A study by CEAF shows that the interaction between root system and variety determines how trees cope with water stress, opening up new strategies for fruit growing under extreme drought conditions.
A study conducted by the director of the Center for Advanced Studies in Fruit Growing (CEAF), Dr. Guillermo Toro, together with researchers Paula Pimentel and Ariel Salvatierra, demonstrated that the combination of rootstock and scion can modulate drought tolerance in sweet cherry trees.
The research was published in the scientific article "Trade-off between hydraulic sensitivity, root hydraulic conductivity, and water-use efficiency in grafted Prunus under water deficit conditions", which analyzes how different combinations influence water-use efficiency and tree survival under water stress.
Chile, the main fruit exporter in the Southern Hemisphere, is currently experiencing a reduction in rainfall ranging from 55% to 75% in its central region. In this context of severe drought, CEAF researchers have shown that the interaction between scion and rootstock is crucial for the plant’s hydraulic response.
Dr. Guillermo Toro explains that "given the uncertainty in water availability, it is no longer sufficient to choose based on vigor or variety. It is essential to select specific rootstock–variety combinations that maintain water-use efficiency under water stress conditions."
To evaluate these responses, the team subjected different Prunus combinations to a progressive substrate drying process over 36 days, until reaching the permanent wilting point.
Measurements were carried out using the Fraction of Transpirable Soil Water (FTSW), through daily pot weighing (gravimetric method) to identify the exact moment when transpiration begins to decline.
• Root hydraulic conductivity: using a High-Pressure Flow Meter (HPFM), the capacity of roots to transport water was assessed. Results indicate that the rootstock regulates stomatal opening through hydraulic resistance, limiting flow before vascular failure occurs.
• Biochemical sugar analysis: using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), it was found that the most tolerant combinations increase sorbitol content in leaves and roots. This compound acts as an osmoprotectant, allowing the plant to retain water and maintain its functions under stress conditions.
Two strategies to cope with drought
According to Toro, this knowledge changes the way we understand irrigation: it is not only about how much water is in the soil, but also how each plant absorbs, transports, and regulates it."
From this perspective, he warns that not all combinations should be treated in the same way, as each presents different response thresholds to water stress, reinforcing the need for more precise agriculture, where irrigation is adapted to crop physiology.
The study concludes that the success of cherry orchards under climate change scenarios depends not only on the variety, but also on the strategic selection of the rootstock, capable of optimizing water-use efficiency through proper hydraulic connection between root and stem.
The future of orchards must be based on physiology and adaptation, not only on tradition or commercial availability," the researcher concludes.
Source: Ecociencias Journal
Image source: Stefano Lugli
17 Aug 2026
Winter cherry tree pruning regulates crop load, renews fruiting wood and improves fruit size and quality. Key techniques include bud fertility assessment, branch renewal, training system management and pruning-cut protection to maintain productive, balanced and healthy trees.
26 Jun 2024
The grower responsible for this cherry is Yoshimi Kanehira, a 76-year-old farmer from the city of Tendo. This cherry, of category 5L, has a diameter between 34 and 37 millimeters and was presented in a refined box made of Paulownia wood, a material used for luxury finishes.
05 Nov 2026
Argentina’s cherry season is expected to start 5 to 15 days late. If weather conditions are favorable, exports could approach 8,500 tonnes, with annual growth forecast at 10%. The first shipments to international markets are expected between late October and early November.
05 Nov 2026
Moldova and Uzbekistan show different paths for cherry exports. Moldova expanded markets and increased revenues after 2022, while Uzbekistan concentrated sales in Russia. Ukraine’s experience highlights why investment and market diversification matter for competitiveness.
