terclim by ICS banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Functional characterisation of genetic elements regulating bunch morphology in grapevine

Functional characterisation of genetic elements regulating bunch morphology in grapevine

Abstract

Vitis vinifera L., is considered one of the world’s most important cultivated fruit crops. In agriculture, bunch morphology is a grapevine-specific trait, which directly impacts fruit quality and health.
Bunch size, shape, and compactness are major aspects of bunch morphology, with the degree of compactness emerging as an important trait for grapevine genetic enhancement and vineyard management. The importance of this trait stems from its impact on disease susceptibility, berry ripening, and other grape quality properties. However, current knowledge of the genes controlling it remains limited.
This study aims to identify and characterise genetic elements regulating grapevine bunch formation, while also providing valuable understanding of molecular and cellular regulation of this important process. This will be done by carrying out three planned objectives, summarised as: identification of candidate genes, overexpression of candidates in model plants, and genetically engineering grapevine for selected genes.
Ten candidate genes were identified based on their presence in loci associated with bunch architecture traits, expression patterns during flower development, and sequence homology with genes regulating plant architecture in other species. These genes were cloned into plant expression vectors that were used to transform tomato and Arabidopsis thaliana plants. The research anticipates observing phenotypic evidence in the transformed model plants, which may suggest a potential role in grapevine bunch architecture regulation. The identification and characterisation of genes controlling bunch morphology offer promising avenues for advancing grapevine breeding and cultivation practices, benefiting the viticulture industry and consumers alike, by improving growth, health, and fruit production.

DOI:

Publication date: June 13, 2024

Issue: Open GPB 2024

Type: Poster

Authors

Kerry-Ann Jordaan1*, Manuela Campa1, Luca Nerva2, Johan Burger1, Justin Lashbrooke1

1Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University, P/Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa
2Research Centre for Viticulture and Oenology, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-VE), Via XXVIII Aprile, 31015 Conegliano (TV), Italy

Contact the author*

Keywords

bunch morphology, overexpression, grapevine, compactness, transformation

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Open GPB | Open GPB 2024

Citation

Related articles…

The importance of free trade agreements and non tariffs measures in a context of resurgent retaliatory trade measures against wine

Most of the issues surrounding trade in wine and spirits focus on the fight against non-tariff measures.

Analyse de la perception du terroir et de sa valorisation par les viticulteurs de l’Anjou

An integrated terroir characterization is currently realized in the French northern vineyard: “Anjou”. The concept of Basic Terroir Unit (B.T.U.) and its associated ground model “Rock, Alteration, Alterite” are used in this characterization. This work is coupled to a viticultural survey, based on parcels.

Effect of bleaching with different agents on protein hydrolysate characteristics

High temperatures can reduce the phenolic content of grapes, especially anthocyanins and copigments involved in colour stabilisation of red wines [1]. This could make it difficult to maintain stable colour during storage [2].

Arsenic in berries and its correlation with natural soil content: experience in Trentino (Italy)

l lavoro presenta l’evoluzione dei contenuti di arsenico nelle uve durante lo sviluppo e la maturazione, e la sua distribuzione nell’acino; verifica inoltre la relazione tra i contenuti di As nelle uve

Climate change projections to support the transition to climate-smart viticulture

The Earth’s system is undergoing major changes through a wide range of spatial and temporal scales as a response to growing anthropogenic radiative forcing, which is pushing the whole system far beyond its natural variability. Sources of greenhouse gases largely exceed their sinks, thus leading to a strengthened greenhouse effect. More energy is thereby being supplied to the system, with inevitable shifts in climatic patterns and weather regimes. Over the last decades, these modifications have been manifested in the full statistical distributions of the atmospheric variables, with dramatic changes in the frequency and intensity of extremes. Natural hazards, such as severe droughts, floods, forest fires, or heatwaves, are being triggered by extreme atmospheric events worldwide, thus threatening human activities. Viticultculture is not only exposed to changing climates but is also highly vulnerable, as grapevine phenology and physiological development are strongly controlled by atmospheric conditions. Therefore, the assessment of climate change projections for a given region is critical for climate change adaptation and risk reduction in viticulture. By adopting timely and suitable measures, the future sustainability and resiliency of the sector can be fostered. Climate-grapevine chain modelling is an essential tool for better planning and management. However, the accuracy of the resulting projections is limited by many uncertainties that must be duly taken into account when transferring knowledge to stakeholders and decision-makers. Climate-smart viticulture will comprise ensembles of locally tuned strategies, envisioning both adaptation and mitigation, assisted by emerging technologies and decision-support systems.