Root length, root mass, and distribution of dry matter in different parts of Thompson Seedless grapevine grafted on different rootstocks in heavy soil of Maharashtra

Authors: RAMHARI G. SOMKUWAR, PRAVIN B. TAWARE, DEVANAND D. BONDAGE, SUPRIYA NAVALE

Abstract: The root distribution pattern of 3 grape rootstocks, Dog Ridge, Salt Creek, and St. George, grafted with Thompson Seedless grapevine was studied at the National Research Centre for Grapes in Pune, India. The soil is heavy black cotton soil (vertisol) with a pH of >8.0. Roots of different thicknesses (<2 mm, 2-5 mm, 5.01-10 mm, and >10 mm) were examined at horizontal distances of 0-30 cm, 31-60 cm, 61-90 cm, 91-120 cm, and 121-150 cm away from the trunk and also to depths of 0-30 cm, 31-60 cm, and 61-90 cm from the surface. Among the different categories of roots, Dog Ridge put forth the maximum root length in the <2 mm category at a distance of 0-30 cm from the trunk, while at a distance of 31-60 cm, Salt Creek had the maximum root length in the <2 mm category. The total root length at 2-5 mm was at its maximum at 31-60 cm of distance in both Dog Ridge and St. George. The total root length at 5.01-10 mm was highest in Dog Ridge, followed by Salt Creek and St. George, at distances of 31-60 cm and 61-90 cm from the trunk. We could observe the spread of thicker roots (>10 mm) up to a 60-cm distance, beyond which there was no spread in any of the rootstocks. At a depth of 0-30 cm, Dog Ridge put forth the greatest root mass, followed by Salt Creek and St. George. However, the highest root mass was recorded in all of the rootstocks at depths of 31-60 cm. Dry matter accumulation was highest in Thompson Seedless grafted on Dog Ridge, and Salt Creek was next. Dog Ridge rootstock grafted vines had more dry matter in the roots, trunk, primary arms, and canes while St. George had the least dry matter in roots.

Keywords: Dry matter, grape rootstocks, root length, root mass, saline soil

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