Insights into chestnut (Castanea spp.) graft incompatibility through the monitoring of chemical and physiological parameters.

Abstract

Main conclusion: Incompatible chestnut grafts exhibited a notably reduced stomatal conductance, mirroring the trend observed for leaf chlorophyll content. Woody tissues at the graft interface of these combinations showed a significantly higher total phenolic content, especially in the internal layers. In recent years, significant efforts have been made to study the mechanisms of graft incompatibility in horticultural species, though research on minor species like chestnut remains limited. This study investigated the physiological and chemical dynamics in various chestnut grafts, aiming to develop a method for the early detection of graft incompatibility. The total phenolic content (TPC) and specific phenolic markers were analyzed at two phenological stages, callusing (CAL) and end of the vegetative cycle (EVC), using spectrophotometric and chromatographic techniques. These analyses were performed on three sections comprising the graft. Stomatal conductance (G_sw) and leaf chlorophyll content were assessed during the growing season as support tools, being non-destructive useful indicators of plant water status. Significant differences in the physiological traits among compatible and incompatible grafting combinations were evident and remained stable throughout the season. Compatible combinations consistently displayed greater leaf chlorophyll content and higher stomatal conductance, highlighting their superior physiological performance. TPC increased significantly from the CAL to EVC stage across all experimental grafting combinations and in all three analyzed sections. Greater phenol accumulation was observed at the graft union of incompatible combinations, particularly in the inner woody tissues. The phytochemical fingerprint revealed castalagin as the dominant compound, with significant increases in benzoic acids, catechins, and tannins during the growing season. However, the role of gallic acid and catechin as markers of graft incompatibility remains uncertain. The multidisciplinary approach provided valuable insights into the issue of graft incompatibility.