Rootstock-induced impact on vine growth, yield, berry quality, and aroma profiles of ‘Chunguang’ in northern China

Abstract

Rootstocks are frequently employed in viticulture because of their resilience to biotic and abiotic stress and their impact on vine growth and berry quality. Due to the blind and wild application of rootstock of ‘Chunguang’ (CG), a widely cultivated cultivar in China, the yield or berry quality was significantly affected. This study evaluated the impacts of seven rootstocks (5BB, 5C, 101-14M, 188-08, Beta, SO4, and 110R) on vine growth, fruit yield, berry quality, and aroma profiles over a period of three years (2017–2019). Although none of the investigated rootstocks significantly influenced vine vigor (as demonstrated by pruning weight), the rootstocks had varying effects on yield and berry quality. Own-rooted vines produced the highest yield and berry weight, while all the rootstocks, with the exception of 5C, significantly decreased berry weight and yield. The rootstocks 5C and 101-14M enhanced the amount of total soluble solids (TSS) and berry ester content (the primary contributor of strawberry flavor), while 101-14M reduced the berry hardness. SO4 had a detrimental effect on TSS, berry hardness, skin color, and volatile aroma, indicating a tendency for poor berry quality. In light of the positive effects of the rootstock 5C on berry TSS and volatile aroma (especially volatile esters), 5C is recommended in practice.