Innovative approaches for fungicide resistance monitoring in precision management of grapevine downy mildew

Oak wood has a significant impact on the chemical composition of wine, leading to transformations that influence its organoleptic properties, such as its aroma, structure, astringency, bitterness and color. Among the main extractible non-volatile polyphenol compounds released from oak wood, the ellagitannins are found [1].

Grapevine cultivation is threatened by the global warming, which combines high temperatures and reduced rainfall, impacting in wine quality and even plant survival. Breeding for varieties resilient to these challenges must address plant traits such as tolerance to supraoptimal temperatures and optimized water use efficiency while minimizing productivity and quality losses. Stomatal abundance (SA) determines the maximum leaf potential for transpiration and thus water loss and cooling. Since SA results from a developmental process during leaf emergence and growth, knowledge on the genetic control of this process would provide specific targets for modification.

β-Damascenone is a key norisoprenoid in grape (Vitis vinifera L.) that imparts floral and fruity aromas to both fruits and wines. It is derived from carotenoid metabolism, with neoxanthin as a substrate.

All along the red winemaking process, many microorganisms develop in wine, some being beneficial and essential, others being feared spoilers. One of the most feared microbial enemy of wine all around the world is Brettanomyces bruxellensis. Indeed, in red wines, this yeast produces volatile phenols, molecules associated with a flavor described as “horse sweat”, “burnt plastic” or “leather”. To produce significant and detectable concentrations of these undesired molecules, the yeasts should first grow and become numerous enough. Even if the genetic group of the strain present and the cellar temperature may modulate the yeast growth rate¹ and thus the risk of spoilage, the main factor seems to be the wines themselves, some being much more permissive to B. bruxellensis development than others.

The Rară Neagră 2.0 project aims to restore and safeguard the intra-varietal diversity of the ancient Eastern European grape variety Rară Neagră through polyclonal selection and the establishment of a certified genetic conservatory.