Rootstocks as a component of adaptation to environment

Abstract

In order to cope with phylloxera, most grapes worldwide must be grafted on a rootstock. Furthermore, grapevine rootstocks are an essential underground structure for the plant to face various pests and diseases and to adapt to different types of soil. This review focuses on the existing information about rootstock properties in relation to grapevine adaptation to biotic and abiotic stress factors. The main focus will be given to rootstock resistance to phylloxera and nematodes. Abiotic stress factors, including drought, salinity and lime-induced chlorosis, are also addressed in this review. The physiological mechanisms underlying the rootstock response, as well as the genetic diversity among Vitis species and rootstocks, are also discussed.