A DNA-free editing approach to help viticulture sustainability: dual editing of DMR6-1 and DMR6-2 enhances resistance to downy mildew 

DNA-binding proteins play a pivotal role in critical cellular processes such as DNA replication, transcription, recombination, repair, and other essential activities. Consequently, investigating the interactions between DNA and proteins is of paramount importance to gain insights into these fundamental cellular mechanisms. Several methodologies have been devised to uncover DNA-protein interactions, which can be broadly categorized into two approaches. The “protein-centered” approach focuses on identifying the DNA sequences bound by a specific transcription factor or a set of TFs. Techniques falling within this category include chromatin immunoprecipitation, and protein-binding microarrays.

Natural factors such as the environment in which the vine is grown play an important role in the quality of the wine. If you want to produce a good wine, it is indeed essential to produce quality grapes. To do this, we must enhance and optimize the terroir effect which, for the moment, plays a role that is not very well known. It is therefore essential, for example, to have scientifically established and well quantifiable relationships in order to have the system of areas of controlled origin accepted. R. Morlat (1989) and G. Seguin (1970) have already carried out studies on the role of certain soil factors on grape quality. In particular, they showed the importance of soil temperature and water content.

The use of new technologies such as microwaves (MW) arose in recent years as an efficient alternative to reduce the use of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and as a method for improving wines in terms of color and aroma [1, 2]. MW (non-ionizing electromagnetic waves with frequencies between 300 MHz and 300 GHz) have been widely applied in the food industry in order to reduce processing time and favor food preservation.

The presence of undesirable compounds in wines, such as ota, biogenic amines and pesticides residues, affects wine quality and can cause health problems for the consumer. Additionally, an excess of tannins can produce an undesirable increase in the astringency and bitterness of the wine, so tannins are also a target for reduction. The main tool that a winemaker has to reduce their content in the wine is fining. However, some of the fining agents commonly used in the winery can cause allergies or even increase the protein content in the wine, increasing the turbidity.

Viticulture in Greece is the oldest, but in recent years there has been a reduction of areas intended for the production of wine products. The article contains data on viticulture in Greece. Over time, the land of Greek vineyards is fluctuating. There is a trend towards a decrease in areas in connection with the quota of products from the EU.