Interaction of Abscisic Acid and Environmental Factors on Grapevine Physiology

CAVAGNARO JB; BOTTINI R

Amer J Plant Sci Biotechnol

Global Science Books

Año: 2010 vol. 4

1752-3877

The conspicuous effect that characterizes ABA’s role in plants is the closure of stomata. Based on this physiological characteristic a misconception has emerged considering that ABA is associated only with growth restriction as a way to alleviate the plant from adverse conditions; that is, the closure of stomata restricts water losses but at the same time hampers CO2 diffusion and therefore limits growth through lesser amounts of dry matter accumulation with the subsequent limitation in a leaf’s expansion and lower transpiration. This idea should be carefully considered since ABA has shown to be essential for growth and yield in “normal” non-stressful conditions, and also can stimulate growth and yield under certain stressful situations and in different species, mainly when yield (as a quantitative trait) is associated with quality. In this review we discuss a series of physiological and biochemical interactions between ABA and different environmental stresses in grapevine. Discussion of results obtained by our research groups (and interdisciplinary associates) include action of ABA in relation to water restriction, high temperature, UV-B and PAR radiation, yield increases by stimulation of berry set, regulation of sugar transport, increase in phenolic compounds, and enhancement of sterols associated with membrane stability