ECOPHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSE AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF GRAPEVINE IN RELATION TO TWO DIFFERENT METHODS OF GRAFTING

The current study compared the influence on responses of grapevines of a new method of grafting called “green-grafting”, based on the MUMM BAP patent and using scions and rootstocks both of herbaceous nature, with traditional woody method. The trial was carried out in greenhouse during the 2002-2004 period. Factors were grafting method, three grape (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivars (‘Chardonnay’, ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ and ‘Teroldego’), and two rootstocks (Paulsen and Kober 5 BB). Green-grafted plants showed a significantly higher percentage of root establishment, and lower diameters for scion, graft union and rootstock. Woody-grafted vines had higher chlorophyll and carotenoids concentrations, greener leaves, and greater dry matter production than green-grafted ones. Net photosynthesis, soluble proteins content, and nutritional status did not change in relation to the different grafting methods after the second year. Glucose and fructose concentrations were higher and plant components were better balanced when green-grafting was used. This method produced better vascular formation than woody-grafting, suggesting more effective transport of substances between stock and scion.