terclim by ICS banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 DNA-Free genome editing confers disease resistance in grapevine

DNA-Free genome editing confers disease resistance in grapevine

Abstract

Grapevine (Vitis Vinifera L.), one of the most important cultivated fruit crops, is facing significant challenges due to climate change. Specifically, increasing temperatures negatively impact the physiological traits and disrupt plant phenology. Additionally, increased virulence in pathogen attacks and pests leads to significant yield loss, requiring widespread application of plant protection products. Traditional agronomic practices offer only partial mitigation, requiring the development of precise and effective intervention strategies. The economic worth of viticulture has prompted continuous efforts in grapevine genetic improvement programs, traditionally involving conventional breeding and clonal selection that, however, are complex and time-consuming approaches. Instead, the advent of New Breeding Techniques, especially genome editing via the CRISPR/Cas9 system, presents a promising avenue for the development of tools suitable to mitigate the current viticulture challenges, including fungal diseases. We report the application of a DNA-free genome editing approach to induce targeted mutations in the VviMLO17, a gene associated with powdery mildew susceptibility in grapevine. CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoparticles were introduced into protoplasts isolated from embryogenic calli. Through protoplast regeneration, a homozygous edited grapevine plant mutated in the VviMLO17 gene was obtained. This mutation confers resistance to Erysiphe necator, as evidenced by phenotypic analyses that demonstrated a reduced susceptibility to pathogen attack. The success of DNA-free CRISPR/Cas9 application for the improvement of target traits establishes a foundation for promoting viticulture sustainability yet preserving the identity of the grapevine cultivars. This advancement aligns with market and legislative demands, paving the way for a resilient and environmentally conscious winegrowing system.

Download the abstract

DOI:

Publication date: June 13, 2024

Issue: Open GPB 2024

Type: Article

Authors

Marianna Fasoli1, Edoardo Bertini2, Erica D’Incà2, Luca Cattaneo1, Stefania Zattoni1, Sara Lissandrini1, Clarissa Ciffolillo1, Annalisa Polverari1, Giovanni Battista Tornielli1,3, Sara Zenoni1*

1 Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
2 EdiVite S.r.l., San Pietro Viminario, Padua, Italy
3 Current address: Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and the Environment., University of Padua, Padua, Italy

Contact the author*

Keywords

genome editing DNA-free, CRISPR/Cas9 system, protoplast regeneration, powdery mildew resistance, sustainable viticulture

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Open GPB | Open GPB 2024

Citation

Related articles…

The exploitation of Croatian grapevine genetic resources for the breeding of new resistant cultivars 

Croatian viticulture is mainly based on native grapevine varieties susceptible to various diseases and pests, which leads to unsustainable use of large amounts of pesticides. The sustainable development of viticulture in the future will only be possible by increasing the resistance of the grapevine through the development of new resistant varieties. Breeding programs have been launched in the leading wine-growing countries to develop resistant varieties possessing high-quality levels. Native cultivars from Croatia are not included in the breeding programs of other countries.

Read More

Double success of combining technical management with low pesticide inputs in the vineyard to obtain PDO wines in France

Viticulture is a major contributor to the antagonism of positive reputation and negative environmental impacts of agriculture. Vine contributes to structure landscape in the world, resulting, for example, in the delimitation of protected designations of origin (PDO). PDO vine is currently subject to the double challenge of sustainability and climate change adaptation. As vine is very sensitive to diseases and pests, vine requires a high use of pesticides to achieve its quality and yield goals. This high need for pesticides is the most important negative impact of environmental components.

Read More

Phloem anatomy traits predict maximum sugar accumulation rates

Heat and water stress can accelerate berry sugar accumulation and lead to excessive sugar-to-acid ratios at harvest, producing bland, overly-alcoholic wines. Selecting grapevines for slower sugar accumulation could help maintain wine quality under future, hotter conditions, but these efforts have been stymied by our limited understanding of the traits determining sugar accumulation rates. Here, we measured traits characterizing the structure and anatomy of the sugar transport system – the phloem – in 16 winegrape cultivars and tested for relationships with sugar accumulation rates and cultivar climate classifications.

Read More

Sensitivity of vis‐nir spectral indices to detect nitrogen deficiency and canopy function in cv. Barbera (Vitis vinifera L.) Grapevines

Precision nutrient management in viticulture can be addressed on the basis of a spatial characterization of within‐vineyard vine

Read More

La producción vitivinícola como fuente de impactos positivos en el medio seminatural

Wine is at risk of being labelled as a dangerous health product, based on studies that focus on its alcohol content. However, multiple studies suggest that moderate consumption is healthy. Changing the focus from health impacts to the environmental and socioeconomic impacts that wine companies cause, what can be said?

Read More