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…

An effective approach to mitigating ochratoxin A (OTA) levels in wine with minor impact on wine quality

OTA occurrence in wine is well-documented, with higher levels typically found in red (< 0.01-7.63 μg/l), followed by rose (0.01-2.40 μg/l) and white wine (<0.01-1.72 μg/l). Incidence rates are nOTAble, with studies showing OTA present in 53% of 521 red wines, 69% of 98 rose, and 61% of 301 white wines analysed. In europe, wine is estimated to be the second source of OTA intake after cereals. Since 2006, the maximum allowable limit for OTA in wine is 2 μg/l, according to regulation (ec) no. 1881/2006.

Direct-injection HPLC for simultaneous determination of individual and total polyphenols in red wines: validation of the method

Polyphenols are very important compounds of red wines, serving as essential bioactive components and playing an important role in sensory properties. The determination of individual phenolic compounds in red wine is commonly performed by HPLC analysis, while the total polyphenols are quantified by spectrophotometric methods, usually by the method of absorbance at 280 nm (index of ribéreau-gayon) or the method of index of folin-ciocalteu. In this work, we pioneeringly proposed a new and fast method for simultaneous determination of individual and total polyphenols in red wines by direct-injection HPLC without sample preparation.

Physiological means to curb the enthusiasm of viruses from infecting grapevines  

The two most deadly viruses infecting and threatening the productivity of grapevines worldwide are leafroll and red blotch viruses. There is no cure for viral diseases other than roguing the symptomatic vines and replacing them with certified vines derived from clean, virus-tested stocks.
Given that phloem plays a central role in virus infection, this study aimed to purge the virus by girdling the phloem of leafroll-infected vines at different phenological stages of infected grapevines. Phloem-girdling was performed on canes at veraison to varying regions between the proximal and distal clusters.

MOVING FROM SULFITES TO BIOPROTECTION: WHICH IMPACT ON CHARDONNAY WINE?

Over the last few years, several tools have been developed to reduce the quantity of sulfites used during winemaking, including bioprotection. Although its effectiveness in preventing the development of spoilage microorganisms has been proven, few data are available on the impact of sulfite substitution by bioprotection on the final product. The objective of this study was therefore to characterize Chardonnay wines with the addition of sulfite or bioprotection in the pre-fermentation stage. The effects of both treatments on resulting matrices was evaluated at several scales: analysis of classical oenological parameters, antioxidant capacity, phenolic compounds, non-volatile metabolome and sensory profile.

Ultrastructural and chemical analysis of berry skin from two Champagne grapes varieties and in relation to Botrytis cinerea susceptibility

Botrytis cinerea is a necrotrophic pathogen that causes one of the most serious diseases of the grapevine (Vitis vinifera), grey mold or Botrytis bunch rot. In Champagne, the Botrytis cinerea disease leads to considerable economic losses for winemakers and wines exhibit organoleptic defaults.