Biostimulant-induced drought tolerance in grapevine is associated with physiological and biochemical changes

Background In this research, the effects of exogenous application of certain biostimulants [amino acid (AA), humic acid (HA), fulvic acid (FA), and seaweed extract (SE)] on the fruit yield and quality, leaf mineral contents, and some critical physio-chemical characteristics of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cv. 'Yaghouti' were investigated under well-watered (WW) and drought-stressed (DS) conditions. Results Drought stress caused a remarkable reduction in the weight of 20 berries and fruit yield, and meanwhile a marked increase in the titratable acidity (TA) and total soluble solid (TSS) content of fruits. Application of biostimulants, especially SE, enhanced the weight of 20 berries, fruit yield, and TSS content, and decreased TA in fruits of DS vines. Although drought stress had a negative effect on the chlorophyll content of grapevine, this effect was alleviated by the application of biostimulants, especially SE. Moreover, drought stress made the accumulation of abscisic acid (ABA), proline, total phenol, and soluble carbohydrates, the level of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as the activity of guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and catalase (CAT) enzymes increased in leaves. Application of biostimulants, especially SE, further increased the accumulation of ABA, proline, total phenol, and soluble carbohydrates and the activity of the antioxidant enzymes, but reduced the level of MDA and H2O2 in DS vines. Under drought stress conditions, concentrations of N, P, and K increased, and concentrations of Fe and Zn decreased; however, DS grapevines treated with biostimulants and especially SE accumulated a higher level of these mineral nutrients than CON vines. Conclusion In sum, as evidenced by the study results, biostimulants have a high potential for promoting fruit yield and quality of grapevine in drought-prone regions.