terclim by ICS banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Spatial variability of grape berry maturation program at the molecular level 

Spatial variability of grape berry maturation program at the molecular level 

Abstract

The application of sensors in viticulture is a fast and efficient method to monitor grapevine vegetative, yield and quality parameters and determine their spatial intra-vineyard variability. Molecular analysis at the gene expression level can further contribute to the understanding of the observed variability by elucidating how pathways responsible for different grape quality traits behave in zones diverging for one or the other parameter. The intra-vineyard variability of a Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard was evaluated by a standard Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) mapping approach, employing UAV platform, accompanied by detailed ground-truthing (e.g. vegetative, yield, and berry ripening compositional parameters) that was applied in 14 spots in the vineyard. Berries from different spots were additionally investigated by microarray gene expression analysis, performed at five time points from fruit set to full ripening. The relationships between NDVI and ground measurements were explored by correlation analysis and revealed high variability in the vineyard. Comparison between the transcriptome data of spots with the highest and lowest NDVI values unraveled 968 differentially expressed genes. Among them, were ripening-related genes, found to feature the low vigor spots, and genes involved in photosynthesis mechanisms that were prevalent in the high vigor spots. Spatial variability maps of the expression level of key berry ripening genes showed consistent patterns, aligned with the vineyard vigor map and with spatial maps generated for several vine and berry parameters. These insights suggest that berries from different vigor zones present distinct molecular maturation programs, hence, showing potential in predicting spatial variability in fruit quality.

DOI:

Publication date: June 14, 2024

Issue: Open GPB 2024

Type: Article

Authors

Ron Shmuleviz1*, Alessandra Amato1, Pietro Previtali2, Elizabeth Green2, Luis Sanchez2, Maria Mar Alsina2, Nick Dokoozlian2, Giovanni Battista Tornielli1,3 and Marianna Fasoli1

1 Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona (VR), Italy
2 E. & J. Gallo Winery, Modesto, CA 95354, USA
3 Current address: Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural resources, Animals and  Environment, University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy.

Contact the author*

Keywords

berry ripening, vegetation indices, gene expression analysis, sensors, precision viticulture

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Open GPB | Open GPB 2024

Citation

Related articles…

EVALUATING WINEMAKING APPLICATIONS OF ULTRAFILTRATION TECHNOLOGY

Ultrafiltration is a process that fractionates mixtures using semipermeable membranes, primarily on the basis of molecular weight. Depending on the nominal molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) specifications of the membrane, smaller molecules pass through the membrane into the ‘permeate’, while larger molecules are retained and concentrated in the ‘retentate’. This study investigated applications of ultrafiltration technology for enhanced wine quality and profitability. The key objective was to establish to what extent ultrafiltration could be used to manage phenolic compounds (associated with astringency or bitterness) and proteins (associated with haze formation) in white wine.

The influence of vine row position in terraced Merlot vineyards on water deficit and polyphenols – case study in the Vipava Valley, Slovenia

A study was conducted in the Vipava Valley (Slovenia) to understand the effects of positioning rows of Merlot (Vitis vinifera L.) vines on terraces on plant available water, yield, and grape composition

Decoupling the effects of water and heat stress on Sauvignon blanc berries

Climate changes have important consequences in viticulture, heat waves accompanied by periods of drought are encountered more and more frequently. This study aims to evaluate the single and combined effect of water deficit and high temperatures on the thiol precursors biosynthesis in Sauvignon blanc grapes. For this purpose, a protocol has been developed for the cultivation of berries on a solid substrate. The berries, collected at three different times starting from veraison and grown in vitro, were subjected to 4 different treatments: control (C), water stress (WS), heat stress (HS), combined water and heat stress (WSHS). Water stress was simulated by adding abscisic acid to the culture medium, while different temperatures, respectively 25°C and 35°C, were managed with two illuminated climatic chambers.

Chemical and sensory characterization of Xinomavro PDO red wine

Aroma is considered one of the most important factors in determining the quality and character of wine. The relationship between wine character and its volatile composition is recognized by several researchers worldwide. Since these compounds influence the sensory perceptions of consumers, both volatile composition and sensory properties are essential in determining wine aroma characteristics.

How to reduce SO2 additions in wine with the aid of non-conventional yeasts

Among the factors that influence the sensory quality, style, safety, sustainability, and sense of place of a wine, the contributions of microbial biodiversity are widely becoming more recognized. Throughout winemaking, multiple biochemical reactions are performed by a myriad of different microorganisms interacting in many ways.