Location: Crops Pathology and Genetics Research
Project Number: 2032-21220-008-002-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Jul 1, 2017
End Date: Jun 30, 2022
Objective:
Identify the physiological and genetic basis of grapevine species and rootstock resistance to and recovery from drought stress with specific focus on root hydraulic capacity.
Approach:
We will use a combination of advanced imaging methods, gene expression analysis, existing breeding populations, genetic maps, microscopy, hydraulic physiological methods, and advanced imaging techniques (microCT and neutron radiography) to evaluate how drought stress and irrigation management alter the capacity of grapevine root systems to deliver water to the canopy, where is needed for photosynthesis. We will conduct analyses at the fine root and whole root levels combined with molecular tools to evaluate the response of commercially available and germplasm rootstock materials.
Differential responses of rootstocks and germplasm accessions can be used to tailor precision irrigation management strategies. Accessions showing promise will be subject to irrigation manipulation in potted studies to evaluate the plasticity of the root system to varied amounts and timing of water inputs.
