Validation of phenological models for grapevine in the Veneto region

Full understanding of grapevine responses to variable soil resources requires assessing the grapevine root system. Grapevine root systems are expansive and examining deep roots (i.e., >40 cm) is particularly important in conditions where grapevines increase reliance on deep soil resources, such as drought or plant competition. Traditional methods of assessing roots rely on morphological traits associated specific functions (e.g., root color, diameter, length), while recent methodological advances allow for estimating root function more directly (e.g., omics). Yet, the potential of applying refined methods remains underexplored for roots at deep depths.

Plasmopara viticola, the causal agent of downy mildew (DM), and Uncinula necator, the causal agent of powdery mildew (PM), are two of the main phytopathogenic microorganisms causing major economic losses in the primary sector, especially in the wine sector, by wilting bunches and leaves with a consequent decrease in the photosynthetic rate of the plant and in the annual yield. Currently, the most widespread methods for planning spraying are based on the 3-10 rule, which states that the first application should take place when: (i) the air temperature is greater than 10°C; (ii) shoots are equal or greater than 10 cm; and (iii) a minimum of 10 mm rainfall within 24–48 hours has occurred, or at the beginning of the bud break with periodic applications according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Organic wines, although resulting from a production method based on the non-use of synthetic phytosanitary products, are not always free of residues. These residues can result from cross-contamination during production in the field or in the cellar, during the production or aging of the wine. In recent years, with the improvement of analysis techniques, a molecule, phosphonic acid, the main metabolite of fosetyl-al (banned in organic farming) is regularly quantified in organic wines and its origin is not clearly identified.

A major goal of modern grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) breeding programs is the introgression of resistance genes along with desirable traits for better adaptation to climate change. Developmental stages have an impact on yield components and berry composition and are expected to shift towards earlier dates in the future. We investigated the genetic determinism of phenological stages in the progeny of a cross between two grapevine hybrids, each carrying several quantitative trait loci (QTL) for downy mildew and powdery mildew resistance.

Falanghina, a typical wine from the Sannio (Campania region, Italy), hosts a complex fungal microbiota that significantly influences both fermentation dynamics and sensory characteristics.