Characterizing graft union formation in different scion/rootstock combinations of grapevine 

A good knowledge of the soil physicochemical properties, as well as its ability to retain and put the necessary water available to the plants, is essential when it comes at the design of an irrigation plan.

Rootstocks continue to serve as the first line of defence against phylloxera in viticulture; however, to mitigate the impacts of climate change, future viticulture will require novel, improved rootstock varieties. As conventional rootstock breeding is extremely time-consuming, modern genomics-assisted approaches are urgently needed.

To alter the vineyard microclimate and produce quality wine under a semi-arid climate, black geotextile inter-row mulch (M) was applied for two vintages (2016-2017). The grapes were sampled at three growing stages to conduct the untargeted metabolome and transcriptome analysis. The upregulated genes related to photosynthesis and heat shock proteins confirmed that M weakened the total light exposure and grapes suffered severe heat stress, resulting in lower sugar and higher acids at harvest. The integration of metabolome and transcriptome analysis identified the key genes responsible for the enhancements in phenylalanine, glutamine, ornithine, arginine, and C6 alcohol concentrations, and the downward trend in ε-viniferin, anthocyanins, flavonols, terpenes and norisoprenoids concentrations in M grapes.

Temperature fluctuations and, in general, climatic conditions can significantly affect the chemical composition of grapes and, in turn, the taste and aromas of wine.

Pour son travail de cartographie et de caractérisation des terroirs, la Cellule Terroirs Viticoles utilise la méthode développée par l’Unité Vigne et Vin du Centre INRA d’Angers. Cette méthode reconnue au niveau international est appliquée dans les vignobles du Val de Loire à l’échelle du 1/10 000e et est valorisée par des éditions d’Atlas Viticoles à destination des viticulteurs et des organismes techniques.