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…

Wine lees: characterization and valorization by kombucha fermentation

Winemaking generates various types of residues (vine shoots, stalks, pomace, wine lees and filtration cakes) which can have a notable environmental and economic impact. Wine by-products are rich in bioactive compounds and therefore their valorization can be beneficial on different levels.

Experimental vinification of withered grapes of Vitis vinifera “Muscat of Alexandria”

The objective of the present work is to investigate wine produced from dehydrated grapes and vinified according to classical Roman manuals.

METHODS – Locally produced Muscat of Alexandria’s grapes were used for the sweet wine production, grown in the experimental vineyard of Instituto Superior de Agronomia (Lisbon, Portugal). The grapes were harvested manually slightly over-ripe and subjected to greenhouse drying. After 7-10 days dried grapes were transported to an experimental winery for various operations (e.g., grape weighing, sorting, crushing/destemming). Several maceration protocols were used comprising the addition of saltwater and white wine to whole bunches or destemmed grapes. Fermentation was conducted with the addition of commercial yeast. The standard physico-chemical parameters of wines were determined according to the OIV standards.

Nuove tecnologie per la viticoltura in zone di alto valore ambientale

Gli autori presentano gli ultimi risultati delle ricerche dei DIAF sulla meccanizzazione delle operazioni colorali in zone di difficile accesso e transitabilità quali le aree marginali, i terreni terrazzati e altre realtà agricole caratterizzate da spazi estremamente ristretti (vivaismo, orticoltura, ecc.).

Late winter pruning induces a maturity delay under temperature-increased conditions in cv. Merlot from Chile

Chile is considered vulnerable to climate change; and these phenomena affect several mechanisms in the grape physiology and quality. The global temperature increase affects sugar contents, organic acids, and phenolic compounds in grapes, producing an imbalance maturity. In this sense, an alternative to reduce the impact is to perform pruning after vine budburst, known as “Late Pruning” (LP).

Méthodologie pour application et valorisation des études de terroir dans les caves cooperatives des Côtes du Rhône (France)

L’appellation d’origine contrôlée “Côtes du Rhône” se caractérise par une très forte implantation du mouvement coopératif. Afin de mieux exploiter le potentiel qualitatif de leurs terroirs, plusieurs coopératives élaborent des “cuvées terroir”, résultat des sélections de vendanges provenant de différents secteurs.