Sensitivity of grapevine rootstocks to changes in zinc concentration in the soil

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of high levels of Zn in soil on productivity and nutritional and root performance of young grapevine rootstocks, as well as to identify variables that are affected by excess Zn. Five rootstocks (SO4, Paulsen 1103, IAC572, IAC313 and 420A) were grown in pots containing soil with the addition of 0, 20, 40, 80 or 160 mg kg-1 of Zn. The rootstocks were pruned at 45 days, discarding the shoot. After re-sprouting, a main branch was maintained and evaluated after 50 days in terms of height, number of leaves, and leaf area; dry matter, concentration and accumulation of Zn in the shoots and roots; and area, olume, length and diameter of the root system. The variables of plant height, leaf area, and dry weight of roots and shoots can be used to evaluate the effect of Zn on the growth of young grapevines. The application of Zn to the soil increased the concentration and total accumulation of Zn in the shoots and roots of the grapevine rootstocks. The volume, surface area, and length of vine roots decreased after applying Zn to the soil, and these variables can be used to evaluate the negative effects of Zn on the vines. The number of leaves and the weighted root diameter are not good indicators of changes in young grapevines caused by high levels of Zn in the soil.