Exploiting somaclonal variability to increase drought stress tolerance in grapevine 

Powdery mildew, caused by fungal pathogens, poses a significant threat to grapevines in the DOCa Rioja region. In efforts to improve control strategies while reducing reliance on conventional phytosanitary products, ozone could constitute a potential alternative. However, it has short persistence, thus requiring frequent treatments. This study aimed to assess the suitability of ozone as an active substance for controlling powdery mildew within a phytosanitary strategy aimed at reducing conventional phytosanitary product usage. The strategy integrating ozone with conventional products yielded powdery mildew levels comparable to conventional treatments in both disease incidence and severity.

According to winemakers, wine experts and sommeliers, aromas of wet stone, mineral, struck match and flint in white wines styles, such as those produced from Vitis vinifera L. cv. Chardonnay, are considered to be hallmarks of positive reduction.1,2 In recent years, the production of Chardonnay styles defined by aroma characteristics related to positive reduction has become more desirable among wine experts and consumers. The chemical basis of positive reduction is thought to originate from the concentration of specific volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), including methanethiol (MeSH) imparting mineral and chalk notes,3 and benzenemethanethiol (BMT) responsible for struck match and flint.1,4

Climatic changes cause significant variations in the composition of grapes. for red grapes, a mismatch between phenolic and technological ripening is often observed. There is also often a marked increase in pH and a reduction in fixed acids, which affect the stability and evolution of the wine during ageing. These experiments will provide more information on the role of pH during the winemaking of red wines on the extraction and evolution of phenolic compounds.

The SCL laboratory in Bordeaux is one of the two official control laboratories for wine and wine products in france, under the authority of the ministry of finance and two of its general directorates: the DGCCRF (directorate general for competition, consumer affairs and fraud control) and the DGDDI (directorate general of customs and excise duties). In this capacity, it verifies the regulatory compliance of wines and investigates any possible falsifications or fraud. Steviol glycosides are natural sweeteners that are not authorized as additives in wine.

Considering that „prevention requires information”, in 2007, the european education program wine in moderation (wim) started. The common message of responsible and only moderate wine consumption is implemented in each participating country, adapted to national circumstances. In germany, besides recruiting new wim members from the wine sector, the deutsche weinakademie focusses also on information and education of future wine makers and cellar men in professional schools. The seminars cover basic information about the existing legal framework (youth protecting law, drink driving laws, etc.), the self regulation code of conduct for commercial communications (advertising) of alcoholic beverages as well as the health effects of alcoholic beverages, and of wine in particular.