terclim by ICS banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 International Congress on Grapevine and Wine Sciences 9 2ICGWS-2023 9 Identification of loci associated with specialised metabolites in Vitis vinifera

Identification of loci associated with specialised metabolites in Vitis vinifera

Abstract

Secondary (or specialised) metabolites such as terpenes and phenolic compounds are produced by plants for various roles which include defence against pathogens and herbivores, protection against abiotic stress, and plant signalling. Additionally, these metabolites influence grapevine quality traits such as colour, aroma, taste, and nutritional value. However, the biosynthesis of these metabolites is often complex and controlled by multiple genes which in grapevine are predominantly uncharacterised. This study therefore aimed to identify novel loci associated with grapevine volatile organic and phenolic compounds. Chemical analysis of these compound classes was performed via GC-MS and UPLC analysis in a grapevine mapping population, and the quantified metabolites used for quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis.  Several significant QTLs associated with terpenes and phenolic compounds were identified, and the underlying genomic regions were investigated. For phenolic compounds, a novel locus associated with caftaric acid biosynthesis was identified, and a hydroxycinnamoyltransferase (VvHCT) was investigated as a candidate gene. Several terpene synthases (VvTPSs) co-localised with QTLs associated with monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Notably, loci on chromosomes 12 and 13 were shown to be associated with geraniol and cyclic monoterpene accumulation, respectively. The locus on chromosome 12 was shown to contain a geraniol synthase gene (VvGer), while the locus on chromosome 13 contained an a-terpineol synthase gene (VvTer). Further molecular and genomic investigation of VvGer and VvTer found that these genes appear in tandemly duplicated clusters, with high levels of hemizygosity which was further supported by genomic data from recently published diploid grapevine genomes. Interestingly, copy number analysis demonstrated that VvTer gene copy number correlated with both VvTerexpression and the accumulation of cyclic monoterpenes, highlighting the impact of VvTPS gene duplication and copy number variation on terpene accumulation in grapevine.

DOI:

Publication date: October 3, 2023

Issue: ICGWS 2023

Type: Article

Authors

Robin Bosman*1 and Justin Graham Lashbrooke2

1South African Grape and Wine Research Institute, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
2 Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.

Contact the author*

Keywords

terpenes, TPS, grapevine, gene copy number, genomics, QTL, phenolics

Tags

2ICGWS | ICGWS | ICGWS 2023 | IVES Conference Series

Citation

Related articles…

Limiting magnesium availability: a novel approach to managing brettanomyces spoilage in winemaking

Brettanomyces is a world-renowned yeast that negatively impacts the chemical composition of wines through the production of metabolites that negatively impact the sensory properties of the final product. Its resilience in wine conditions and ability to produce off-flavors make it a challenge for winemakers. Currently, the primary control technique involves adding sulfur dioxide (SO2); however, some Brettanomyces strains are developing resistance to this preservative agent. [1] Therefore, new management strategies are necessary to control this spoilage yeast.

Read More

Rootstock regulation of scion phenotypes: the relationship between rootstock parentage and petiole mineral concentration

Rootstocks not only provide tolerance to Phylloxera, but also ensure the supply of water and mineral nutrients to the whole plant. Rootstocks are an important way of adapting to environmental conditions while conserving the typical features of scion varieties. We can exploit the large diversity of rootstocks used worldwide to aid this adaptation. The aim of this study was to characterise rootstock regulation of scion mineral status and its relation with scion development.

Read More

Acceptability of canned wines: effect of the level of involvement of consumers and type of wine

In recent years there has been a growing demand for alternative packaging designs in the food industry focused on diminishing the carbon footprint. Despite the environmental advantages of cans versus bottles, the traditional environment of wine has hindered the establishment of less contaminant containers. In this context, the objective of this study was to understand and generate knowledge about consumers´ perception of canned wines in comparison to bottled wines.

Read More

Possible methods of adaptation to the effects of climate change in the Tokaj Wine Region 

Viticulture’s adaptation to the harmful effects of climate change is globally the biggest challenge of the near future. Short, extremely intensive rainfalls and longer periods of drought are getting more frequent in the Tokaj Wine Region, where the majority of the vineyards are cultivated on steep slopes. Hence, erosion has high risk, especially when combined with the loess-based soils on about ten percent of the region. The environmentally beneficial cover crop and mulch usage can effectively reduce the risk of erosion, according to research done by the Tokaj Wine Region Research Institute of Viticulture and Oenology.

Read More

Using climate services to project grapevine varietal adequation under climate change – application to cv. Tempranillo in the Douro wine region

Vine growth circumstances are becoming warmer and drier because of climate change. Higher temperatures advance ripening to a point in the season less conducive to the production of fine wine, while drought reduces yields (Van Leeuwen et al., 2019). Several wine-producing regions around the world have already recognized threats to their viticultural viability (Santos et al., 2020). An economical and cost-effective strategy for adaptation is the employment of late-ripening, drought-resistant plant material (varieties, clones, and rootstocks).

Read More