Phenology, thermal requirements and maturation of the SR 0.501-17 wine grape hybrid cultivated in contrasting climate

Cyclodextrins are complex cyclic oligosaccharides of glucose units. They are produced from the breakdown of starch by the enzymatic reaction of glucosyltransferase. The result is a ring-shaped molecule with a cavity with a hydrophilic outer part and a hydrophobic inner part. As a consequence of this cavity, cyclodextrin is able to form complexes with non-polar organic molecules [1,2].

In the oenological industry, the maintenance and sanitation of oak barrels has become a fundamental task. The wood has a porous structure that facilitates the penetration not only of the wine, but of the microorganisms it contains, such as the alterative yeast Brettanomyces bruxellensis.

The plant surface typically comprises of various epidermal cell types which synthesise and deposit a protective waxy layer known as the cuticle. The cuticle is a significant contributor to important crop traits related to drought tolerance, biotic stress, postharvest fruit quality as well as providing structural support. In this work we have investigated grape berry cuticle formation in the context of the accumulation of anti-fungal specialised metabolites and the ability of the cuticle to structurally cope with the rapid expansion of ripening berries. Metabolic QTL analysis was performed in a grapevine cross population, using chemical profiling data collected via GC-MS analysis for cuticular waxes.

Grapevine leaves are known to contain different polyphenols such as flavonols, catechins and stilbenes, which are known to act as main contributors for plant defense against pathogens (1). While the composition for some major cultivars has been studied, there is lack of systematic comparison about the content of these compounds in the wide ecodiversity of Vitis vinifera cv. Recent advances in Mass Spectrometry-based Metabolomics allow a wider and more sensitive description of these polyphenols, as instance of those present in leaves (2). Such information could help to better explain leaf traits regarding the development of the leaf or to the plant tolerance to a pathogen. Moreover, these compounds offer appealing applications for human health due to their antioxidant activities.

The under-trellis zone of vineyards is a sensitive area through which vines cover a significant portion of their nutrient and water needs. Mechanical and chemical methods are applied to suppress competing and tall-growing weeds to ensure optimal vine growth conditions. In addition to higher operating costs and depending on the soil conditions, these practices might lead to a long-term reduction in soil fertility and biodiversity. The presented study aims to analyse the suitability and interspecies competition of a selected green cover mixture of five local herbaceous species as potential green cover mixture in the under-trellis area of Lower Austrian vineyards.