Radiation-associated effects on regulated deficit irrigation management in grapevine cv. Cabernet Sauvignon

Red grape pomace, a waste from wine production, can be valorised by extracting polyphenols, high-added value compounds used in cosmetics or oenology. For use at an industrial level, using green extraction techniques, pomace need to be stored before being processed. The aim of this study is to test various storage conditions in order to maintain high level of polyphenols over 180 days, while keeping storage cost economically interesting. In a first step, different storage conditions (ambient temperature or cooled (4°C) temperature, anaerobic (saturation with N2) or aerobic conditions, and addition of sulphur dioxide (SO2)) were compared on small samples (1 kg) packed in plastic pockets. The quality of storage was assessed by following the optical density of the pomace extract at 280 nm (DO 280 expressed as mg/l eq gallic acid), which is an indication of the amount of remaining extractable polyphenols.

The tartaric salts precipitation is one of the main issues regarding wine instability 1. In addition to the well-known and deeply studied phenomena of potassium hydrogentartrate precipitation (KHT), the last decade has been increased the phenomena of calcium tartrate (CaT) precipitation, that is a concern for the wine industry 2.

Yield is an agronomic trait that is critical to the sustained success and profitability of the wine industry. In the context of global warming, overall yield tends to decrease. Rootstock has been identified as a relevant lever for adaptation to changing environmental conditions. The aims of this study are; i) to finely identify the components of the yield influenced by rootstock; ii) to characterise the rootstock × scion interaction; iii) to understand the trade-off between vigour and yield.

The key points of the current GiESCO charter ‘BIO‐MetaEthics’ are exposed. The new development in cooperation with Giovanni Cargnello is to apply the principles and the content into the practice by establishing a direct contract with producers and other actors of the wine sector. An evaluation sheet is proposed and tested in a new advanced vineyard. For illustrating the methodology of evaluation, the example of the choice of the training systems is detailed on a wide range of situations. 

One of the major threats to viticulture is represented by fungal pathogens. Plasmopara viticola, an oomycete causing grapevine downy mildew, is one of the principal causes of grape production losses. The most efficient management strategies are represented by a combination of agronomical practices, fungicides’ applications, and use of resistant varieties. Plant resistance is conferred by the presence of resistance (R) genes. Opposed to them, susceptibility (S) genes are encoded by plants and exploited by pathogens to promote infection. Loss or mutation of S genes can limit the ability of pathogens to infect the host. By exploiting post-transcriptional gene silencing, known as RNA intereference (RNAi), it is possible to knock-down the expression of S genes, promoting plant resistance.