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…

Exploring the use of high-power ultrasound in white and rosé winemaking

Since the approval in 2019 of the use of high-power ultrasound (US) in winemaking to support extractive processes from grape to must, the study of this technology in red winemaking has increased significantly, with laboratory and semi-industrial scale studies.

Estimation of stomatal conductance and chlorophyll fluorescence in Croatian grapevine germplasm under water deficit    

Water deficit profoundly impacts the quality of grapes and results in considerable reductions in crop yield. First symptoms manifest with reduced stomatal conductance and transpiration, accompanied by the wilting of apical leaves and tendrils. So far, there is no available data on the water stress response in Croatian grapevine germplasm. Therefore, objective of this study was to determine influence of genotype and treatment on stomatal conductance (gsw), transpiration (E), electron transport rate (ETR), and quantum efficiency in light (PhiPS2).

Evaluating South African Chenin blanc wine styles using an LC-MS screening method

Sorting Chenin blanc is one of the most important white wine cultivars in South Africa. It has received a lot of attention and accolades in the past years and more research than ever is dedicated to this versatile cultivar. According to the Chenin blanc association of South Africa, there are three recognized dry wine styles, Fresh and Fruity (FF), Rich and Ripe Unwooded
(RRU), and Rich and Ripe Wooded (RRW). They are traditionally established with the aid of expert sensory evaluation, but the cost and the (subjective) human factor are aspects to be taken into account. A more objective and possibly robust way of assessing and attributing these styles can be the use of chemical analysis.

WINE WITHOUT ADDED SO₂: OXYGEN IMPACT AND EVOLUTION ON THE POLYPHENOLIC COMPOSITION DURING RED WINE AGING

SO₂ play a major role in the stability and wine during storage. Nowadays, the reduction of chemical input during red winemaking and especially the removing SO₂ is a growing expectation from the consumers. Winemaking without SO₂ is a big challenge for the winemakers since the lack of SO₂ affects directly the wine chemical evolution such as the phenolic compounds as well as its microbiological stability.

Wine metabolomics and sensory profile in relation to terroir: A case study focusing on different wine-growing areas of Piacenza Province (Italy)

Aim: In this work, we have optimized a robust methodology for investigating possible correlations between the phytochemical profile of wine and the terroir (including the climate), considering the specific wine-growing area. In particular, the untargeted metabolomic and sensorial profiles of Gutturnio DOC commercial wines (both still and “frizzante” types) from different production areas in the Piacenza province were determined. The geographical areas taken into consideration for this study consisted in Val Tidone, Val Nure and Val d’Arda.