Physiological and biochemical responses of the iron chlorosis tolerant grapevine rootstock 140 Ruggeri to iron deficiency and bicarbonate

Background and aims Iron (Fe) deficiency chlorosis associated with high levels of soil bicarbonate is one of the main nutritional disorders observed in sensitive grapevine genotypes. The aim of the experiment was to assess both the independent and combined effects of Fe and bicarbonate nutrition in grapevine. Methods Plants of the Fe chlorosis tolerant 140 Ruggeri rootstock were grown with and without Fe(III)- EDTA and bicarbonate in the nutrient solution. SPAD index, plant growth, root enzyme (PEPC, MDH, CS, NADP+ −IDH) activities, kinetic properties of root PEPC, organic acid concentrations in roots and xylem sap and xylem sap pH were determined. A factorial statistical design with two factors (Fe and BIC) and two levels of each factor was adopted: +Fe and −Fe, and +BIC and −BIC. Results This rootstock strongly reacted to Fe deficiency by activating several response mechanisms at different physiological levels. The presence of bicarbonate in the nutrient solution changed the activity of PEPC and TCA related enzymes (CS, NADP+-IDH) and the accumulation/translocation of organic acids in roots of Fe-deprived plants. Moreover, this genotype increased root biomass and root malic acid concentration in response to high bicarbonate levels in the substrate. Bicarbonate also enhanced leaf chlorophyll content. Conclusions Along with a clear independent effect on Fe nutrition, our data support a modulating role of bicarbonate on Fe deficiency response mechanisms at root level.