Effect of zeolite and irrigation treatments on grapevine leaves, an interdisciplinary approach

Abstract

Abstract Aims Global warming depicts a real challenge for viticulture. As found by PubMed results, a 90% increase in the abiotic stress publications number from 2015 onwards is registered. Soil and grapevine response interaction to abiotic stress is arbitrated by an intricate signal transduction network that determines adaptive changes and modifications in gene expression mediated by the transcription factors (WRKY proteins). Briefly, (i) Does zeolite application affect canopy and biochemical leaf components? (ii) Is it possible to start a gene expression approach in an open-field vineyard, without fixed and stable external parameters obtaining an interconnected net of interdisciplinary data? (iii) Could the zeolite application be a corroborant tool to maintain a state of homeostasis in grapevine? Methods After a soil clinoptilolite treatment (the "Roca magica" well known as water moderator) and/or irrigation utilizing vines presented to drought and high sun exposure, we investigated leaf biochemical variations (proline, chlorophyll, and quercetins) and we analyzed with rt-PCR approach the expression of selected genes (VvWRKY47 and VvWRKY39). Results Lower water potential and leaf temperature were recorded in plants subjected to treatments against abiotic stress together with greater chlorophyll a, b, and less quercetin-3-O-glucoside. A down-regulation in VvWRKY47 gene and an up-regulation in VvWRKY39 gene were found. The VvWRKY47 showed interactions from the beginning with the zeolitic treatment. Conclusion The zeolite in our experiment acted as a water flywheel, mitigating the effects of climate change; plant-soil interactions were positively emphasized by clinoptilolite. Finally, results suggest that VvWRKY47 could be a valid candidate in the evaluation of drought and temperature stress in the open-field.