Grapevine growth and physiological responses to iron deficiency

Iron (Fe) deficiency is one of the major abiotic stresses affecting fruit tree crops growing in calcareous soils in the Mediterranean region. A better understanding of changes in the growth and physiological characteristics of grapevine plants during the development of Fe deficiency will help to improve Fe fertilizer management recommendations. An experiment was conducted in field conditions to determine the effects of Fe deficiency during vegetative growth on leaf photosynthesis, dry matter accumulation, pigments, and other physiological parameters. Iron deficiency considerably decreased leaf net photosynthetic rate, leaf area, and dry matter accumulation. Depressed photosynthesis and plant growth resulted in increased fruit abscission and changes in dry matter among plant tissues. The results help explain the effects of Fe deficiency on suppression of grapevine growth and yield and provide information for improving the diagnosis of Fe deficiency in grapevine production.