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…

A Viticultural Terroir in Brazil: Change and continuity

The viticultural terroir at the Serra Gaúcha region, in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, is analyzed under historical and sociological viewpoints, aiming to understand the origin of its characteristics, and the risks for its continuity.

Reaction Mechanisms of Copper and Iron with Hydrogen Sulfide and Thiols in Model Wine

Fermentation derived sulfidic off-odors due to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and low molecular weight thiols are commonly encountered in wine production and removed by Cu(II) fining. However, the mechanism underlying Cu(II) fining remains poorly understood, and generally results in increased Cu concentration that lead to deleterious reactions in finished wine. The present study describes a mechanistic investigation of the iron and copper mediated reaction of H2S, cysteine, 3-sulfanylhexan-1-ol, and 6-sulfanylhexan-1-ol with oxygen. The concentrations of H2S, thiols, oxygen, and acetaldehyde were monitored over time. It was found that Cu(II) was rapidly reduced by both H2S and thiols to Cu(I).

Adsorption of tetraconazole by organic residues and vineyard organically-amended soils 

Spain is the country with the largest wine-producing area in the EU and its productivity is largely controlled applying fungicides. However, residues of these compounds can move and contaminate surface and groundwater. The objective of this work was to evaluate the capacity of bioadsorbents from different origin to adsorb and immobilize tetraconazole by themselves or when applied as organic soil amendment, and to prevent soil and water contamination by this fungicide. The adsorption of tetraconazole by 3 organic residues: spent mushroom substrate (SMS), green compost (GC) and vine pruning sawdust (VP), as well as by vineyard soils unamended and amended individually with these residues at 1.5% (w/w) was evaluated using the batch equilibrium technique.

Determining sub-appellations in Ontario’s wine regions

Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) Ontario, (Alliance de qualité Vintners) est responsable de l’administration et de l’imposition des normes en liaison avec la qualité du vin, l’appellation d’origine, les variétés de raisin et les méthodes de production. Des vins produits selon les règlements de VQA sont actuellement étiquetés de trois distinctes mais larges régions d’appellation

Soil monoliths, soil variability and terroir

Aim: The aim of this work is educating people about soil variability and terroir. Soil monoliths are used to educate the wine industry about how to describe a soil profile, interpret the soil formation processes operating in a particular soil profile and consequently the impact of soil properties on vine growth, fruit quality and wine production. Soil monoliths are a permanent artistic tool for educating, research and management of soil variability.