Saline–Alkaline Stress Resistance of Cabernet Sauvignon Grapes Grafted on Different Rootstocks and Rootstock Combinations

Abstract

Grafting the wine grape variety Cabernet Sauvignon onto salinity-tolerant rootstocks can improve salinity tolerance and grape yields in regions with high salinity soils. In this experiment, the effects of different rootstocks and rootstock combinations on the saline–alkaline stress (modified Hoagland nutrient solution + 50 mmol L−1 (NaCl + NaHCO3)) of Cabernet Sauvignon were studied. Correlation and principal component analyses were conducted on several physiological indicators of saline–alkaline stress. Salinity limited biomass accumulation, induced damage to the plant membrane, reduced the chlorophyll content and photosynthetic capacity of plants, and increased the content of malondialdehyde, sodium (Na+)/potassium (K+) ratio, and antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase). Significant differences in several indicators were observed among the experimental groups. The results indicate that the saline–alkaline tolerance of Cabernet Sauvignon after grafting was the same as that of the rootstock, indicating that the increased resistance of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to saline–alkaline stress stems from the transferability of the saline–alkaline stress resistance of the rootstock to the scion.