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.

Download the abstract

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…

Free and bound terpene profile of recovered minority white grape varieties by GC × GC-TOFMS

Climate change presents a significant challenge for actual viticulture. In this context, recovering minority grape varieties can be a crucial strategy to ensure resilience, particularly those capable of maintaining quality and aromatic complexity under water stress.

Read More

Screening of soil yeasts with fermentative capacity from the antarctic continent for their application in the wine industry

AIM: In the last years, many wineries are increasing experimentation to produce more distinguishable beverages. In this sense, the reduction of the fermentation temperature could be a useful tool because it preserves volatile compounds and prevents wines from browning, particularly in the case of white wines.

Read More

Unleashing the power of artificial intelligence for viticulture and oenology on earth and space

Implementing artificial intelligence (AI) in viticulture and enology is a rapidly growing field of research with an essential number of potential practical applications.

Read More

Investigation on Valbelluna area and its oenological potentiality: case study on Prosecco DOC

Valbelluna valley is an area located in the northeastern Italy. It is extended from the East-West between Feltre and Belluno, along the Piave waterway and enclosed between Cansiglio valley on the South and the Dolomites in the North. Here, the villages of Limana and Trichiana are present, which are considered for decades potentially interesting areas to aim a niche production with own particular properties.The position of this area, its sun exposition, its soil composition and the microclimate, are ideal factors to obtain vines and consequently wines with unique features especially regarding the diversity and complexity aroma.

Read More

First results on the chemical composition of red wines from the pressing of marc

In the Bordeaux vineyards, press wine represents approximately 15% of the total volume of wine produced[1]. Valuing this large volume of wine is necessary from an economic point of view, but also because of their organoleptic contribution to the blend, and their contribution to the construction of wines for laying down. Therefore, this study was developed considering the lack of recent scientific knowledge on the composition of red press wines. The aim of this study is to establish an initial assessment of their chemical composition including aromatic compounds and a phenolic part.

Read More