2025-11-17 ACS AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2025 5(卷), 11(期), (2226-2239页)
Grape cultivation in arid regions is challenging due to extreme heat and drought. Grafted grapevines on drought-tolerant rootstocks have the potential to mitigate the stress. In the study, five graft combinations with table varieties, Crimson, Flame, and Thompson seedless involving drought-tolerant rootstocks (Ramsey, Paulsen (P1103), and Ritcher (R110)) were established in open-field conditions subjected to 3 irrigation treatments where 100% FC is the control, 75% FC is moderate drought, and 50% FC is severe drought. Amino acid profiling was done by UPLC-PDA, which revealed differential expression patterns that reflect the interaction between the rootstock and scions, especially at 50% FC. V2 (Thompson seedless/Ramsey) and V4 (Crimson seedless/Ramsey) responded with elevated levels of amino acids. The variations in ABA coincide with an increase and/or a decrease in the proline content. The identification of the most drought-tolerant graft combinations and the optimization of irrigation levels supported with amino acid profiling are highly relevant for commercialization of viticulture in arid regions of the UAE.