-65.2% in control). The reliability of the results obtained is confirmed by the results of multivariate analysis of variance. The obtained results expand the understanding of dynamic changes in the indicators of the water regime of the vegetative mass of grape microclones in vitro, their influence on plant survival under in vivo conditions

Rootstock-induced scion resistance against tobacco mosaic virus is associated with the induction of defence-related transcripts and graft-transmissible mRNAs.

Grafting is a common horticultural practice used to confer desirable traits between rootstock and scion, including disease resistance. To investigate graft-conferred resistance against viral diseases a novel heterografting system was developed using Nicotiana benthamiana scions grafted onto different tomato rootstocks. N. benthamiana is normally highly susceptible to tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) infection. However, specific tomato rootstock varieties were found to confer a range of resistance levels to N. benthamiana scions inoculated with TMV. Conferred resistance was associated with delays in virus accumulation and the reduction in virus spread. RNA sequencing analysis showed the enrichment of transcripts associated with disease resistance and plant stress in N. benthamiana scions grafted onto resistance-inducing tomato rootstocks. Genome sequencing of resistance- and nonresistance-conferring rootstocks was used to identify mobile tomato transcripts within N. benthamiana scions. Within resistance-induced N. benthamiana scions, enriched mobile tomato transcripts were predominantly associated with defence, stress, and abscisic acid signalling when compared to similar scions grafted onto nonresistance-inducing rootstock. Combining these findings suggests that graft-induced resistance is modulated by rootstock scion transcriptional responses and rootstock-specific mobile transcripts.

Exploring genetic diversity and population structure of a large grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) germplasm collection in Türkiye.

Grapevine (Vitis Vinifera L.) has been one of the significant perennial crops in widespread temperate climate regions since its domestication around 6000 years ago. Grapevine and its products, particularly wine, table grapes, and raisins, have significant economic importance not only in grapevine-growing countries but also worldwide. Grapevine cultivation in Türkiye dates back to ancient times, and Anatolia is considered one of the main grapevine migration routes around the Mediterranean basin. Turkish germplasm collection, conserved at the Turkish Viticulture Research Institutes, includes cultivars and wild relatives mainly collected in Türkiye, breeding lines, rootstock varieties, and mutants, but also cultivars of international origin. Genotyping with high-throughput markers enables the investigation of genetic diversity, population structure, and linkage disequilibrium, which are crucial for applying genomic-assisted breeding. Here, we present the results of a high-throughput genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) study of 341 genotypes from grapevine germplasm collection at Manisa Viticulture Research Institute. A total of 272,962 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) markers on the nineteen chromosomes were identified using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) technology. The high-density coverage of SNPs resulted in an average of 14,366 markers per chromosome, an average polymorphism information content (PIC) value of 0.23 and an expected heterozygosity (He) value of 0.28 indicating the genetic diversity within 341 genotypes. LD decayed very fast when r2 was between 0.45 and 0.2 and became flat when r2 was 0.05. The average LD decay for the entire genome was 30 kb when r2=0.2. The PCA and structure analysis did not distinguish the grapevine genotypes based on different origins, highlighting the occurrence of gene flow and a high amount of admixture. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) results indicated a high level of genetic differentiation within populations, while variation among populations was extremely low. This study provides comprehensive information on the genetic diversity and population structure of Turkish grapevine genotypes.

The Nectariy grape cultivar for the northern zone of Russian industrial viticulture

The domestic assortment of fruit and berry crops should include new varieties with high biological plasticity, group resistance against adverse environmental conditions, different ripening duration, and sufficiently high quality of the final products. These requirements are highly relevant in grape breeding. Nektariy, a new grape сultivar of interspecific origin, was admitted to state testing in 2021. This cultivar was created at Y.I. Potapenko All-Russian Research Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking under the state task for cultivation in the northern zone of industrial viticulture of Russia and for production of high-quality Muscat wine of various types. The studies were carried out according to conventional ampelography methods. The Nektariy agrobiological characteristics include the following: a cultivar of industrial purpose with an early ripening period. During the 2018–2022 period, the production period lasted, on average, 115 days under the effective heat sum of 2501°C. Nektariy is characterized by high winter hardiness and the budburst percentage from 84 to 100. Under the negative temperature sum of 586°C and the absolute minimum temperature of minus 24.6 °C, 49 % of live buds was registered. The number of fruiting shoots comprised 90–98 % under the fruiting coefficient of 1.4. On average, the yield per plant was 5.9 kg on a single-plane trellis under the planting scheme of 3×1.5 m. The cultivar ampelographic description is as follows: androgyne flower, cylindro-conical bunches of medium density weighing on average 153 g. The knot is very short, green, sometimes woody, green ridge. The berry is rounded, greenish-yellow, with an intense pruinous stain, with an average weight of 1.9 g. The flesh is juicy with a muscat aroma. In order to create a passport of the cultivar, the Nektariy leaf blade was measured in terms of 33 parameters using the SIAMS Mesoplant soft ware for analyzing the morphology and structure of plants. This cultivar is characterized by a high accumulation of sugars up to 29.3 g/100 cm3 under a moderate acidity of 5.8 g/dm3 . The resistance to major fungal diseases is high, which allows this cultivar to be used in breeding as a donor of resistance genes to mildew. The shoot growth strength is medium; shoots mature well. The affinity with rootstock varieties is high. The tasting score of dry wine and liqueur wine averages 8.65 and 8.8 points, respectively, on a ten-point evaluation scale. The cultivation of Nektariy grape is economically efficient due to low expenditures associated with uncovered cultivation and disease protection measures. Nektariy is used for the production of high-quality Muscat wine with the profitability 140 %. Nektariy is recommended for uncovered cultivation in wine-making Russian regions with an absolute minimum of winter temperatures up to minus 26 °C.

Effects of Grafting on Genomic Stability in Salinity Stress Conditions in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

Cucumber is an important type of vegetable that is grown in high quantities. Abiotic stress factors can cause significant morphological, physiological and molecular changes in cucumber. Grafting on strong rootstocks can reduce this negative effect. This study was carried out to evaluate the genotoxic potential of salinity stress in cucumber and to determine the effect of grafting on genotoxicity. Non-grafted and grafted plants were treated with 100 mM NaCl and the ISSR profiles were compared after 15 days. Using 14 ISSR primers, 51.9% polymorphism was detected between all groups. While salinity stress decreased the GTS rate to 47.2%, it was determined that this rate could be increased (%72.4-79.5) with grafting. GTS and similarity indices gave similar results and it was concluded that the ISSR technique could be effective in determining genotoxicity. There were also differences in measurements between rootstocks. With this study, it was concluded that salinity stress may cause genomic template stability changes in cucumber, this parameter can be protected by grafting depending on the rootstock variety used, and the ISSR technique can be used to determine genotoxicity. This study provides a basis for investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying grafting in the cucumber response to salinity stress.