Abstract Background and goals Grapevine rootstocks significantly influence scion vigor, yield, and fruit quality, making their appropriate selection vital for vineyard management. This study introduces two indices, the Rootstock Efficiency Index (REI) and Rootstock Stability Index (RSI), to assess rootstock performance based on scion vigor, yield, fruit quality, and vine balance. Methods and key findings Sixteen years of data from Moscato bianco vines grafted onto 10 different rootstocks in Piedmont (Italy) were examined; metrics included yield, pruning weight, vine balance, fruit quality, and disease incidence. Significant rootstock effects were observed for yield, pruning weight, total soluble solids, and titratable acidity, while disease susceptibility was similar. Rootstock 420A had lower yield, organic acids, and pruning weight, while 157-11 had a higher Ravaz index, indicating greater efficiency but more environmental sensitivity. More stable rootstocks such as SO4 and 41B had lower cumulative yield than variable rootstocks like Du Lot and 1103P, suggesting a tradeoff between stability and productivity. Conclusions and significance These results highlight the value of REI and RSI for rootstock selection. Because target levels for sugar accumulation, organic acids, and vine balance vary by cultivar and region, the indices use flexible weighting and normalization to account for local conditions. REI and RSI offer a standardized yet adaptable framework to benchmark performance against local expectations while supporting broader comparisons. As multiseason, multisite data accumulate, benchmarks can be refined to provide actionable guidance to improve vineyard efficiency, sustainability, and resilience across diverse environments.
Kita et al. (Wed,) studied this question.
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