What are the critical considerations for selecting rootstock when establishing a new vineyard? Flashcards
What are the main roles of rootstocks in viticulture?
Rootstocks provide resistance to soil pests (mainly phylloxera), adapt the vine to specific soil and climate conditions, moderate vine vigor, and influence yield, grape composition, and vineyard longevity.
How can rootstocks affect budbreak and shoot uniformity?
Some rootstocks, especially berlandieri × rupestris types like 1103 Paulsen, can lead to uneven budbreak or missing shoots in varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon.
What is graft incompatibility and how does it appear?
It’s a failure in the graft union over time, showing as weak growth, poor sap flow, excessive suckering, or eventual vine decline.
Why must scion-rootstock interactions be considered on a variety-by-variety basis?
Because rootstocks don’t affect all varieties equally; the same rootstock may increase vigor in one variety and have little effect on another.
How can rootstocks influence virus expression in scions?
Some rootstocks amplify symptoms of viruses. For example, 3309C or Freedom may show stronger fanleaf or leafroll symptoms if the scion is infected.
Why are V. riparia-based rootstocks preferred in clay or waterlogged soils?
They tolerate poor drainage due to their shallow, fibrous roots and natural adaptation to moist environments.
Which rootstocks are recommended for sandy, drought-prone soils?
Deep-rooting, drought-tolerant rootstocks like St. George, Ramsey, 1103 Paulsen, and 140 Ruggeri.
What are the best rootstocks for high-lime (calcareous) soils?
41B, 5BB, and 161-49C—due to their V. berlandieri heritage which provides tolerance to lime-induced chlorosis.
Which rootstocks are salt-tolerant?
1103 Paulsen (very high salt exclusion), followed by 140 Ruggeri, Ramsey, 101-14, and Schwarzmann.
How do rootstocks support drought and heat tolerance?
Through deep root systems and water-conserving physiology, allowing vines to maintain canopy and photosynthesis during dry or hot periods.
What makes a rootstock suitable for cold climates?
It should promote early dormancy and cane maturation to increase winter hardiness. Riparia-based stocks like 3309C are common in cool climates.
What is a short-cycle rootstock and why is it useful in cold areas?
A rootstock that encourages early vine shutdown in autumn, giving the vine time to harden off before winter—critical for survival in cold regions.
What happened with AXR1 rootstock?
It was widely used in California but failed due to its partial V. vinifera parentage, leading to major phylloxera outbreaks and vineyard replantings.
How should rootstocks be selected in nematode-infested soils?
Based on the specific nematode species present; resistant stocks include Ramsey, Freedom, Harmony, and GRN series.
How do rootstocks influence tolerance to soil-borne diseases like Phytophthora or cotton root rot?
Rootstocks with better drainage tolerance (e.g., riparia types) or those observed to survive in infected areas are used for protection.
How do rootstocks vary in vigor potential?
• Low: V. riparia types (e.g., Riparia Gloire, 420A)
• Moderate: V. berlandieri × riparia types (e.g., 5C, 161-49C) • High: V. rupestris, V. champinii types (e.g., 1103P, Ramsey)
How does matching rootstock vigor to the site improve vine balance?
It ensures appropriate canopy size, reduces need for excessive pruning, and avoids over- or under-yielding. Helps with ripening and fruit quality.
What are risks of using a high-vigor rootstock on a fertile site?
Excessive canopy growth, shading, delayed ripening, reduced fruit quality, and increased disease pressure.
How do rootstocks affect grape yield?
By influencing cluster number, berry size, and fruit set. Vigorous rootstocks tend to support higher yields, if balanced.
How do rootstocks impact grape composition?
They affect sugar accumulation rate, acid retention, pH, potassium uptake, and phenolic concentration through their influence on vine physiology.
Why do winemakers consider rootstock when aiming for high-quality wines?
Certain rootstocks can moderate vigor, advance ripening, or reduce berry size—all contributing to better concentration and balance.
How can rootstock choice influence vineyard lifespan?
By resisting pests and adapting to soil/climate, a good rootstock reduces stress, prevents early decline, and maintains productivity over decades.
What are signs of rootstock-related vineyard decline?
Increased vine death after 15–20 years, poor canopy performance, or reduced yields. Can indicate poor disease resistance or root exhaustion.
Why is deep root architecture beneficial for vine longevity?
It allows access to deep water and nutrients, increases drought resilience, and buffers against year-to-year variability.
- What is the best practice for replanting on previously infested soil?
Use a rootstock with different genetic background to the previous one to reduce pest adaptation and ensure resistance remains effective.
Why can using the same rootstock in replanting be risky?
Because pests like phylloxera and nematodes can adapt to specific resistance genes. Changing rootstock reduces this risk.
What is the primary reason grapevines are grafted onto rootstocks?
To provide resistance against soil-borne pests like phylloxera and to adapt vines to specific soil, climate, and vigor conditions.
Why is compatibility between scion and rootstock important?
Although most Vitis vinifera scions graft successfully, specific combinations can affect vine vigor, budbreak uniformity, and long-term health. Incompatibility may lead to weak unions, excessive suckering, or uneven growth.
How can a rootstock influence a grapevine’s response to viruses?
Certain rootstocks (e.g., 3309C, Freedom, 5BB) can amplify virus symptoms. When scion wood is not virus-free, more tolerant rootstocks should be selected to reduce impact on vine health and longevity.
Which rootstock types are best suited for heavy clay or waterlogged soils?
Riparia-based rootstocks like Riparia Gloire and 101-14 Mgt, due to their tolerance for high soil moisture and their fibrous, shallow root systems adapted to wet conditions.
Which rootstocks are recommended for sandy, drought-prone soils?
Deep-rooted, drought-tolerant rootstocks such as St. George (V. rupestris), Ramsey (V. champinii), 1103 Paulsen, and 140 Ruggeri.
What rootstocks are suitable for calcareous or high pH soils?
Rootstocks with V. berlandieri parentage, such as 41B, 5BB, and 161-49C, due to their ability to avoid lime-induced chlorosis and function in alkaline conditions.
Which rootstocks are most tolerant to saline soils?
1103 Paulsen (very high salt exclusion), 140 Ruggeri, Schwarzmann, 101-14 Mgt, and Ramsey are among the most tolerant to saline conditions.
How do rootstocks affect drought and heat tolerance in vines?
Rootstocks with deep, vigorous root systems (e.g., 1103P, 140 Ruggeri) help access water reserves, maintain transpiration, and support canopy function during drought and heat stress.
Which rootstocks are best suited for cold or frost-prone climates?
Riparia-based rootstocks like 3309C and Riparia Gloire promote early dormancy and wood maturity, improving winter hardiness. They are common in regions like New York and Michigan.
Which rootstocks offer strong resistance to root-knot nematodes?
Ramsey (V. champinii), Dog Ridge, Freedom, Harmony, and newer rootstocks like the GRN series have strong resistance to root-knot nematodes.
How can rootstocks influence vine vigor?
Vigor is determined by species background: V. riparia (low vigor), V. berlandieri × riparia (moderate), and V. champinii or V. rupestris (high vigor). Rootstock selection helps manage vine size and canopy balance based on soil and climate.
How do rootstocks affect grape yield and quality?
Indirectly, through effects on vigor, water and nutrient uptake (especially potassium), and ripening dynamics. They influence berry size, cluster weight, acid levels, pH, and skin-to-juice ratio.
What is the relationship between rootstock and vineyard longevity?
Rootstocks affect vineyard life by resisting soil pests, maintaining root health, and supporting balanced vigor. Poorly chosen rootstocks may lead to early decline or disease susceptibility.
Why is root architecture important in rootstock selection?
It influences rooting depth, water/nutrient absorption, drought resilience, and competition with other plants. Deep-rooted systems support stability and long-term vine performance.
Give examples of regional rootstock preferences.
• Champagne:
• Burgundy: Historically and now
• Bordeaux:
• California:
• Australia:
• Germany:
• New Zealand:
• Champagne: 41B
• Burgundy: Historically 161-49C, now shifting to 420A or 5C
• Bordeaux: 101-14, 3309C
• Cali : 1103 Paulsen, Freedom, 101-14
• Australia: Ramsey, 1103 Paulsen
• Germany: 5BB, SO4
• New Zealand: 3309C, Schwarzmann
What are the key characteristics of 1103 Paulsen?
High vigor rootstock (V. berlandieri × V. rupestris). Excellent drought and salt tolerance. Suitable for dry, calcareous, or saline soils. Can raise must pH due to high potassium uptake. Widely used in Mediterranean climates.
What are the key traits of 101-14 Mgt?
Low to moderate vigor (V. riparia × V. rupestris). Promotes early ripening. Sensitive to drought. Preferred in cool climates and fertile soils. Common in North America and often used for Pinot Noir.
What is notable about 3309 Couderc?
Moderate vigor (V. riparia × V. rupestris). Tolerates cold well and induces early dormancy. Low resistance to nematodes. Performs well in New York and Bordeaux for moderate soils.
Describe the use of 41B rootstock.
Moderate vigor (V. berlandieri × V. vinifera). Very high lime tolerance. Common in Champagne and Cognac. Less drought tolerant. Suitable for active limestone soils.
Why is SO4 commonly used in Germany and Austria?
Moderate vigor (V. berlandieri × V. riparia). Tolerant of limestone. Reliable rooting and consistent growth. Moderate nematode resistance. Often used with Riesling and Grüner Veltliner.
What are the characteristics of 5BB Kober?
Moderate to high vigor (V. berlandieri × V. riparia). High lime tolerance. Moderate drought tolerance. Good phylloxera resistance. Widely used in Central Europe for balanced growth.
What is special about Riparia Gloire?
Very low vigor (pure V. riparia). Induces early ripening. Prefers moist, fertile soils. Not drought-tolerant. Used to devigorate vines in overly fertile sites or cool climates.
What makes Ramsey (Salt Creek) suitable for tough conditions?
Very high vigor (V. champinii). Excellent drought and nematode resistance. Tolerates saline and alkaline soils. Often too vigorous for balanced viticulture in fertile soils. Common in Australia and warm regions.
What are the pros and cons of using 161-49 Couderc?
Moderate vigor (V. berlandieri × V. riparia). Good lime tolerance and early ripening. Popular in Burgundy. Recent concerns over longevity and drought sensitivity, especially under climate change.
What defines 110 Richter rootstock?
High vigor (V. berlandieri × V. rupestris). Excellent drought tolerance. Deep rooting. Less suited to wet or fertile soils. Limited nematode resistance. Good choice for dry-farmed reds on poor soils.
What historical example shows the devastating impact of Phylloxera on ungrafted vines?
In the 1980s, California’s Napa Valley suffered vineyard losses due to AXR-1 rootstock, which was mistakenly believed to be resistant
What are the key roles of rootstock in vineyard establishment? (5 things)
Pest resistance (especially phylloxera), adaptation to soil conditions, climate resilience, vigor control, and yield regulation.
Which rootstocks are known for nematode resistance?
Ramsey, Freedom, Dogridge.
What is the impact of high soil pH on vine nutrition, and which nutrients are most affected?
High pH reduces the availability of iron, phosphorus, zinc, and manganese, leading to issues like chlorosis.
Which rootstocks are suited to calcareous (chalky) soils prone to chlorosis?
41B, Fercal, and 161-49C.
Which rootstocks are considered deep-rooting and suitable for compacted or drought-prone soils?
110R, 140Ru.
Which rootstocks are better for waterlogged soils with poor drainage?
SO4, 101-14 Mgt.
How does soil structure (compaction, drainage) influence rootstock choice?
It affects rooting depth, water access, and vine vigor; rootstock must be matched to avoid stress or excessive growth.
Why should site assessment precede all other decisions in rootstock choice?
Because soil and pest conditions determine the basic compatibility and survivability of the vine.
Which rootstocks are best adapted to drought conditions?
Which rootstocks are best adapted to drought conditions?
How can rootstocks assist in cool climates? Which rootstocks may promote earlier ripening?
By slightly advancing phenology to help grapes ripen before the season ends. 101-14 Mgt, SO4.
How strong is the rootstock’s effect on phenology compared to variety or site?
Moderate; rootstocks influence indirectly via water uptake and vigor, but variety and site have stronger impact.
How can rootstock phenology effects help avoid seasonal risks?
Slight delays in budburst may reduce frost risk; earlier ripening helps avoid autumn rain.
How does excessive vigor from rootstock/scion mismatch affect grape quality?
Leads to dense canopy, shading, lower sunlight penetration, and reduced aroma, tannin, and color development.
What grape varieties are particularly sensitive to excessive shading?
Sauvignon Blanc (methoxypyrazine expression), red grapes (anthocyanin and tannin synthesis).
What is an example of a high-vigor variety that may require a less vigorous rootstock?
Cabernet Sauvignon — may benefit from low-vigor rootstocks like Riparia Gloire.
How does rootstock choice impact vineyard labor costs?
High vigor requires more canopy management (hedging, thinning, leaf removal), increasing labor needs.
Why must vineyard goals be defined before selecting rootstock?
Because desired yield, wine style, and production economics influence vigor, ripening, and management needs.
