Characterization of variety-specific changes in bulk stomatal conductance in response to changes in atmospheric demand and drought stress

The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB, Halyomorpha halys Stal) is an invasive pentatomid native to eastern Asia that is spreading rapidly worldwide, notably through human-mediated activities. Globally, it was reported in the USA, Canada, Italy, Hungary, and other European countries. BMSB has a broad host range that includes over 170 plants, many of agricultural importance, including various fruit, vegetables, row crops, and ornamentals. When present in the vineyard, the pest can affect yield and quality by directly feeding on berries resulting in fruit collapse and necrosis. Additional damage occurs when BMSB are carried into the winery within the grape clusters. The presence of BMSB during wine processing can affect juice and wine quality through the release of volatile compounds produced as a stress response. The major secretes compounds are tridecane and trans-2-decenal. Tridecane is an odorless compound and its effect on wine quality is currently unknown. Trans-2-decenal is an unsaturated aldehyde considered to be the main component of BMSB taint with strong green, coriander, and musty-like aromas. Its threshold value in wine was estimated at about 5 µg/L.

During wine conservation in a bottle, the control of oxygen transfer from the outside environment to the wine inside the bottle is a key parameter that determines the wine quality. Many other factors can also influence the evolution of wine during postbottling aging,

Over the next 25 years, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC 2013) predicts a ~20% increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration compared to the current level. Concurrently, temperatures are steadily rising. Grapevines, known for their climate sensitivity, will show changes in phenology, physiological processes and grape compositions in response. Investigating eco-physiological processes provides insights into the response of field-grown grapevines to elevated CO2 conditions. A Free Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment (FACE) facility was established in the Rheingau region of Germany. Two grapevine varieties (Vitis vinifera L., cvs. Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon) were planted, with the VineyardFACE comprising three rings with ambient atmospheric CO2 (approx. 400 – 420 ppm from 2014 to 2023, aCO2) and three rings with elevated CO2 concentration (+20% to ambient; eCO2).

In the context of increasingly hot and dry summers, the adoption of innovative irrigation technologies has become essential for maintaining grape production while minimizing water use.

Valpolicella is a famous Italian wine-producing region. Wines produced in its different sub-regions are believed to be aromatically different, as confirmed by recent studies in our laboratory. Aging is a very common practice in Valpolicella and it is required by the appellation regulation for periods up to four years require wines. The aim of this study was to investigate the evolution, during aging, of volatile chemical composition of Valpolicella wines obtained from grapes harvested in different sub-regions during different vintages.