Resistance and susceptibility of some grapevine varieties to lime-induced chlorosis

Eleven international and Italian V. vinifera L. cultivars (Cabernet-Sauvignon clone 338, Carmenère clone R9, Chardonnay clone R8. Incrocio Manzoni 6.0.13, Merlot clone R12, Picolit, Pinot blanc clone VCR 5, Prosecco, Refosco dal peduncolo rosso, Ribolla gialla, Vernaccia di San Gimignano) all grafted on 3309 C, were grown in pots of a calcareous soil in order to investigate some physiological parameters related to lime-tolerance/susceptibility. Shoot growth rate, leaf chlorophyll and mineral element concentration were recorded during the second year and, at the end of the growing cycle, dry matter and iron partitioning were analysed as well. Cabernet-Sauvignon 338 was the most susceptible variety with severe chlorosis (Chlorophyll = 55 mg/100 g DM) and the highest (1 .55) shoot DM to root DM ratio, while Merlot R 12 was the less susceptible with pale green leaves (Chlorophyll = 260 mg/100 g DM) and the lowest (0.66) shoot DM to root DM ratio and the highest root iron storage.