terclim by ICS banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Characterization of berry softening and sugar accumulation dynamics in a slow-ripening genotype and its response to abscisic acid treatments

Characterization of berry softening and sugar accumulation dynamics in a slow-ripening genotype and its response to abscisic acid treatments

Abstract

In the current viticultural context, global warming leads to advanced and possibly accelerated ripening which can alter the balance among desirable grape quality traits sought for winemaking. Evaluation of genetic material that displays delayed and/or slower ripening could uncover a potential “slow ripening” trait for incorporation into commercial varieties through breeding. In this study, we evaluated a white-fruited selection discovered in the Grape Breeding and Genetics program at E. & J. Gallo Winery that displayed an unusual ripening pattern compared to standard varieties. Vines of the slow-ripening selection did not differ in their visual appearance, water status or gas exchange characteristics compared to vines of its normal-ripening sibling. Sugar accumulation, berry growth and berry firmness were monitored weekly during ripening for two consecutive years to characterize differences in fruit maturation rate between the selections. Compared to the normal-ripening selection, the slow-ripening selection exhibited a 30-day delay in the onset of ripening and required longer to complete veraison, resulting in an extended lag phase. This was confirmed by berry firmness measurements, which revealed that berry softening was delayed and occurred at a reduced rate in the slow ripening selection. Exogenous abscisic acid treatments partially restored normal rates of ripening, but timing and dosage effects were observed. In this attempt to explore the slow ripening trait of grapes we discovered a possible imbalance in the hormone pool thought responsible for the onset of ripening. Further investigations are required to fully characterize and quantify this trait.

DOI:

Publication date: June 13, 2024

Issue: Open GPB 2024

Type: Article

Authors

Pietro Previtali1*, Kenneth Shackel2, Peter Cousins1, Nick Dokoozlian1

1 Winegrowing Research, E. & J. Gallo Winery, Modesto, 95354 CA
2 Department of Plant Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, 95616 CA

Contact the author*

Keywords

berry softening, climate change, slow ripening, sugar accumulation, veraison

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Open GPB | Open GPB 2024

Citation

Related articles…

Essai de maîtrise optimisée de la vigueur de deux clones de chenin sur schistes verts du carbonifère en zone A.O.C. Coteaux du Layon

Les buts principaux de cet essai, sont la mise en évidence des effets traitement agroviticole et millésime, par une recherche de liens entre les données vendanges et sensorielles des vins issus.

Producer organisations at the service of the favourable chain of values to winegrowers and winemakers: the example of France

French law and European Union law recognise the existence of interprofessional organisations that bring together all the links in the wine industry.

Volatile Organic Compound markers of Botrytis cinerea infection in artificially inoculated intact grape berries

The addition of partially dehydrated grapes to enrich must composition for producing complex dry/sweet wines represents a traditional practice in several regions of the world. However, the environmental conditions of dehydration chambers may facilitate the infection of Botrytis cinerea Pers. by promoting disease and provoking large grape losses. B. cinerea attack can induce alterations in the profile of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which could be detected by sensors specifically trained to detect infection/disease-related compounds. These sensors could facilitate the early detection of the infection, consequently allowing to adjust some dehydration parameters.

Occurrence of methyl salicylate in lugana wines: aroma impact and biogenesis 

AIM Methyl salicylate (MeSA) has been reported as a potentially impactful compound in Verdicchio wines produced in central Italy. Lugana is another white wine produced in the north-east of Italy from a grape locally known as Trebbiano di Soave, sharing a very similar genetic background with Verdicchio. The aims of this study were evaluating MeSA occurrence in Lugana, assessing its aroma impact on white wines aroma and elucidating its biogenesis during vinification. METHODS Fifteen Lugana wines were analysed for methyl salycilate content in comparison with Verdicchio, Pinot grigio and Garganega wines. MeSA impact on white wine aroma was studied by means of triangular test, adding MeSA at different concentrations. Possible routes of MeSA formation by yeast were investigated by means of a high throughput assay in which S. cerevisiae cells were put in contact with precursor such as salicylic acid (esterification) or glycosidic extracts (glycosidase). Sub-fractions of Lugana glycosidic extracts were also obtained by HPLC fractionation, allowing further evaluation of precursors role.

Perception, liking and emotional response of tropical fruit aromas in Chardonnay wines

Tropical fruit aromas in wines are thought to be important to wine consumers, although there is little research to confirm this statement. With so many wine styles available, it has become important to understand the qualities that are desirable to consumers and how to achieve those qualities. Thiols and esters are compounds that have been found to cause tropical fruit aromas in chardonnay (ref). Fermentation temperature gradients and skin contact were found to increase these compounds using micro scale fermentations. This work aimed to scale up these fermentations/operations to determine if the desired tropical fruit aromas could still be achieved and if there is a perceivable difference in tropical fruit aromas, liking, and emotional response in the wines at the consumer level.