Cortical photosynthesis as a physiological marker for grape breeding: methods and approaches

Abstract

Photosynthesis occurring in chlorenchymal tissues of lignified branches of perennial plants (cortical photosynthesis) has a significant impact on their productivity and resistance to adverse environmental conditions, such as water deficiency and low temperatures. Cortical photosynthesis occurring under the outer bark of a lignified grape vine can become a convenient marker for breeding freeze-tolerant varieties. The following approaches can be undertaken to assess the functional state of the cortical photosynthetic apparatus: (1) analysis of the variable chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and (2) biochemical analysis of photosynthetic membrane preparations. To evaluate these approaches, in this work we have carried out the comparative analysis of characteristics of the cortical photosynthetic apparatus in grape varieties differing in freeze tolerance. This work was supported by grant №18-04-00079 from the Russian Foundation for Basic Research.