Long-Term Effects of Rootstocks on Vine Productivity and Fruit Quality in a Autumn King Vineyard
Tian Tian* and Matthew Fidelibus
*University of California Cooperative Extension, 1031 South Mount
Vernon Avenue, Bakersfield, CA, 93307 (titian@ucanr.edu)
In the past three decades, numerous trials were established in central and southern California to assess rootstock impacts on vine performance and fruit quality in young vineyards, while rootstock effects in older vineyards (>10-years-old) remain less known. To understand the long-term influences of rootstocks on vine growth and berry composition, we obtained data in 2021 from a 13-year-old Autumn King vineyard in Ducor, CA, where own-rooted vines and vines on 12 rootstocks (Freedom, Harmony, Teleki 5C, Salt Creek, 1103 Paulsen, Crimson, 10-17A, RS-3, GRN-1, GRN-2, GRN-3, and GRN-4) were evaluated. Each rootstock was replicated five times and there were five vines in each experimental plot. Vines on Salt Creek, GRN-2, GRN-3, Teleki 5C, 1103 Paulsen, and Freedom were the top performers, with higher yields and larger canopies than others. Vines on RS-3, Harmony, and Crimson had intermediate yield and canopy size. Vines on 10-17A and GRN-4 had intermediate yield as well, but their pruning mass matched the top performers. Vines on GRN-1 and own-rooted vines had much lower yields than other rootstocks, due to limited canopy growth and over-exposure of the fruit. For berry composition, rootstocks had small influences on berry weight, juice pH, and juice titratable acids at harvest. Yet, the level of juice total soluble solids was lower in vines on Salt Creek, GRN-2, and 10-17A, suggesting a delayed fruit ripening for those three rootstocks. Overall, GRN-2, GRN-3, and Teleki 5C had similar impacts on vine performance to Salt Creek, Freedom, and 1103 Paulsen, which are the most-used rootstocks in the warmer areas of California. This ongoing trial is expected to provide the grape industry with valuable information on the long-term impacts of traditional and newer rootstocks on vine productivity and facilitate appropriate rootstock selections for new vineyards.
Funding Support: UC ANR
