The efficiency of grapevine genotypes in reducing the carbon footprint, assessed through their capacity to assimilate atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Abstract

The progressive increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere contributes to the destabilization of global climatic equilibria, exerting complex influences on the physiological and adaptive processes of cultivated plant species. Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) stands out as a model species for assessing the capacity for biological CO₂ sequestration, due to its significant ecological and economic role, as well as its sensitivity to thermal and hydric variations. To evaluate the capacity for atmospheric carbon dioxide uptake, the light saturation curve method for photosynthesis was employed, using the PTM-48A phytomonitor. The study included grapevine genotypes of intraspecific origin (Vitis vinifera L. ssp. sativa D.C. and ssp. sylvestris Gmel.), Vitis labrusca L., as well as rhizogenic interspecific genotypes obtained through hybridization of Vitis vinifera L. ssp. sativa D.C. × Muscadinia rotundifolia Michx. The experiments were conducted under controlled conditions, and for each analyzed genotype, continuous monitoring of photosynthetic parameters was carried out for a minimum period of 72 hours. This duration was necessary to obtain reproducible and relevant data for determining the CO₂ uptake coefficient. Based on the results of the physiological parameters, it can be concluded that the grapevine genotype Vitis vinifera L. ssp. sylvestris Gmel. exhibits good efficiency under moderate temperatures but is sensitive to thermal stress. Cultivated genotypes belonging to the group Vitis vinifera L. ssp. sativa D.C., such as Feteasca Albă and Feteasca Neagră, show a trade-off between productivity and thermal tolerance, being well adapted to field conditions. Interspecific genotypes Vitis vinifera L. ssp. sativa D.C. × Muscadinia rotundifolia Michx., such as Alexandrina, Ametist, and Augustina, demonstrate the best physiological performance, combining high photosynthetic rates, controlled transpiration, and favorable water use efficiency (WUE). Among these, the interspecific genotype Vitis vinifera L. ssp. sativa D.C. × Muscadinia rotundifolia Michx. ‘Ametist’ stands out as the most promising genotype for cultivation under conditions of elevated temperature and water stress.