Selecting an appropriate rootstock for a specific scion cultivar is an efficient way to improve both yield and berry quality in viticulture. This study aimed to provide practical guidance for rootstock selection in the cultivation of the table grape cultivar ‘Fengguang’. The mature scions of this cultivar were grafted onto hardwood cuttings of eight different resistant rootstocks, which included 101-14M, 110R, 188-08, 3309C, 5BB, 5C, SO4, and Beta, with the own-rooted vines as control. Graft compatibility, growth vigor, yield performance, and fruit quality were compared and analyzed among the different grafting combinations. The results suggested that vines on 101-14M, 5BB, and Beta obtained higher germination rates of scions, better healing rates of the mating interface, and greater generation rates of root callus. Among these, vines on 5BB exhibited the largest scion trunk cross-sectional diameter. Furthermore, SO4 demonstrated the most significant improvement in yield, with an average increase of 13.54% compared to the control. Regarding berry quality, 101-14M significantly enhanced berry mass, pressure resistance, and flesh firmness relative to the controls, with average improvements of 7.67%, 11.34%, and 29.86%, respectively. Based on a comprehensive evaluation of yield and fruit quality indicators, 101-14M gained the highest value. In conclusion, 101-14M is preferentially recommended for grafting cultivation of ‘Fengguang’ vines. These findings could provide practical guidance for the cultivation of table grape cultivars.

Protected cultivation ensures stable conditions for premium table grape production but involves high initial costs. A double-cropping system enabling a delayed secondary harvest within a single season may increase yield and accelerate cost recovery, yet the characteristics of the secondary harvest remain poorly understood. In the paper, we compared the fruit quality of FH (first harvest) and SH (second harvest) of the early-ripening cultivar ‘Chunguang’ produced in northern China. The results showed that the SH contributed to a 23.9% increase in total yield. SH berries were smaller, with a mean weight of 6.7 g, and exhibited darker skins, higher anthocyanin content (11 mg g⁻¹ fresh skin), higher seed number, higher accumulated sugar components, and 4.55 mg L⁻¹ of titratable acids. This study provides the first evidence that a secondary harvesting system under protected cultivation can simultaneously enhance yield and fruit quality in northern grape-growing regions.

Grafting is a crucial strategy for improving stress resistance and fruit quality in grape production. However, our understanding of the specific roles of rootstocks in graft establishment, vine growth, and nutrient acquisition remains limited. This study evaluated the relevant traits of three worldwide wine grape cultivars grafted onto eight rootstocks, aiming to clarify the inherent characteristics of individual rootstocks and provide insights for their better understanding and utilization. The rootstock showed significant effects on petiole mineral levels with consistent patterns, even across developmental stages and years. For example, 5BB consistently accumulated Ca at all stages, while Beta demonstrated strong Mn uptake. Additionally, 101-14M and 110R specifically enriched B at the flowering stage. The scion showed a great influence on post-graft growth and mineral absorption. Specifically, ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ (CS) exhibited superior performance in macronutrient accumulation, whereas ‘Petit Verdot’ (PV) showed distinct advantages in micronutrient. From flowering to veraison, the dominant mineral profile shifted from N, P, and B to Ca, Mg, and Cu, with the scion’s influence becoming evident at veraison. These findings enhance our understanding of rootstocks and provide a reference for their utilization.