Rootstock effects on growth and fruit composition of low?yielding winegrape cultivars grown in a hot Australian climate

Background and Aims The use of rootstocks to enhance the performance low-yielding wine cultivars grown under hot irrigated conditions was studied. Methods Results Field grape composition low-vigour (Chasselas, Egiodola, Ehrenfelser, Gamay, Perdea, Reichensteiner Roussanne) as own roots or grafted on (1103 Paulsen, Dog Ridge, Ramsey, Schwarzmann SO4) were assessed over three seasons. Across all cultivars, yield roots, SO4 similar. Ramsey 1103 Paulsen produced a higher without major effect juice composition. Ridge excessive vigour poor scion–rootstock combinations, high vine vigour, berry mass associated with pH, K+ malic acid low tartaric acid. Rootstock effects K+, stable independent scion cultivar. Conclusions enhanced by grafting Ramsey. ‘Scion conferred root vigour’ found field conditions. Significance Study genetic diversity available for production can be broadened adoption cultivars. selection requires knowledge inherent rootstock vigour.