terclim by ICS banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Genetic and hormonal regulation of grape berry cuticle formation

Genetic and hormonal regulation of grape berry cuticle formation

Abstract

The plant surface typically comprises of various epidermal cell types which synthesise and deposit a protective waxy layer known as the cuticle. The cuticle is a significant contributor to important crop traits related to drought tolerance, biotic stress, postharvest fruit quality as well as providing structural support. In this work we have investigated grape berry cuticle formation in the context of the accumulation of anti-fungal specialised metabolites and the ability of the cuticle to structurally cope with the rapid expansion of ripening berries. Metabolic QTL analysis was performed in a grapevine cross population, using chemical profiling data collected via GC-MS analysis for cuticular waxes. QTLs were identified for individual as well as classes of waxes, and a significant QTL associated with triterpenoid formation further characterised through the implementation of gene co-expression analysis. In vivo characterisation of a candidate triterpene synthase gene confirmed its role as a key gene for grapevine triterpene biosynthesis. Additionally, the hormonal regulation of berry cuticle formation was studied via chemical analysis of berry cuticles after application of various phytohormones. Application of cytokinin modulated the accumulation of berry surface waxes, leading to changes in the tensile properties of the berry skins, and a subsequent reduction in fruit cracking. These results highlighted the strong genetic association with cuticle formation and properties, but also the ability for growers to modulate this important physiological trait, and will potentially allow for optimised crop improvement strategies in the future.

Download the abstract

DOI:

Publication date: June 13, 2024

Issue: Open GPB 2024

Type: Article

Authors

Robin Bosman1, Jessica Vervalle2 and Justin Lashbrooke2*

1 South African Grape and Wine Research Institute, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
2 Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa

Contact the author*

Keywords

Cuticle, Fruit surface, Metabolic regulation, Triterpenoids, cracking

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Open GPB | Open GPB 2024

Citation

Related articles…

Significance of factors making Riesling an iconic grape variety

Riesling is the iconic grape variety of Germany and accounts for 23% of the German viticulture acreage, which comprises 45% of the worldwide Riesling plantings. Riesling wines offer a wide array of styles from crisp sparkling wines to highly concentrated and sweet Trockenbeerenauslese or Icewines. However, its thin berry skin makes Riesling more vulnerable to detrimental environmental threats than other white wine varieties.  

Read More

Impact of grape maturity on esters content and sensory characters in wines fermented with yeast strains of different genetic backgrounds

Grapes composition is a factor well known to affect wines composition and sensory expression. The goal of this study was to evaluate how grapes composition modifications linked to maturity level could affect wines aromatic expression and esters composition.

Read More

MONITOR SOME KEY PARAMETERS THROUGH THE IMPLEMENTATION OFCONTINUOUS CONTROL SYSTEMS OF THE MUST-WINE DURING MACERATION-FERMENTATION IN RED WINEMAKING TO MANAGE OPERATIONS IN “AUTOMATION”

This study is aimed to develop a complete tool for the winemaker with, complete and targeted “winemaking recipes” that can be adapted to criteria set by the winemaker, such as: grape variety, grape health status, degree of ripening, desired wine, redox status throughout the alcoholic fermentation.
To get such aim, specific sets of experiments using red grape juices from different varieties (Nebbiolo, Barbera, Pinot noir, etc.) collected at different technological and phenolic maturity points, will be held with “automatized 4.0 tanks” equipped with sensors for measuring: redox potential, dissolved oxygen, relative density, temperature, and color in order to collect a sufficient amount of data preparatory to the creation of operating models in the most widely winemaking situations in which the automatized 4.0 tanks “will be able to independently respond” with the right corrective actions (opening/closing aeration valve, execution/block pumping overs , etc.) if the key parameters exceed the limits of the recommended ranges set in the selected recipe.

Read More

Replay of the Wine Vision 2040 event

A webinar organised by the UBC Wine Research Centre, on June 25th 2020. About Wine Vision 2040 Wine Vision 2040 is delivered by wine-passionate, high-profile individuals keen to share ideas and views that will spark conversations within wine communities.  No...
Read More

The impact of delayed grapevine budbreak on lemberger wine sensory compounds under variable weather conditions

Spring freeze events threaten grape production globally. As grape buds emerge from dormancy in spring, freezing temperatures have the potential to damage green tissues, decreasing yield potential and compromising fruit quality by harvest.

Read More