terclim by ICS banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 VviSOC1a and VviAG1 act antagonistically in the regulation of flower formation

VviSOC1a and VviAG1 act antagonistically in the regulation of flower formation

Abstract

The SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS1 (SOC1) is a key floral activator that coordinates external and internal stimuli to ensure timely flowering. During early stages of flower formation, SOC1 represses floral organ identity genes such as AGAMOUS (AG) to prevent premature organ differentiation. In addition to floral organ specification, AG has been shown to regulate fleshy fruit expansion and ripening and, as such, is an important contributor to fruit quality traits. Currently, little is known about the function and gene regulatory network of the grapevine homologs VviSOC1a and VviAG1. As such, the aim of this study was to functionally characterise both genes by overexpressing them in tomato and performing phenotypic and gene expression studies. A dual luciferase (DL) assay involving putative target gene promoters was also conducted. Overexpression of VviSOC1a led to the development of leaf-like sepals, petals with increased chlorophyll content and plant sterility phenotypes. VviAG1-OE lines displayed hastened floral initiation, stamenoid petals, dwarfed fruit, as well as forming fleshy fruit sepals which gave the appearance of ripened pericarp tissue. The observed floral phenotypes were, in part, supported by the modulation of genes required for floral organ specification in tomato. VviSOC1a and VviAG1 displayed opposite expression trends, while also repressing each other’s expression in the DL assay. Collectively, the findings of this study supported a role for VviSOC1a in regulating floral organ specification, through the repression of the stamen and carpel identity gene VviAG1. An additional function for VviAG1 in berry development and ripening is also suggested.

DOI:

Publication date: June 13, 2024

Issue: Open GPB 2024

Type: Poster

Authors

Jenna Jolliffe1,2, Claudio Moser2, Stefania Pilati2 and Justin Lashbrooke3*

1South African Grape and Wine Research Institute, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
2Research and Innovation Centre, Edmund Mach Foundation, San Michele all’Adige, 38098, Italy
3Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa

Contact the author*

Keywords

SOC1, AG1, Flower, transcription factor, development

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Open GPB | Open GPB 2024

Citation

Related articles…

Fractionation of copper and iron in wine: Assessment of potential macromolecule and sulfur binding agents

Copper and iron are known to substantially impact wine stability through oxidative, reductive or colloidal phenomena. However, the binding of metal ions to different wine components under wine conditions, and the impact of this binding on the ability of the metal ions to induce spoilage processes, is not well understood. This study surveyed a range of red and white wines for an understanding of the variability of broad metal categories within the wines. The techniques utilized included an electrochemical constant current stripping potentiometry technique (ccSP), and solid phase extraction (SPE) fractionation of wine with subsequent analysis of the metal content of each fraction by inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES).

Irrigation as a tool for heatwave mitigation: the effect of irrigation intensity and timing in Cabernet Sauvignon

Heatwave events, defined as 2 or more days reaching ≥ 38 °C, are an increasingly frequent phenomenon threatening grape production worldwide. Heat stress has been shown to have negative consequences on grapevine physiology, leading to increased evaporative demand and intensified water stress. Due to heatwaves overlapping with important stages of grapevine reproductive development, spanning from berry set to the ripening stage, severe heat can potentially compromise yield and grape quality. The physiological response of grapevine to heat stress suggests a potential use of irrigation to mitigate heatwaves, however there is limited information regarding the irrigation amounts and timings needed for this purpose. Following up on a pivotal trial conducted between 2019 and 2022, in this study irrigation treatments with varying intensity and timing of application were refined to determine their potential mitigation of heat-associated damage to yield and fruit composition.

Non-alcoholic wines: evaluation of chemical profile and biological properties

The market of non-alcoholic wine has notably increased in recent years, driven by growing health awareness and regulatory trends aimed at reducing alcohol consumption.

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.

Vineyard innovative tools based on the integration of earth observation services and in-field sensors (VitiGEOSS project)

Climate change is having an unprecedented impact on the wine industry, which is one of the major agricultural sectors around the world. Global warming, combined with the variation in rainfall patterns and the increase in frequency of extreme weather events, is significantly influencing vine physiology and exposing, more frequently, plants to severe biotic and abiotic stresses. This represents a challenge for viticulturists who need to take complex decisions to adjust vineyard management and achieve oenological goals.