Varieties as well as root stocks influenced the contents of K, S and Cu, while the root stocks alone influenced the Na content. Interaction of variety x rootstock was significant in respect of Cu and P contents. Variation in the petiole nutrient contents could be due to preferential absorption or relative abundance in the root zone. Hence the petiole nutrient contents were normalized in relation to the variation in the corresponding available soil nutrient in order to assess the preferential absorption of the nutrients. Ranking of varieties, root stocks and their combinations in order of their preference for nutrients revealed that root stocks dominated in the preferential absorption of Mg, Na and Zn while scion varieties in the absorption of N, P, K, Fe and Cu. Physiological demand for N, P, K and Fe was highest by 2A clone whereas for Cu by Thompson seedless. Root stocks, in general, reduced the absorption of Mg, Na and Zn. Root stock 110R and Dogridge were most effective in limiting the absorption of sodium respectively by Thompson Seedless and Sonaka. Hence these stocks can be used to minimise the sodium toxicity in sodic soils. Similarly 110R and Dogridge also enhanced the absorption of Fe by 2A clone. Hence, they can be recommended for this variety in soils with high free calcium content to minimise the lime induced iron chlorosis. Absorption of more Cu by Thompson Seedless on 110R and 2A clone on Dogridge suggests to avoid the sprays of copper fungicides to minimize the risk of copper toxicity. Correlative studies indicated that S and Fe requirements were more but Mg requirements less for 2A clone. P and Cu requirements were less for Sonaka. Own roots of any variety studied had poor affinity for P, while the roots of Dogridge had more affinity for S. Non-significant and the negative correlations between the soil and petiole nutrient contents is indicative of the interference in the absorption by relative abundance of antagonistic ions and suggestive of the studies on nutrient interactions. They also suggested a revisit into soil and petiole sampling techniques for tropical viticulture.