CarViTrans
Study on the factors affecting stomatal closure and vigor control under elevated CO2 levels to adapt crops to climate change. to adapt crops to climate change
The grapevine(Vitis vinifera) is one of the most important crops in Spain. Although currently most of its planted area is rainfed, the transition to irrigation is advancing rapidly. One of the reasons for this transition is the progression of climate change, which is reducing the amount of precipitation during the growing season and increasing crop evapotranspiration, mainly through higher temperatures.
The control of stomatal responses in response to light or water stress has been extensively studied and the role of abscisic acid (ABA) metabolism has been elucidated. However, there are certain conditions (viral infection, phloem disturbance and elevated CO2) that are much less studied and capable of suppressing stomatal conductance and transpiration. We hypothesize that different regulatory factors are involved in induced stomatal closure. Furthermore, we propose that lower vigor genotypes (rootstocks) under elevated CO2 levels will have similar oenological potential as higher vigor genotypes under ambient conditions, while consuming less water.
CarViTrans has a strong multidisciplinary character(sensors, state-of-the-art chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and RNAseq) and has direct applications for industry and society (grafting vines and water saving). The proposal also addresses novel experiments that have not been carried out before (rootstock in interaction with CO2/temperature).
Objective
Open a pathway for a next generation of rootstocks more capable of making rainfed agriculture sustainable by exploiting the positive effects on water use efficiency of elevated CO2.
Methodology
EXPERIMENT 1
With vegetative cuttings of 'Garnacha' subjected to stomatal closure inducing factors such as water stress, darkness, osmotic stress, exogenous ABA, grapevine leaf roll virus, banding, and CO2 acclimation under controlled conditions. Physiological response, hormone content and differential Genetics expression will be analyzed by RNAseq.
EXPERIMENT 2
With a duration of two years. Garnacha` plants from 2 to 4 years old grafted on 4 rootstocks of different vigor (420A, Fercal, 110R and 140Ru) will be exposed to high levels of CO2 and high temperature (only the second year). Physiological response, water consumption and hormones (including cytokinins) in leaves and/or shoot tips will be determined. Oenological potential will be assessed by berry sampling for must Chemistry , grape skin flavonoids and vinification.
Principal investigator
Team researcher
The Task Force
Duration:
01/12/2024 - 30/11/2027
Funding:
119,000 € (148,000 € adding indirect costs) | Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities ( knowledge Generation Projects)
Location:
School of Sciences, University of Navarra
core topic
WHY IS THIS project NECESSARY?
Rainfed agricultural production of summer crops is at risk in Spain due to lack of water. We need to preserve the viability of rainfed crops such as vines for their low environmental impact, and for their great sociocultural and touristic value. programs of study such as this one can guide us to achieve sustainable production systems under climate change conditions.
WHAT SOLUTIONS IS THE CARVITRANS project STUDYING?
The factors that modulate crop water savings under high CO2 are unknown. In large part this is because plant water savings under CO2 translate into vigor increases. In grapevine, vigor is largely modulated by rootstock selection. This is the first research on how rootstocks of grapevine plants affect acclimatization of this crop to high CO2.
how does this project affect society?
Agricultural water use has important implications for many sectors of society and the environment. Agriculture, unsurprisingly, uses much of the water extracted from rivers and aquifers and the pressure on this resource is increasing with climate change. Therefore, to ensure its sustainability, it is vital to improve crop water use efficiency.
Funding Entity
