Simulated climate change conditions triggers antioxidant and photosynthetic capacity in grapevine rootstocks

The IPCC report predicts a gradual rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration and expected to reach 700 ppm by end of this century. Climate change mediated elevated temperatures induces plant water stress, particularly in arid regions, affecting crop production. In this study, grapevine rootstocks, Paulsen and Ruggeri, were used for grafting table varieties grape to explore commercialization in UAE, after exposing to simulated temperatures and CO 2 concentrations. Root stocks exposed to control and elevated CO 2 (600 ppm) and temperature (40°C) for 3-h duration. The Paulsen variety showed low antioxidant enzyme activity compared to the RU 140 and expressed relatively high free radical scavenging activity. Higher superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase enzyme activity were recorded under elevated CO 2 and temperature environment. Elevated CO 2 , enhanced glutathione reductase, peroxidase and redox status in both species. Elevated CO 2 increased lipid peroxidation but had no effect on protein oxidation, and limited impact on antioxidant capacity. RU 140 exhibited better adaptation to intracellular CO 2 levels and stomatal conductance under the simulated climatic factors. The leaf water potential in Paulsen was significantly lower than Ru 140 during exposure and during the restoration phase both the rootstocks recovered to normal level. In terms of mimicked climate change, both the rootstocks exhibited combative mechanisms.