The root distribution pattern of 3 grape rootstocks, Dog Ridge, Salt Creek, and St. George, graft ed with Thompson Seedless grapevine was studied at the National Research Centre for Grapes in Pune, India. | Research Article Turk J Agric For 36 (2012) 543-552 © TÜBİTAK doi: Root length, root mass, and distribution of dry matter in different parts of Thompson Seedless grapevine grafted on different rootstocks in heavy soil of Maharashtra Ramhari G. SOMKUWAR*, Pravin B. TAWARE, Devanand D. BONDAGE, Supriya NAVALE National Research Centre for Grapes, . No. 3, Manjri Farm Post, Solapur Road, Pune 412 307 - INDIA Received: ● Accepted: Abstract: The root distribution pattern of 3 grape rootstocks, Dog Ridge, Salt Creek, and St. George, grafted with Thompson Seedless grapevine was studied at the National Research Centre for Grapes in Pune, India. The soil is heavy black cotton soil (vertisol) with a pH of >. Roots of different thicknesses (10 mm) were examined at horizontal distances of 0-30 cm, 31-60 cm, 61-90 cm, 91-120 cm, and 121-150 cm away from the trunk and also to depths of 0-30 cm, 31-60 cm, and 61-90 cm from the surface. Among the different categories of roots, Dog Ridge put forth the maximum root length in the 10 mm) up to a 60-cm distance, beyond which there was no spread in any of the rootstocks. At a depth of 0-30 cm, Dog Ridge put forth the greatest root mass, followed by Salt Creek and St. George. However, the highest root mass was recorded in all of the rootstocks at depths of 31-60 cm. Dry matter accumulation was highest in Thompson Seedless grafted on Dog Ridge, and Salt Creek was next. Dog Ridge rootstock grafted vines had more dry matter in the roots, trunk, primary arms, and canes while St. George had the least dry matter in roots. Key words: Dry matter, grape rootstocks, root length, root mass, saline soil Introduction The functions of grapevine roots include anchorage, storage of reserves, uptake and translocation of water and minerals, and supply of growth substances (Richard 1983). Most grapevine roots occur in the top 100 cm of the soil, although individual roots might penetrate to a depth of .
