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…

Treated wastewater irrigation: how to manage water salinity without reducing its nutrients content?

Nutrients in municipal treated wastewater (N, P, K, mainly) are a particular advantage in this source over conventional irrigation water sources

Territoire, terroir et marché du vin à la production

Work aimed at understanding the relationship between a terroir, in the agronomic sense, and the physico-chemical characteristics of grapes or wine are numerous today, as evidenced by the program of this symposium. But for an economist, the central question remains to know how the terroir can intervene in the construction of the economic value of wine and in the differentiation of its prices. Is the terroir effect recognized by the end consumer or is it only an internal adjustment variable in the production systems? Through which indicators can this terroir effect be managed by the various operators in the sector? In the end, isn’t it better to invoke a “territorial effect” that the actors can build, and of which the terroir would be one of the possible components?

Biological control of the vineyard: new microbiological findings from CREA-VE

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), 75.866 km2 of the world is dedicated to grape cultivation. About 71.0% of the world’s grape production is destined for winemaking, 27.0% for consumption as fresh fruit and 2.0% as raisin. Grape production is mainly hindered by fungal infections, that can develop both in field and post-harvest.

Fruit set rate clonal variation explains yield differences at harvest in Malbec

Malbec is Argentina’s flagship variety, and it is internationally recognized for producing high-quality red wines. Fruit set rate is a major component in grapevine yield determination, and it is the outcome of multiple genetic and environmental interacting variables. Here, we characterized the reproductive performance of 25 Malbec clones grown under homogeneous conditions in a 23-years old experimental plot. We measured traits near flowering (like the number of flowers per inflorescence) and at harvest (including the number of berries per cluster and berry weight), during two consecutive seasons (2022 and 2023).

Wine tourism in southern Italy: A surge in popularity and economic impact

Wine tourism has transformed from a leisure activity into a crucial part of the tourist experience, significantly contributing to rural tourism’s expansion in italy. It has witnessed a notable surge in popularity in recent years, evolving as a key motivator for travel (antonioli corigliano, 2002; brunori & rossi, 2000; città del vino & censis servizi, 2011; garibaldi, 2018; 2019a; 2020; montanari, 2009; romano & natilli, 2009). The allure of wine tourism, driven by sensory experiences and cultural immersion, continues to attract a diverse group of tourists. The economic impact is substantial, with events and festivals contributing approximately €2.5 billion annually.