terclim by ICS banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Unveiling the Grapevine Red Blotch Virus (GRBV) host-pathogen arms-race via multi-omics for enhanced viral defense 

Unveiling the Grapevine Red Blotch Virus (GRBV) host-pathogen arms-race via multi-omics for enhanced viral defense 

Abstract

The Grapevine Red Blotch Virus (GRBV) poses a critical challenge to the wine sector, lacking a uniquely identified vector. Current control methods involve costly and labor-intensive vine removal, emphasizing the urgency for targeted alternatives. The limited understanding of intricate host-virus interactions underscores the need for foundational knowledge to develop innovative disease control strategies. These include efforts to boost the plant’s RNA interference (RNAi) response, including RNA-based topical applications. Our research investigates the early GRBV infection stages, aiming to unravel the “arms race” between the plant’s RNAi machinery and the viral counter-defense strategies. Following an Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated infiltration with an infectious clone containing the GRBV genome, we detected a peak of viral activity in infected microvine plants one-week post-infection. Small RNA sequencing from infected tissues identified 21, 22, and 24 nucleotides virus-derived small-interfering RNAs (vsiRNAs), suggesting post-transcriptional and transcriptional gene silencing activity. We utilized a custom bioinformatics pipeline to identify GRBV “hotspots,” that were further validated as RNAi precursors through secondary structure predictions. GRBV-targeted bisulfite sequencing revealed hypermethylation within GRBV hotspots, establishing a crucial link between small RNA production and effective methylation of the virus, culminating at 24 days post-infection (dpi).

Examining the plant transcriptome and methylome during early infection dates (3, 6, 12 and 24 dpi) unveiled molecular strategies employed by both organisms to counteract each other. The multilayered OMICs data we generated constitute the foundation for innovative viral defense strategies.  This strategy could enhance GRBV management, ensuring sustainable vineyard practices by integrating molecular biology insights into agriculture.

DOI:

Publication date: June 14, 2024

Issue: Open GPB 2024

Type: Article

Authors

Christian Mandelli1*, Laurent G. Deluc1,2

1 Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
2 Oregon Wine Research Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States

Contact the author*

Keywords

Grapevine Red Blotch Virus (GRBV), Host-virus interactions, small RNA-seq, genome-wide OMICs

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Open GPB | Open GPB 2024

Citation

Related articles…

Complantations : enjeux et facteurs de réussite

Dans le cadre de TerclimPro 2025, Coralie Dewasme a présenté un article IVES Technical Reviews. Retrouvez la présentation ci-dessous ainsi que l’article associé : https://ives-technicalreviews.eu/article/view/8486

Eliminating Brettanomyces and lactic acid bacteria in wine: the potential of Ultra-High Pressure Homogenization (UHPH)

Ultra-High Pressure Homogenization (UHPH) is an innovative technology that can be seamlessly integrated at various stages of winemaking. Its application helps minimize or even eliminate the need for sulphites and other antimicrobial or antioxidant treatments, offering a faster and more sustainable alternative.

Is wine terroir a valid concept under a changing climate?

The OIV[i] defines terroir as a concept referring to an area in which collective knowledge of the interactions between the physical and biological environment (soil, topography, climate, landscape characteristics and biodiversity features) and vitivinicultural practices develops, providing distinctive wine characteristics. Those are perceptible in the taste of wine, which drives consumer preference and, therefore, wine’s value in the marketplace. Geographical indications (GI) are recognized regulatory constructs formalizing and protecting the nexus between wine taste and the terroir generating it. Despite considering updates, GIs do not consider the nexus as a dynamic one and do not anticipate change, namely of climate. Being climate a fundamental feature of terroir, it strongly impacts wine characteristics, such as taste. According to IPCC[ii], many widespread, rapid and unprecedented changes of climate occurred, some being irreversible over hundreds to thousands of years. Climatic shifts and atmospheric-driven extreme events have been widely reported worldwide. Recent climatic trends are projected to strengthen in upcoming decades, whereas extremes are expected to increase in frequency and intensity, forcing wines away from GI definitions. Geographical shifts of viticultural suitability are projected, often moving into regions and countries different from current ones. Some authors propose adaptation in viticulture, winemaking and product innovation. We show evidence of climate changing wine characteristics in the Douro valley, home of 270-year-old Port GI. We discuss herein resist or adapt stances for when climate changes the nexus between terroir and wine characteristics. Using the MED-GOLD[iii] dashboard, a tool allowing for easy visual navigation of past and future climates, we demonstrate how policymakers can identify future moments, throughout the 21st century under different emission scenarios, when GI specifications will likely need updates (e.g., boundaries, varieties) to reduce climate-change impacts.

Evolution of the appellation of origin concept in the vineyards of Australia

Australia is the seventh largest producer of wine and crushed 1.42 million tonnes of wine grapes in the 2001 vintage.

Impact of elemental sulfur (S0) residues in Sauvignon blanc juice on the formation of the varietal thiols 3-mercapto hexanol and 3-mercaptohexyl acetate

Elemental sulfur is a fungicide used by grape growers to control the development of powdery mildew, caused by the fungus Erysiphe necator. This compound is effective, cheap and has a low toxicity with no withholding period recommended. However, high levels of S0 residues in the harvested grapes can lead to the formation of reductive sulfur compounds that can impart taints and faults to the wine. Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is a very volatile and unpleasant sulfur compound which formation is connected to high residues of S0 in juice (10 – 100 mg/L).