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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Davis, California » Crops Pathology and Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #409316
Title: Unique root hydraulic and mechanical properties support the resilience of grapevines adapted to the Atacama Desert

Author
item BARRIENTOS-SANHUEZA, CESAR - University Of Valparaíso
item ZURITA-SILVA, ANDRES - University Of La Serena
item KNIPFER, THORSTEN - University Of British Columbia
item McElrone, Andrew
item CUNEO, ITALO - University Of Valparaíso

Submitted to: Plant Cell and Environment
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/29/2024
Publication Date: 11/4/2024
Citation: Barrientos-Sanhueza, C., Zurita-Silva, A., Knipfer, T., McElrone, A.J., Cuneo, I.F. 2024. Unique root hydraulic and mechanical properties support the resilience of grapevines adapted to the Atacama Desert. Plant Cell and Environment. 47(12):5126-5139. https://doi.org/10.1111/pce.15085.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/pce.15085

Interpretive Summary: Root cell damage (i.e., cortical lacunae) during drought have a strong impact on fine root hydraulic performance and whole plant hydraulics. Yet, the physiological mechanism that finishes in root cell collapse and root shrinkage in drought susceptible roots and the recovery process in drought-resistant rootstocks remains incomplete. We performed root hydraulics using a root pressure probe and root pressure-volume curves, along with fluorescent light microscopy, osmolyte analysis and electrolyte leakage to unravel the key to drought resistance in a naturalized grapevine rootstock to the Atacama Desert (G-65) versus a well-known drought susceptible one (101-14MGT). 101-14 MGT experienced a sharper decline in exo and endosmotic root hydraulic conductivity during severe drought, coinciding with cortical lacunae formation, a higher value of electrolyte leakage (%), and higher root capacitance (Ctlp). In contrast, G-65 displayed a less pronounced decline in hydraulic conductivity during severe drought associated with no cortical lacunae formation and therefore less electrolyte leakage (%); and showing a recovery phase of water uptake after re-watering. P-V curves highlight that G-65 had a xerophyte-like behavior (higher 'RWC'_tlp), capable to retain water under severe drought stress. These results suggest an intimate connection between fine root hydraulics and cortical tissue mechanics, allowing naturalized grapevines to the Atacama Desert in northern Chile to resist drought.

Technical Abstract: Root cell damage (i.e., cortical lacunae) during drought have a strong impact on fine root hydraulic performance and whole plant hydraulics. Yet, the physiological mechanism that finishes in root cell collapse and root shrinkage in drought susceptible roots and the recovery process in drought-resistant rootstocks remains incomplete. We performed root hydraulics using a root pressure probe and root pressure-volume curves, along with fluorescent light microscopy, osmolyte analysis and electrolyte leakage to unravel the key to drought resistance in a naturalized grapevine rootstock to the Atacama Desert (G-65) versus a well-known drought susceptible one (101-14MGT). 101-14 MGT experienced a sharper decline in exo and endosmotic root hydraulic conductivity during severe drought, coinciding with cortical lacunae formation, a higher value of electrolyte leakage (%), and higher root capacitance (Ctlp). In contrast, G-65 displayed a less pronounced decline in hydraulic conductivity during severe drought associated with no cortical lacunae formation and therefore less electrolyte leakage (%); and showing a recovery phase of water uptake after re-watering. P-V curves highlight that G-65 had a xerophyte-like behavior (higher 'RWC'_tlp), capable to retain water under severe drought stress. These results suggest an intimate connection between fine root hydraulics and cortical tissue mechanics, allowing naturalized grapevines to the Atacama Desert in northern Chile to resist drought.