terclim by ICS banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 New biotechnological approaches for a comprehensive characterization of AGL11 and its molecular mechanism underlying seedlessness trait in table grape

New biotechnological approaches for a comprehensive characterization of AGL11 and its molecular mechanism underlying seedlessness trait in table grape

Abstract

In table grapes seedlessness is a crucial breeding target, mainly results from stenospermocarpy, linked to the Thompson Seedless variety. Several studies investigated the genetic control of seedlessness identifying AGL11, a MADS-box transcription factor, as a crucial gene.

We performed a deep investigation of the whole AGL11 gene sequence in a collection of grapevine varieties revealing three different promoter-CDS combinations. By investigating the expression of the three AGL11 alleles and evaluating their ability to activate the promoter region, we show that AGL11 regulates its transcription in a specific promoter-CDS manner. By a multi-AGL11 co-expression analysis we identified a methyl jasmonate esterase, an indole-3-acetate beta-glucosyltransferase, and an isoflavone reductase as top AGL11 candidate targets. In vivo experiments further confirmed AGL11 role in regulating these genes, demonstrating its significant influence in seed development and thus in seedlessness trait.

The overall data allowed us to propose a novel regulatory mechanism correlating AGL11 haplotype assortment and seedlessness class, suggesting potential applications in grapevine breeding for seedlessness and fruit size optimization.

With the aim to validate in planta the proposed regulatory mechanism, we are working to stable transform ‘microvine’ plants for producing a truncated or inactivated AGL11 protein. We first demonstrated the ability of embryogenic calli, obtained from ‘microvine’ anthers collection and culture, to regenerate embryos capable of germinating and sprouting into a new plant. The use of ‘microvine’ as a model system offers promising outcomes for functional gene characterization, benefiting viticulture genetic improvement and seedless table grape cultivation.

DOI:

Publication date: June 14, 2024

Issue: Open GPB 2024

Type: Article

Authors

Alessandra Amato1*, Maria Francesca Cardone2, Oscar Bellon1, Lucia Rosaria Forleo2, Margherita D’Amico2, Carlo Bergamini2, Sara Zenoni1

1 Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 15, 37134 Verona, Italy
2 Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), Turi, Bari, Italy

Contact the author*

Keywords

Table grape, Seedlessness, AGL11, Regulatory mechanism, Microvine

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Open GPB | Open GPB 2024

Citation

Related articles…

Zoning influence in chromatic parameters in Monastrell grape

Zoning analysis determine homogeneous areas principally from the point of view of the medium, giving as a result a map which cartographic units synthesize the relations between the edaphic factors; morphological factors of the soil and climatic factors

Chemical composition of Sauvignon blanc wines with varying alcohol levels

Non-alcohol or low alcohol wines have become more popular due to the rising trend towards a healthier lifestyle1.

Effect of oenological tannins on wine aroma before and after oxidation: a real-time study by coupling sensory (TDS) and chemical (PTR-ToF-MS) analyses

Polyphenols are important compounds involved in many chemical and sensory wine features. In winemaking, adding oenological tannins claims to have positive impacts on wine stability, protection from oxidation and aroma persistence. Polyphenols are antioxidant compounds by either scavenging reactive oxygen and nitrogen species or chelating Fe2+ ions (1). However, as tannins oxidation leads to the formation of highly reactive species (i.e. ortho-quinones), it is still unclear if they have an effective role toward oxidation of wine aromas (2). In this work, we aim at studying the effect of two commercial tannins (proanthocyanidins, ellagitannins) on red wine flavour (mainly aroma) before and after air exposition.

Exploring the inner secrets of grapevine: a journey through plant-microbe interactions

Throughout centuries of anthropocentric breeding, plants have been selectively bred to enhance their quality traits and yield, often overlooking the importance of neglected attributes, like those involved in the interactions with beneficial microorganisms. This phenomenon led to an alteration in the distribution of photosynthetic products, shifting from defence mechanisms to growth, commonly described as ‘domestication syndrome’. Addressing the losses stemming from this condition is imperative just as unravelling the concealed communication between grapevines and beneficial microorganisms.

OENOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF AUTOCHTHONOUS SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE STRAINS AND THEIR EFFECT ON THE PRODUCTION OF TYPICAL SAVATIANO WINES

Due to the global demand for terroir wines, the winemaking industry has focused attention on exploiting the local yeast microflora of each wine growing region to express the regional character and enhance the sensory profile of wines such as varietal typicity and aroma complexity. The objective of the present study was to isolate and compare the indigenous strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae present in different vineyards in the Mesogeia – Attiki wine region (Greece), evaluate their impact on chemical composition and sensory profile of Savatiano wines and select the most suitable ones for winemaking process.