Uptake, transport, accumulation and retranslocation of potassium in grapevine rootstocks (Vitis)

The concentration and content of potassium (K) within grapevine can be regulated by selective use of rootstocks. However, the mechanisms by which rootstocks differ in the accumulation of K in the shoot of grapevine are not well understood. Therefore, the current study addresses these issues. Ungrafted rootstocks 140 Ruggeri (140 R) and 101-14 Millardet de Grasset (101-14) were exposed to K tracer rubidium (Rb) in a glasshouse, for 4 hours through roots to study uptake and transport of Rb from roots to shoot, and for 24 hours through leaf to study downward transport of Rb, in each case assessed up to 48 hours following exposure to Rb. Transpiration rates and root traits were also measured. Results showed similar total Rb uptake and similar downward transport of Rb between the two rootstocks but lower accumulation of Rb in the shoot and lower shoot/roots Rb concentration (as a result of higher retention of Rb in roots), in 140 R than that in 101-14. Transpiration rates and total root length (but not total root surface area) remained similar between two rootstocks. The study shows that short term differences in the accumulation of K in roots and shoot between rootstocks are due to differences in the transport of K from roots to the shoot, rather than by differences in net uptake or retranslocation of K. In addition, such differences were not affected by transpiration rates. The results highlight that accumulation of K in shoot of grapevine rootstocks is regulated mainly by roots. Key words: Cation, nutrient, root, shoot, translocation, transpiration