Project Number: 5306-21220-004-02
Project Type: Trust

Start Date: Apr 14, 2008
End Date: Apr 15, 2009

Objective:
Evaluate the aquaporin-regulated hydraulic response of various grapevine rootstocks to salinity and test the ability of calcium to ameliorate this stress. Evaluate the aquaporin-regulated hydraulic reponse of various grapevine rootstocks to a range of abiotic factors (i.e.-drought, anoxia, nutrient-pulses, chilling) and their influence on known grapevine rootstock vigor classifications. Utilize the molecular evidence from the physiological analysis to develop rapid markers suitable for salinity tolerance selection. Manipulate aquaporin activity of grapevine roots via irrigation/fertigation management to improve grapevine vigor and fruit quality.

Approach:
A variety of grapevine rootstocks and species will be grown both hydroponically and in potting soil in greenhouses. We will measure the hydraulic conductivity of excised fine roots and whole root systems using ultra-low flowmeters and cell pressure probe technologies and whole root systems using pressure chambers. Functional aquaporin activity will be assessed by measuring reductions in hydraulic conductivity of individual fine roots and whole root systems after treatment with known aquaporin inhibitors. Molecular aquaporin activity will initially be evaluated using aquaporin molecular probes previously developed for grapevines. Over the long term, aquaporin protein abundance and immuno-localization analysis in fine roots will be conducted. Documents Trust with American Vineyard Foundation. Log 35824.