Articles
Vol. 33 No. 1 (2026)
Intra-vineyard dynamic observations of grapevine root growth and canopy performance under extreme microclimate conditions
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All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
Published: 01-06-2026
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Climate change affects soil characteristics, with soil temperature being notably impacted. While the effects of elevated or extreme temperatures on the grapevine canopy are well documented, there is less understanding of their direct influence on fine-root turnover and their indirect effects on root growth mediated by the soil microbiome. This study aimed to evaluate grapevine fine-root turnover, root distribution in the rhizosphere, and associated leaf ecophysiological responses. The investigation was conducted in two nearby vineyards in Central Italy on the cultivar Aleatico (Vitis vinifera L.), comparing two different root systems: the rootstock 420A (V. berlandieri × riparia) for grafted vines, and own-rooted (ungrafted) vines. Fine-root growth was monitored using prototype minirhizotrons (MRs) installed at a 35° angle from vertical into the rooting zone in the inter-row area (20 cm from the trunk, down to 60 cm depth). The MRs were equipped with RGB cameras to capture sequential images of the root zone. These images were analyzed with ImageJ® software to quantify cumulative fine-root production over the growing season. Canopy functionality was assessed by measuring leaf chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, and photochemical efficiency using the JIP-test. The results revealed distinct fine-root dynamics between the two root systems. Grafted vines exhibited greater sensitivity to elevated soil temperatures, as indicated by reduced root turnover and decreased canopy performance (lower photochemical efficiency and earlier leaf senescence). The use of MRs proved to be an effective tool for advancing knowledge of grapevine root–shoot interactions, which are essential for developing adaptation strategies to climate change.
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Intra-vineyard dynamic observations of grapevine root growth and canopy performance under extreme microclimate conditions. (2026). Italus Hortus, 33(1). https://hortus.pagepress.net/hortus/article/view/5
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