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…

Vitiforestry as innovative heritage. Adaptive conservation of historical wine-growing landscapes as response to XXI century’s challenges.

Traditional agricultural and agro-pastoral systems (prior to industrial revolution) often have the characteristic of being multiple systems, in which multiple crops are hosted simultaneously on the same plot. currently research suggests to study more in depth the potential of multiple agricultural systems in order to detect those characteristics of multiple agrarian systems that could allow modern viticulture to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change: rising temperatures with impacts on the phenological cycle of the vine, resurgence of plant deseases, extreme soil washout phenomena and hail storms, among others.

Innovative strategies for reducing astringency in Mandilaria wines 

Mandilaria, a red grape variety indigenous to the Aegean islands, is well known for its robust tannins and pronounced astringency, which can challenge the palatability and marketability of its wines. The aim of this study was the reduction of astringency in wines made exclusively from mandilaria grapes through dehydrations practices and targeted winery applications.

Terroir valorization strategies in a reformed denomination area: the Prosecco case study

Aims: This work summarizes some of the upmost recent studies and valorization strategies concerning the Prosecco wine production area. After the geographical denomination Prosecco (DO) was strongly reformed in 2009, the newborn DOCG (controlled and guaranteed DO) and DOC (controlled DO) areas have required different and specific strategies to promote and protect the value of their production.

Interaction among grapevine cultivars (Sangiovese, Cabernet-Sauvignon and Merlot) and site of cultivation in Bolgheri (Tuscany)

Different “landscape unit” have been identified in Bolgheri area (a viticultural appellation in the Tirrenian coast of Tuscany) by the aid of pedological, landscape and agronomic observations in the 1992-1993 period. In all cultivar (Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) x landscape unit combinations, experimental plots were chosen in homogeneous vineyards, single cordon trained (about 3300-4500 vines/hectare). Grape maturation was studied by weekly samples of berries from veraison to vintage in the 1992-1995 period. At harvest yield and must composition traits were measured and, from the most représentative plots, sixty kilograms of grapes were harvested each year and vinified according to a standardised scheme. Wines were evaluated by standard chemical and sensory analyses.

Adaptation to climate change by determining grapevine cultivar differences using temperature-based phenology models

Grapevine phenology is advancing with increased temperatures associated with climate change. This may result in higher fruit sugar concentrations at harvest and/or earlier compressed harvests and changes in the synchrony of sugar with other fruit metabolites. One adaptation strategy that growers may use to maintain typicity of wine style is to change cultivars. This approach may enable fruit