Unique resistance traits against downy mildew from the domestication center of grapevine

Brettanomyces is a world-renowned yeast that negatively impacts the chemical composition of wines through the production of metabolites that negatively impact the sensory properties of the final product. Its resilience in wine conditions and ability to produce off-flavors make it a challenge for winemakers. Currently, the primary control technique involves adding sulfur dioxide (SO2); however, some Brettanomyces strains are developing resistance to this preservative agent. [1] Therefore, new management strategies are necessary to control this spoilage yeast.

The aim of this work was to study the trapping capacity of four polyaniline polymers towards phenolic compounds in wine-like model solutions. METHODS: The model wine solution was composed of 12% (v/v) and 4 g/L of tartaric acid adjusted to pH = 3.6. A series of centrifuge tubes (15 mL) were filled with 10 mL of model solution enriched with 50 mg/L of five phenolic compounds (i.e., Gallic acid, caffeic acid, (+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin, and rutin), and treated with different doses of PANI polymer (i.e., 0, 2, 4 and 8 g/L). After the addition of the polymer, the samples were stirred using a platform shaker at room temperature (20 ºC) for 2, 8, 16 and 24 h. All treatments included three replications.

One of the major threats to viticulture is represented by fungal pathogens. Plasmopara viticola, an oomycete causing grapevine downy mildew, is one of the principal causes of grape production losses. The most efficient management strategies are represented by a combination of agronomical practices, fungicides’ applications, and use of resistant varieties. Plant resistance is conferred by the presence of resistance (R) genes. Opposed to them, susceptibility (S) genes are encoded by plants and exploited by pathogens to promote infection. Loss or mutation of S genes can limit the ability of pathogens to infect the host. By exploiting post-transcriptional gene silencing, known as RNA intereference (RNAi), it is possible to knock-down the expression of S genes, promoting plant resistance.

Grapevine is one of the world’s most important cultivated plants, domesticated from the wild vine over 11,000 years ago. The fungi associated with it are doubtless as old as the plant itself. Despite their co-evolution with the vine over the centuries, it was only with the invention of the microscope in the seventeenth century that fungi started to be recognised.

Knowledge of the reflectance spectrum of grape leaves is important to the identification of grape varieties in images of viticultural regions where several cultivars co-exist.