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Pesticide-free agricultural strategies need new tools for disease prevention. Better than early detection of disease, detection of conditions favorable to their appearance can be a progress. In the case of fungal diseases, the presence of water on the plant surface is necessary. In order to detect remotely this presence early and at the scale of a crop field, we propose a low-cost solution based on laser reflection. Here, experimental results in a controlled environment are presented on both hydrophobic and hydrophilic leaves (rapeseed Brassica Napus and grapevine Vitis Vinifera, respectively). We first assess the water detection on a leaf surface by recreating the dew formation process. We next evaluate the influence of the scanning measurement and leaf inclination on the detection to get closer to in-field conditions. Results show that this method is very sensitive on both types of leaves. Water detection is possible from a low surface coverage with a high temporal precision at 1 m. In the hydrophobic case, water on a leaf surface leads to an increase of the detected signal up to three times compared to a dry leaf. The corresponding minimum surface coverage detectable at 1 m is evaluated at 1.6% thanks to 2D ray-tracing numerical simulations. In the hydrophilic case, on the contrary, water on a leaf surface leads to a decrease of the detected signal by almost half. For both types, the dew detection delay is contained under 5 min and can be improved. Finally, the presented results pave the way to a field application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ecklonia maxima (EM) foliar applications impacted leaf area in Cabernet Sauvignon. • EM application increased sugars, organic acids and phenolics. • Fungal and bacterial communities on the leaf and berry surfaces varied during berry development. • Botrytis cinerea and Erysiphe necator prevalence decreased on the leaf and berry surfaces on EM treated grapevines. Biostimulants and biofertilisers are considered environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic fertilisers, plant growth regulators and crop improvement products. Broadly, plant biostimulants are expected to improve nutrient use efficiency, tolerance to abiotic stress, quality traits and availability of nutrients in the soil or rhizosphere. While there has been increasing interest in the use and benefits of seaweed extracts in wine grape cultivation, limited research has been conducted on Ecklonia maxima (EM), a seaweed specie indigenous to South Africa. In this study EM seaweed extract (Kelpak ®) was applied on Cabernet Sauvignon as a foliar spray in one season at three grapevine phenological stages: one week before flowering (E-L 18), berry set (E-L 27) and at véraison (E-L 35), on irrigated and non-irrigated vines. The effects on grapevine physiology, grape berry and wine metabolites and microbiota (leaf, berry and must) were evaluated. Grapevine physiology was not influenced by the applied treatments. Leaf area was positively influenced by the EM foliar applications which resulted in improved sugars and organic acids accumulation during ripening. Similar trends were observed in phenolics accumulation in the fruit during ripening. There were large differences in the bacterial and fungal communities on the leaf and berry surfaces from pea-size to harvest. Furthermore, Botrytis and Erysiphe grapevine pathogens were decreased in the leaves and berries (from véraison to harvest) with EM applications. Overall, our study suggests that the use of foliar EM products is beneficial in increasing grape and wine metabolites and the symbiotic microbiota during the ripening period and to ensure sustainable viticulture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study examined the influence of various storage conditions on Thompson seedless (Vitis vinifera) grapes quality. Research method: Grapes were stored under four conditions: control (room temperature i.e., 20-22°C, no SO2), T1 with SO2 sheets at room temperature i.e., 20-22°C, T2 with SO2 sheets in cold storage at 1°C and T3 without SO2 sheets in cold storage at 1°C. Changes in acidity, total soluble solids (TSS), total anthocyanin content, total phenols, sugars (glucose and fructose), transresveratrol, decay %, weight loss % and antioxidant activity were monitored over 60 days. Findings: The findings revealed a synergistic effect between SO2 and cold storage. Grapes stored with both SO2 sheets and cold storage (T1) exhibited the slowest decline in anthocyanin, phenols and antioxidant activity of 211.06 mg/L, 2102.39 mg/L and 7.19 mM DPPH, respectively after 60 days. T1 grapes found to have slower reduction in sugars and transresveratrol concentration i.e., 15.47 to 15.37 g/100mL and 695 to 516 µg/g, respectively compared to control samples 15.47 to 14.81 g/100mL and 695 to 500 µg/g, respectively. Research limitations: The study focused solely on storage conditions of Thompson seedless variety grapes, limiting the generalizability of the findings to different grape varieties and maturity levels. Originality/value: These results highlighted the importance of proper storage techniques, particularly the combined use of SO2 and cold storage, for maintaining grape quality and extending shelf life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic covering (PC) is used to speed up the ripening and harvesting of grapes while also shielding grapevines from unfavourable climatic conditions. This study aimed to determine how PC induced abiotic stress on covered vines and assess the role of brassinosteroids (Brs) in alleviating these impacts. The results showed that PC caused a substantial rise in soluble sugar, MDA, proline, total phenol, and antioxidant enzymes (catalase and ascorbate peroxidase) and decreased insoluble sugars and carbohydrates in ‘Superior' seedless grape leaves. Applying Brs at concentrations of 0, 1, 2, and 3 mg/l twice during the berry development stages (pea and veraison) enhanced the plants’ ability to withstand PC-induced stress. The concentration of 3 mg/l Brs elevated some metabolic activities, including insoluble sugar, total carbohydrates, proline, and total phenol. Additionally, it increased the antioxidant enzyme activity. Meanwhile, 2 mg/l appeared to be the most effective concentration in achieving the highest cluster and berry weight, enhanced total soluble solids (TSS) and firmness, and reduced weight loss over shelf life. In conclusion, applying Brs could be a promising strategy to alleviate the adverse effect of abiotic stress on table grapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND RESULTS CONCLUSION Genetic breeding is essential to develop grapevine genotypes adapted to warm climates and resistant to pathogens. Traditionally cultivated Vitis vinifera is susceptible to biotic and abiotic stresses. Winemakers and consumers, however, perceive wines from non‐vinifera or hybrid cultivars as inferior. In this study, sensory analyses and comprehensive metabolite profiling by targeted and untargeted approaches were used to investigate the oenological potential of wines from grapes of genotypes developed throughout four breeding cycles to improve climate adaptation, sugar contents and berry color.Novel genotypes had higher yields and the wines exhibited increased contents of polyphenols, including anthocyanins. Volatile monoterpenes in the wines decreased throughout breeding cycles in the absence of selective pressure. Polyphenol contents were higher in intermediate wines, with hydroxytyrosol contents reaching up to three times reported values. Mouthfeel attributes astringency, leafy taste, flavor and body, and persistency showed significant correlation with untargeted features. Supervised model‐based analyses of the metabolome effectively discriminate wines from distinct genetic origins.Taken together, the results demonstrate the potential of novel grapevine genotypes to a more sustainable viticulture and quality wine production in warm climates. Comprehensive metabolite profiling of the wines reveals that genotype clustering is dependent on the chemical class and that traits not submitted to selective pressure are also altered by breeding. Supervised multivariate models were effective to predict the genetic origin of the wines based on the metabolic profile, indicating the potential of the technique to identify biomarkers for wines from sustainable genotypes. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complexity of the interaction between the necrotrophic pathogen Botrytis cinerea and grape berries (Vitis vinifera spp.) can result in the formation of either the preferred noble rot (NR) or the loss-making grey rot (GR), depending on the prevailing climatic conditions. In this study, we focus on the functional gene set of V. vinifera by performing multidimensional scaling followed by differential expression and enrichment analyses. The aim of this study is to identify the differences in gene expression between grape berries in the phases of grey rot, noble rot, and developing rot (DR, in its early stages) phases. The grapevine transcriptome at the NR phase was found to exhibit significant differences from that at the DR and GR stages, which displayed strong similarities. Similarly, several plant defence-related pathways, including plant-pathogen interactions as hypersensitive plant responses were found to be enriched. The results of the analyses identified a potential plant stress response pathway (SGT1 activated hypersensitive response) that was found to be upregulated in the GR berry but downregulated in the NR berry. The study revealed a decrease in defence-related in V. vinifera genes during the NR stages, with a high degree of variability in functions, particularly in enriched pathways. This indicates that the plant is not actively defending itself against Botrytis cinerea, which is otherwise present on its surface with high biomass. This discrepancy underscores the notion that during the NR phase, the grapevine and the pathogenic fungi interact in a state of equilibrium. Conversely the initial stages of botrytis infection manifest as a virulent fungus-plant interaction, irrespective of whether the outcome is grey or noble rot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In viticulture, choosing the most suitable rootstock for a specific scion cultivar is an efficient and cost-effective way to increase yield and enhance the physicochemical characteristics of the fruit. The objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic performance of the 'BRS Tainá' grapevine on different rootstocks under the conditions of the Sub-Middle São Francisco Valley. The main experimental factor consisted of eight rootstocks (IAC 313, IAC 572, IAC 766, 101-14 MgT, Paulsen 1103, Ramsey, SO4, and Teleki 5C), arranged in randomized blocks with four replicates. The experiment was conducted over four production cycles, from 2021 to 2023, in a commercial crop area in Petrolina, PE, Brazil. There were significant effects of rootstocks for the yield and number of bunches per plant, as well as berry length and firmness. 'BRS Tainá' achieved the highest yield (22.2 kg per plant) when grafted onto the Paulsen 1103 rootstock, which was superior to the yield on 101-14 MgT, IAC 313, and IAC 572 rootstocks. The highest number of bunches (88) was obtained with 'BRS Tainá' grafted on Paulsen 1103, while the lowest number (63) was obtained on IAC 572; both these rootstocks were not significantly different from the other rootstocks. For all scion–rootstock combinations, the mean values for soluble solid (SS) content, titratable acidity (TA), and the SS/TA ratio were similar to those previously described for 'BRS Tainá', meeting the commercialization standard. The results for the yield and number of bunches per plant indicate the suitability of grafting 'BRS Tainá' on Paulsen 1103 under the semi-arid tropical conditions of the São Francisco Valley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The co-application of N and Fe can improve wine grape composition and promote the formation of flavor compounds. To understand the effects of foliar co-application of N and Fe on wine grape quality and flavonoid content, urea and EDTA-FE were sprayed at three different developmental stages. Urea and EDTA-Fe were sprayed during the early stage of the expansion period, at the end of the early stage of the expansion period to the late stage of the veraison period, and during the late stage of the veraison period. The results demonstrated that the co-application of urea and EDTA-Fe, particularly N application during the late stage of the veraison period and Fe application during the early stage of the berry expansion period (N3Fe1), significantly improved grape quality. Specifically, the soluble solid content of berries increased by 2.78–19.13%, titratable acidity decreased by 6.67–18.84%, the sugar-acid ratio became more balanced, and yield increased by 13.08–40.71%. Further, there was a significant increase in the relative content of amino acids and flavonoids. In conclusion, the application of Fe and N fertilizers at the pre-expansion and late veraison stages of grapes can significantly improve the quality and yield of berries; ultimately, this establishes a foundation for future improvement in the nutritional value of grapes and wine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change poses significant challenges to the grapevine cultivation for wine production. In the last years, the occurrence of extreme weather events such as intense heat waves and prolonged period of drought increased sunburn damage with negative consequences to yield and berry composition. Short-term adaptation strategies are urgently needed to mitigate these effects. In this light, our study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of zeolite application on the canopy and irrigation during ripening on sunburn damage, yield, and berry composition in cv. Sangiovese (Vitis vinifera L.). Over 3 years (2021-2023), canopy management and irrigation treatments were arranged in a strip-plot design. Canopy management treatments included leaf removal on the cluster zone, with and without zeolite application, and no defoliated control; irrigation treatments comprised irrigation from berry softening and no irrigation. Both zeolite application and irrigation reduced sunburn damage, thus mitigating yield loss. Regarding berry composition, zeolite application did not alter the main parameters whereas irrigation led to reductions in sugar and anthocyanin concentrations. These findings suggest that zeolite application and irrigation during ripening represent promising and cost-effective solutions for grape growers facing climate changeinduced challenges. However, further studies are necessary to optimize timing of irrigation to avoid detrimental effects on anthocyanin accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil is the basis of the existence of fruit tree and soil nutrients plays a crucial role in plant growth and berry quality. To investigate the characteristics and interrelationships between soil nutrients and berry quality in Cabernet Gernischet vineyards, this study focused on seven representative vineyards in the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains. Fifteen soil physicochemical factors and 10 berry quality factors were measured, followed by variation analysis, correlation analysis, multiple linear regression (MLR), partial-least squares regression (PLSR), principal component analysis (PCA), and systematic cluster analysis. We identified the main soil nutrient indicators influencing berry quality and developed linear regression equations. Utilizing PCA, a comprehensive evaluation model for berry quality was constructed, which enabled the calculation and ranking of integrated berry quality scores. The results indicated that soil nutrients in the vineyards of the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains are relatively deficient and alkaline. The coefficient of variation for soil nutrient factors ranged from 3.19 to 118.08% and for berry quality factors 2.41-26.37%. Correlation analysis revealed varying degrees of correlation between soil nutrient indicators and fruit quality indicators. PCA extracted four principal components with a cumulative contribution rate of 91.506%. Based on the scores of these components and their corresponding weights, a comprehensive model for evaluating the quality of Cabernet Gernischet berries was established. The vineyards were ranked from the highest to the lowest combined scores as Zhenbeibu (ZBB), Yuquanying (YQY), Dawukou (DWK), Beihaizi (BHZ), Shuxin (SX), Huangyangtan (HYT), and Hongde (HD). These findings provide insights into soil nutrient management and comprehensive quality assessment of vineyards in the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains. In conclusion, this study offers a theoretical foundation for vineyard managers to enhance grape berries quality through soil nutrient management. This will aid in the diagnosis of vineyard soil nutrition and the efficient use of fertilizers, with critical practical and theoretical implications for the meticulous management of vineyards and the production of high-quality wines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the enclosed environment of greenhouse grape production, the supply of CO2 required for photosynthesis is often insufficient, leading to photosynthetic downregulation and reduced yield. Currently, the optimal CO2 concentration for grape production in greenhouses is unknown, and the precise control of actual CO2 levels remains a challenge. This study aims to investigate the effects of different CO2 concentrations on the photosynthetic characteristics and yield of grapes, to validate the feasibility of a CO2 gas irrigation system, and to identify the optimal CO2 concentration for greenhouse grape production. In this study, a CO2 gas irrigation systemcombining CO2 enrichment and gas irrigation techniques was used with a 5-year-old Eurasian grape variety (Vitis vinifera L.) 'Flame Seedless.' Four CO2 concentration treatments were applied: 500 ppm (500 ± 30 µmol·mol-1), 700 ppm (700 ± 30 µmol·mol-1), 850 ppm (850 ± 30 µmol·mol-1), and 1,000 ppm (1,000 ± 30 µmol·mol-1). As CO2 concentration increased, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids in grape leaves all reached maximum values at 700 ppm and 850 ppm during the same irrigation cycle, while the chlorophyll a/b ratio was lower than at other concentrations. The net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and water use efficiency (WUE) of grape leaves were the highest at 700 ppm. The transpiration rate and stomatal conductance at 700 ppm and 850 ppmwere significantly lower than those at other concentrations. The light saturation point and apparent quantum efficiency reached their maximum at 850 ppm, followed by 700 ppm. Additionally, the maximum net photosynthetic rate, carboxylation efficiency, electron transport rate, and activities of SOD, CAT, POD, PPO, and RuBisCO at 700 ppm were significantly higher than at other concentrations, with the highest yield recorded at 14.54 t·hm-2. However, when the CO2 concentration reached 1,000 ppm, both photosynthesis and yield declined to varying degrees. Under the experimental conditions, the optimal CO2 concentration for greenhouse grape production was 700 ppm, with excessive CO2 levels gradually inhibiting photosynthesis and yield. The results provide a theoretical basis for the future application of CO2 fertilization and gas irrigation techniques in controlled greenhouse grape production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grapes (Vitis vinifera L) are a recommended fibrous food, advised to be consumed in quantities of 300g – 400g per capita per day. Grapes are popular due to their delicious, sweet, and fresh taste, and their high nutritional content, especially vitamins C and A. However, grapes are climacteric fruits that quickly deteriorate and contain tannins, which can impart an astringent, bitter, and cloudy taste if not processed into juice. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct research on grape juice processing to extend its shelf life and enhance the quality of the juice. The method used in this research is an experimental method with a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), consisting of 5 treatments with one factor. The treatment variations are: 250 ml grape juice with 0% egg white (albumin), 250 ml grape juice with 7.2% egg white (albumin), 250 ml grape juice with 14.4% egg white (albumin), 250 ml grape juice with 21.6% egg white (albumin), and 250 ml grape juice with 28.8% egg white (albumin). An organoleptic test on the grape juice was conducted using a preference or hedonic test on each variable: color, aroma, taste, and viscosity. The results of these 5 treatments were then analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and if there were significant differences between treatments, they were further tested with the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test at a 5% significance level. The results of adding egg white to grape juice processed into grape juice were analyzed with the following average values: color with an average value ranging from 2.20 (A) to 3.40 (E), aroma with an average value ranging from 2.07 (A) to 3.60 (B), taste with an average value ranging from 2.20 (A) to 4.20 (C), and viscosity with an average value ranging from 1.93 (A) to 4.33 (C). This research shows that the best formulation for making grape juice (Vitis vinifera L) with the addition of 36 ml or 14.4% egg white (albumin), 250 grams of grapes, 500 grams of granulated sugar, and 2500 ml of distilled water has the highest score of 15.19 compared to other treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can perform significant functions within sustainable agricultural ecosystems, including vineyards. Increased AMF diversity can be beneficial in promoting plant growth and increasing resilience to environmental changes. To effectively utilize AMF communities and their benefits in vineyard ecosystems, a better understanding of how management systems influence AMF community composition is needed. Moreover, it is unknown whether AMF communities in organically managed vineyards are distinct from those in conventionally managed vineyards. Methods and Results In this study, vineyards were surveyed across the Marlborough region, New Zealand to identify the AMF communities colonizing the roots of different rootstocks grafted with Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir in both conventional and organic systems. The AMF communities were identified based on spores isolated from trap cultures established with the collected grapevine roots, and by next-generation sequencing technologies (Illumina MiSeq). The identified AMF species/genera belonged to Glomeraceae, Entrophosporaceae, and Diversisporaceae. The results revealed a significant difference in AMF community composition between rootstocks and in their interaction with management systems. Conclusions These outcomes indicated that vineyard management systems influence AMF recruitment by rootstocks and some rootstocks may therefore be more suited to organic systems due to the AMF communities they support. This could provide an increased benefit to organic systems by supporting higher biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera) is one of the significant fruit trees cultivated in Iraq. During 2018-2019, severe leaf spot symptoms were observed commonly on grapevine in Al-Hussainiya district, Karbala province, Iraq. In order to identify the etiology of this disease, symptomatic leaf samples were collected randomly. The associated fungus was isolated, purified and identified as Alternaria alternata according to its morphological characteristics and sequence analyses of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA). The pathogenicity assay using Koch's postulates approved that the isolated A. alternata was pathogenic on grapevine leaves. The current study represents the first record of A. alternata causing leaf spots on grapevine in Karbala province, Iraq. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought stress is one of the most important limitations in the production of agricultural products and especially horticulture in different parts of the world and Iran. The climate changes that have happened in the last few years, it is possible to provide sustainable production of grapes in water stress conditions by examining and selecting cultivars that tolerate to drought stress. For this purpose, an experiment from 2018 to 2022 in the form of split plots in the form of randomized complete blocks with 3 replications in garden conditions to investigate the effect of changes in soil water potential on the morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics of grafted cuttings on cultivar traits Tolerant to sensitive 7 grape (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivars were carried out. The treatments included 7 selected grape varieties (‘Bidaneh Ghermez’, ‘Bidaneh Sefid’, ‘Rashe’, ‘Sahani’, ‘Kare Royeh’, ‘Moulai’, and ‘Chafte’) as the base and red quince cultivar as scion and three levels of drought stress including humidity. Agricultural (control), 75% (moderate stress) and 55% (severe stress) were based on agricultural moisture discharge. The results showed that with more severe water stress, the amount of proline, ABA, activity of catalase and peroxidase, the expression of CBF4, NCED3, and DHN1 genes increased, as well as the amount of total chlorophyll were decreased. In this experiment, the highest proline, abscisic acid, catalase, peroxidase, NCED3, CBF4 and DHN1 gene expression were observed in this experiment under severe stress treatment. In general, ‘Bidaneh Ghermez’ cultivar grafted on the rootstocks of ‘Chafte’, ‘Moulai’ and ‘Kare Royeh’ had a higher potential for tolerance to drought stress than other grafted combinations tested in most of the traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food contamination is the result of over-reliance on fungicides in crop production. The presence of pesticide residues in agricultural commodities needs to be strategically solved by applying gentle agrotechnical procedures. The research aimed to evaluate the effect of the treatment of grapevine with fungicides on the content and mobility of 4 active substances in the leaves of the variety Hibernal. The experiment included a control variant treated with fungicides and an untreated variant. We focused on monitoring the active substances of fungicides used in the first half of the vegetation: azoxystrobin, cyflufenamid, difenoconazole, myclobutanil, and another 25 active substances, in terms of multi-residue analysis methodologies. Grape leaves for analysis were collected on two dates: in the phenological phase of berry development BBCH 73 and 14 days after grape harvest - BBCH 91. Samples were prepared according to STN EN 15662. For qualitative analyzes of residues, we used the QuEChERS method in combination with liquid (LC-MS/MS) and gas (GC-MS/MS) chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. In the untreated variant, the contents of residues from both leaves collection were in undetectable values. In the leaf samples of the treated variant collected in BBCH 73, we established higher values of residues than the MRL determines, namely for azoxystrobin 0.083 mg/kg (MRL - 0.01 mg/kg). Azoxystrobin is the active substance of the Quadris max fungicide, and we applied this preparation 41 days before the first collection of leaves. In the analyzes of leaf sampling from the treated variant after grape harvest in BBCH 91, we found a decrease in the content of all monitored residues below detectable values. We consider the gradual degradation of residues in biological materials to be a very favorable result from the point of view of their impact on consumer health and the environment. Through visual observations of the vegetation, we found out that even the untreated variant had a perfect state of health. Hibernal is a variety suitable for biological production systems, and we assume that even in vintages with high pressure of fungal diseases, it is possible to maintain the health of the grapevine with ecological products. Using the appropriate grape variety combined with the right agrotechnical interventions makes it possible to use safer ecological practices to produce healthy food, maintaining sustainability and a healthy natural environment. The research will continue in the early Table grape varieties, where the vegetation period is shorter, and space for breaking down the residues is more difficult. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is the first record of Retithrips syriacus (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) for Algeria. This thrips pest is reported for the first time from Khenchela Province, north‐eastern Algeria, on two Vitaceae species (Vitis vinifera and Parthenocissus quinquefolia). The observations were made in several gardens of different houses within the same neighbourhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sour rot (SR) is a disease complex that affects grape berries during ripening and can cause severe yield losses and deterioration of wine quality. The etiology and epidemiology of the disease remain uncertain, which has severely limited the development of specific, targeted management strategies. In this study, a network meta-analysis was applied to data collected through a previous systematic literature review for statistically comparing the efficacy of different methods for the control of SR and some filamentous fungi isolated from rotten berries. Use of either synthetic fungicides (CHEM) and natural compounds or biocontrol microorganisms (BIO) provided partial and variable control of SR; however, the efficacy of BIO was similar to, or higher than, that provided by CHEM. Agronomic practices (AGRO) had a significant but lower effect on SR. The integration of different control methods (IPM) provided better and less variable disease control than any single method. Natural compounds, such as zeolites and bicarbonates, and microorganisms (e.g., yeasts Candida and Aureobasidium) are also promising alternatives to synthetic fungicides in SR control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resveratrol is a plant-derived polyphenolic compound with numerous biological activities and health-promoting properties. Rice wine is a popular traditional alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice grains, and widely consumed in Asia. To develop resveratrol-enriched rice wine, a heterologous resveratrol biosynthesis pathway was established by integrating the 4-coumaroyl-CoA ligase (Pc4CL) and the stilbene synthase (VvSTS) from Petroselinum crispum and Vitis vinifera at the δ locus sites of industrial rice wine strains Saccharomyces cerevisiae HJ. The resulting S. cerevisiae HJ01 produced a level of 0.6 ± 0.01 mg/L resveratrol. Next, the resveratrol production was increased 16.25-fold through employing the fused protein Pc4CL::VvSTS with a rigidly linked peptide (TPTP, EAAAK). Then, the strains were further modified by removing feedback inhibition of tyrosine through point mutation of ARO4 and ARO7, which integrated at the rDNA region of strain HJ03, and generated strain HJ06, HJ07, and HJ08. Subsequently, the highest resveratrol titer (34.22 ± 3.62 mg/L) was obtained by optimizing fermentation time and precursor addition amount. Finally, resveratrol content of rice wine fermented with strain HJ08 was 2.04 ± 0.08 mg/L and 1.45 ± 0.06 mg/L with or without the addition of 400 mg/L tyrosine after 7 days fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical control of grape black rot, caused by Phyllosticta ampelicida, relies mainly on the use of demethylation inhibitors (DMIs) and quinone outside inhibitors (QoIs). The effectiveness of QoI fungicides is influenced by alternative respiration activity, and the exon/intron structure and point mutations in the target protein's gene, the cytochrome b (cytb) gene. Our study aims to investigate the QoI fungicide sensitivity of 48 P. ampelicida isolates in vitro by measuring EC50 and the molecular characteristics of the cytb gene and its mRNA in P. ampelicida and other Phyllosticta species. Mycelial growth tests revealed that the P. ampelicida isolates were sensitive to both azoxystrobin and trifloxystrobin; baseline EC50 values were 0.029 and 0.022 μg/mL, respectively. Addition of salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM) resulted in lower EC50 values (0.024 and 0.017 μg/mL, respectively). None of the typical point mutations conferring resistance to QoIs in some fungi were detected. A group I intron was present right after the 143rd codon in the cytb gene in four of the six Phyllosticta species examined. The sequence and exon/intron structure of the cytb gene of P. ampelicida isolated from Vitis vinifera is studied in detail and published here. Our results indicate a low risk of QoI resistance development via the G143A mutation in P. ampelicida. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Polyamines are plant growth regulators that exert a pivotal role in salt tolerance. Aims: This research focused on investigating the effect of spermidine on morphological and physicochemical characteristics and ion accumulation of two grapevine cultivars under NaCl stress. Methods: A greenhouse experiment was conducted with three factors, including two grapevine cultivars (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Bidaneh‐Sefid and cv. Siah‐Sardasht), four levels of NaCl (together with the nutrient solution, including 0 [control], 20, 40, and 80 mM), and four spermidine levels ([foliar spray], 0 [control], 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mM). The experiment was performed in a factorial trial in accordance with a randomized complete design with three replicates. Results: Vegetative growth indices, including leaf number, fresh and dry weight of shoot, and root, were decreased by NaCl treatments. The application of spermidine positively reduced the effects of NaCl on morphological characteristics. Moreover, NaCl and/or spermidine significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved antioxidant enzyme activities associated with rising total protein accumulation. NaCl stress significantly decreased ion percentage (calcium, magnesium, phosphate, potassium, iron, and zinc) in the leaves of both cultivars. Based on the results, increasing salinity levels significantly boosted plant Na+ and Cl− percentage, along with increased membrane permeability and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. Interestingly, cv. Bidaneh‐Sefid leaves accumulated less Na+ and Cl− compared to the other cultivar. On the other hand, applying spermidine reduced the levels of Na+ and Cl− in both cultivars, and this reduction was associated with a decrease in membrane permeability and MDA concentration. Conclusions: The findings confirmed the role of spermidine in reducing the negative effects of NaCl, although more investigations with different grapevine cultivars under NaCl stress are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malvidin-3-O-glucoside (mv-3-O-glc), malvidin-3,5-O-diglucoside (mv-3,5-O-diglc), and malvidin-3-O-(6-O-coumaroyl) -glucoside-5-O-glucoside (mv-3,5-O-diglcCoum) extracted from Yan 73 (Vitis vinifera L.) and spine grape (Vitis davidii Foex) were used to investigate the effect on maltase and sucrase in the gut microbiota and Caco-2 cells. The results showed that three anthocyanins exhibited the inhibition of both maltase and sucrase in Caco-2 cells, and mv-3,5-O-diglc was the most effective one with an IC50 of 258.96 μM for maltase and 189 μM for sucrase, respectively, through a mixed-type inhibitory mechanism. The strong inhibition was also supported by the significant decrease in sucrase mRNA and protein levels in Caco-2 cells after treatment with mv-3,5-O-diglc for 4 h. Moreover, the inhibition effect of anthocyanins was observed only on maltase, which originated from the gut microbiota. The inhibition potential of mv-3-O-glc against maltase was higher than that of the other two anthocyanins in a mixed-type inhibition manner (IC50 = 9.66 ± 0.33 μM). Molecular docking revealed that mv-3-O-glc and mv-3,5-O-diglc formed hydrogen bonds with the aspartic acid (ASP) 443 catalytic residue of maltase, respectively, and then inhibited the enzyme activity by occupying the catalytic center. In particular, mv-3,5-O-diglc could easily fit into the active center of sucrase and form hydrogen bonds with the ASP1394 residue, which could be another reason for the inhibition of sucrase. Thus, anthocyanins, especially the diglucoside anthocyanins derived from grapes, are good potential α-glucosidase inhibitors for regulating postprandial blood glucose levels as dietary supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) transcription factor family plays critical roles in plant growth, development, and stress adaptation, but the biological functions in response to various stress of the WOX gene family have not been extensively researched in grapevine (Vitis vinifera). In this study, 12 grapevine WOXs were identified from the grapevine genome. Quantitative PCR and microarray expression profiling found that the expression of WOXs had an obvious tissue-specific pattern. Conjoint analysis between various tissues and treated materials indicated VvWUS1 expression is associated with expression of genes from grapevine rupestris stem pitting-associated virus; and VvWOX3 with grapevine fanleaf virus. The gene expression patterns of the WOXs in grape were different under salt stress, with VvWOX8/9 , VvWUS1 , and VvWOX3 responding more strongly to salt stress than control by 18.20-, 9.50-, and 9.19-fold. This study further improves understanding of the evolution and function of the WOX gene family, and offers a theoretical framework and reference for breeding grapevine to better tolerate adversity and permit cultivation of seedlings free of viruses. WOX is a family of genes that help regulate how plants develop and also respond to stress. In this study, 12 WOX genes were identified in grapes and analysed by bioinformatic methods. Coanalysis of different expression patterns in grapes showed that two of these genes respond to specific viruses and effectively block virus replication and infestation. Another gene was the most sensitive to salt stress. This study provides preliminary evidence that these three genes are key to resistance to salt and to viruses in grape, providing vital candidate genes for grapevine breeding [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of verjuice on beef M. biceps femoris (BF). BF blocks were marinated with 30%, 70%, and 100% verjuice solutions containing 2% NaCl, for different marination times (12, 24, 48, and 72 h). Verjuice marination reduced the pH values of BF samples from 6.77 in control sample to 3.66 in 100% of verjuice for 72 h. The decreased values of water holding capacity (from 54.06% to 47.46%) with increasing verjuice concentration (from 30% to 100% for 72 h) confirmed the drop of proteins isoelectric point of the muscle due to salt presence preventing fibers swelling. Less cookout was observed with increasing acid concentration. Marination time had no significant effect on L* and a* coordinates of uncooked samples while acidification made the samples lighter and less red. Enzymatic proteolysis of myosin and troponin‐T concomitant with increase in myofibrillar fragmentation index contributed to the decrease of shear force in a way dependent on verjuice concentration and marination time. Sensory panelists gave the highest score to cooked samples marinated with 70% verjuice solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The earliest archaeological evidence of wine came from ceramic vessels of the Transcaucasian 'Shulaveri-Shomutepe' or 'Aratashen-Shulaveri-Shomutepe culture' (SSC/AShSh: c. 6000–5200 BC). Western European 'Bell Beaker culture' (BB: c. 2500–2000 BC) is characterized by bell-shaped pottery vessels but has so far not been found with residues consistent with wine. Knowing that wild grapes populated both habitats, the absence of wine during the Bell Beaker period remains to be explained. The main goal of this work was to investigate whether the shape of the vessels could influence the performance of spontaneous fermentation, specifically regarding the production of volatile acidity. Crushed grapes or juices from various grape cultivars were fermented in two types of vessels: (i) borosilicate glass beakers (4–5 L) to imitate bell beakers and (ii) Erlenmeyer flasks (5 L) to imitate SSC/AShSh vessels. Fermentations occurred spontaneously, and the wines were analyzed for their conventional physical–chemical parameters (e.g., ethanol content, total acidity, volatile acidity, pH), chromatic characteristics (e.g., wine color intensity, wine hue), and volatile composition by gas-chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID). At the end of fermentation, the yeast species were identified by molecular methods. In addition, wine yields and phenolic composition (e.g., total phenols, anthocyanins, total pigments) were determined for wild grapes in comparison with six red varieties Vitis vinifera L. subsp. sativa (Vinhão, Marufo, Branjo, Melhorio, Castelão and Tempranillo Tinto), chosen as a function of their genetic relatedness with the wild counterpart. Wines produced from V. sylvestris grapes showed higher total acidity and color intensity when compared to the cultivated varieties. Saccharomyces cerevisiae dominated at the end of all spontaneous fermentations in all types of vessels and conditions. Wines fermented in Erlenmeyers showed ethanol concentrations as high as 14.30% (v/v), while the highest ethanol level was 12.30% (v/v) in beakers. Volatile acidity increased to a maximum of 4.33 g/L (acetic acid) in Erlenmeyers and 8.89 g/L in beakers. Therefore, the shape of the vessels influenced the performance of fermentation, probably due to the different exposures to air, leading to vinegary ferments more frequently in open mouths than in conical-shaped flasks. These results provide a hypothesis based on fermentation performance for the absence of wine produced in the Iberian Peninsula until the arrival of Phoenician settlers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examines the total polyphenol and flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of natural ingredients such as balloon flower root extract (BFE), Japanese apricot extract (JAE) and grape extract (GE). In addition, their effect on beef jerky quality characteristics was investigated when the extracts were used as alternatives to potassium sorbate (PS) and vitamin E (VE). BFE had higher (p < 0.05) total flavonoid content (TFC) (6.85 mg CAT eq/g), total polyphenol content (TPC) (10.52 mg RUT eq/g), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical (62.96%), and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity (87.60%) compared to other extracts. Although all extracts showed lower activity than BHT in all antioxidant activity tests, the BFE and JAE showed higher (p < 0.05) activity than the GE in the DPPH and FRAP assays. In contrast, in the ABTS assay, both BFE and GE showed increased activity (p < 0.05) compared to JAE. The jerky was prepared by adding 0.05% (v/v) each of BFE, JAE and GE. Furthermore, a control sample of jerky was also prepared by adding 0.10% (w/v) PS and 0.05% VE, respectively. On day 30, the redness (a*) values of the BFE and PS samples were also found to be significantly higher than those of the other samples (p < 0.05). Additionally, the yellowness (b*) values of the BFE sample were also found to be significantly higher than those of the other samples (p < 0.05). The thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs) on day 30 were lower in the jerky treated with PS, VE, and GE compared to those treated with BFE and JAE (p < 0.05). In the sensory analysis, beef jerky with BFE had significantly higher overall acceptability scores on days 1 and 30 (p < 0.05). The addition of BFE to beef jerky influenced the increase in a* and b* values on day 30. The addition of GE effectively suppressed lipid oxidation to a level comparable to that of the PS and VE at day 30. Furthermore, the addition of BFE enhanced the overall acceptability of sensory characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, studies were performed on oxidative stability by determining the transmittance spectra, the components and trichomatic coordinates, and the color differences for grape seed oils (GSO) subjected to a forced oxidation treatment at temperatures of 100 °C and 120 °C, for 4, 8 and 10 h. For this purpose, a constant airflow of 30 L/min was used. GSO was also subjected to flammability tests on a heated cylindrical surface to determine the lowest temperature at which this oil ignites, correlated with the highest temperature at which the oil does not ignite. According to the results, these temperatures are 475 °C and 470 °C, respectively. At these temperatures, the tested oils were darker in color than the reference oil, with the L* parameter having lower values (91.53 and 89.56, respectively). In addition, the correlation coefficients between the evaluated parameters were significant (p ≤ 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thanks to several Vitis vinifera backcrosses with an initial V. vinifera L. × V. rotundifolia (previously Muscadinia rotundifolia) interspecific cross, the MrRUN1/MrRPV1 locus (resistance to downy and powdery mildews) was introgressed in genotypes phenotypically close to V. vinifera varieties. To check the consequences of introgressing parts of the V. rotundifolia genome on gene expression during fruit development, we conducted a comparative RNA-seq study on single berries from different V. vinifera cultivars and V. vinifera × V. rotundifolia hybrids, including 'G5' and two derivative microvine lines, 'MV102' (resistant) and 'MV32' (susceptible) segregating for the MrRUN1/RPV1 locus. RNA-Seq profiles were analyzed on a comprehensive set of single berries from the end of the herbaceous plateau to the ripe stage. Pair-end reads were aligned both on V. vinifera PN40024.V4 reference genome, V. rotundifolia cv 'Trayshed' and cv 'Carlos', and to the few resistance genes from the original V. rotundifolia cv '52' parent available at NCBI. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) led to classifying the differentially expressed genes into 15 modules either preferentially correlated with resistance or berry phenology and composition. Resistance positively correlated transcripts predominantly mapped on the 4–5 Mb distal region of V. rotundifolia chromosome 12 beginning with the MrRUN1/MrRPV1 locus, while the negatively correlated ones mapped on the orthologous V. vinifera region, showing this large extremity of LG12 remained recalcitrant to internal recombination during the successive backcrosses. Some constitutively expressed V. rotundifolia genes were also observed at lower densities outside this region. Genes overexpressed in developing berries from resistant accessions, either introgressed from V. rotundifolia or triggered by these in the vinifera genome, spanned various functional groups, encompassing calcium signal transduction, hormone signaling, transcription factors, plant–pathogen-associated interactions, disease resistance proteins, ROS and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. This transcriptomic insight provides a foundation for understanding the disease resistance inherent in these hybrid cultivars and suggests a constitutive expression of NIR NBS LRR triggering calcium signaling. Moreover, these results illustrate the magnitude of transcriptomic changes caused by the introgressed V. rotundifolia background in backcrossed hybrids, on a large number of functions largely exceeding the ones constitutively expressed in single resistant gene transformants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aspergillus carbonarius causes severe decays on berries in vineyards and is among the main fungal species responsible for grape contamination by ochratoxin A (OTA), which is the foremost mycotoxin produced by this fungus. The main goal of this study was to investigate at the transcriptome level the comparative profiles between two table grape varieties (Victoria and Fraoula, the white and red variety, respectively) after their inoculation with a virulent OTA-producing A. carbonarius strain. The two varieties revealed quite different transcriptomic signatures and the expression profiles of the differential expressed genes (DEGs) highlighted distinct and variety-specific responses during the infection period. The significant enrichment of pathways related to the modulation of transcriptional dynamics towards the activation of defence responses, the triggering of the metabolic shunt for the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, mainly phenylpropanoids, and the upregulation of DEGs encoding phytoalexins, transcription factors, and genes involved in plant–pathogen interaction and immune signaling transduction was revealed in an early time point in Fraoula, whereas, in Victoria, any transcriptional reprogramming was observed after a delay. However, both varieties, to some extent, also showed common expression dynamics for specific DEG families, such as those encoding for laccases and stilbene synthases. Jasmonate (JA) may play a critical modulator role in the defence machinery as various JA-biosynthetic DEGs were upregulated. Along with the broader modulation of the transcriptome that was observed in white grape, expression profiles of specific A. carbonarius genes related to pathogenesis, fungal sporulation, and conidiation highlight the higher susceptibility of Victoria. Furthermore, the A. carbonarius transcriptional patterns directly associated with the regulation of the pathogen OTA-biosynthesis gene cluster were more highly induced in Victoria than in Fraoula. The latter was less contaminated by OTA and showed substantially lower sporulation. These findings contribute to uncovering the interplay beyond this plant–microbe interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The skin microbiota, with its millions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, plays a key role in balancing the health of the skin and scalp. Its continuous exposure to potentially harmful stressors can lead to abnormalities such as local dysbiosis, altered barrier function, pathobiont overabundance, and infections often sustained by multidrug-resistant bacteria. These factors contribute to skin impairment, deregulation of immune response, and chronic inflammation, with local and systemic consequences. In this scenario, according to the needs of the bio-circular-green economy model, novel harmless strategies, both for regulating the diverse epidermal infectious and inflammatory processes and for preserving or restoring the host skin eubiosis and barrier selectivity, are requested. Vitis vinifera L. leaves and their derived extracts are rich in plant secondary metabolites, such as polyphenols, with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties that can be further exploited through microbe-driven fermentation processes. On this premise, this literature review aims to provide an informative summary of the most updated evidence on their interactions with skin commensals and pathogens and on their ability to manage inflammatory conditions and restore microbial biodiversity. The emerging research showcases the potential novel beneficial ingredients for addressing various skincare concerns and advancing the cosmeceutics field as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The soil microbiota is a key component of agroecosystems, and understanding its traits is crucial for effective agronomic management. Among beneficial microorganisms, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMFs) are mutually associated with grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.), enhancing the ability of this cropping system to adapt to soil conditions and bolstering its resistance and resilience against abiotic stresses, particularly drought, by promoting root growth and enhancing the roots' absorption surface. The objective of this on-field study was to determine AMF species richness and diversity along with their relation to soil chemical, physical, and biological characteristics in two adjacent organic vineyards in Central Italy. The two tested vineyards of the autochthonous cv. Aleatico differed by the presence of grafted (Vitis berlandieri × V. riparia rootstock; AL-420) or own-rooted (ungrafted V. vinifera L.; AL-ORV) vines. To this aim, soil and root samples were collected and geo-referenced. Analysis of the AMF species colonizing roots of both AL-ORV and AL-420 revealed the presence of four species: Scutellospora alterata, Paraglomus laccatum, Acaulospora laevis, and A. baetica, with S. alterata being the most frequent. Mycorrhization parameters were higher in the roots of grafted plants compared to ungrafted ones. A high beta-glucosidase (BG):N-acetylglusosaminidase (NAG) ratio in two tested vineyards indicated that microbes utilized more cellulose than chitin and peptidoglycan as dominant C resources. A negative correlation between mycorrhization rate (MyCP) and BG was observed, likely because AMFs form mutualistic relationships with plants, depending on the host plant for carbon. Results revealed a positive correlation between the degree of mycorrhizal association and the species involved, with the presence of copper and nickel among metals. Negative correlations were found concerning soil clay content along with beta-glucosidase. In conclusion, the grapevine root system was characterized by a differential symbiotic relationship with AMF species, whose development is influenced by the root genotype, soil texture, and biochemistry. Specifically, the increased frequency of AMFs in relation to copper content strengthens the evidence of their role in maintaining a vine's production capacity in the event of soil contamination by this element. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates how grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.) respond to shading induced by artificial nets, focusing on physiological and metabolic changes. Through a multidisciplinary approach, grapevines' adaptations to shading are presented via biochemical analyses and hyperspectral data that are then combined with systems biology techniques. In the study, conducted in a 'Moscatel Galego Branco' vineyard in Portugal's Douro Wine Region during post-veraison, shading was applied and predawn leaf water potential ( Ψ p d ) was then measured to assess water stress. Biochemical analyses and hyperspectral data were integrated to explore adaptations to shading, revealing higher chlorophyll levels (chlorophyll a-b 117.39% higher) and increased Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels in unshaded vines (52.10% higher). Using a self-learning artificial intelligence algorithm (SL-AI), simulations highlighted ROS's role in stress response and accurately predicted chlorophyll a (R2: 0.92, MAPE: 24.39%), chlorophyll b (R2: 0.96, MAPE: 17.61%), and ROS levels (R2: 0.76, MAPE: 52.17%). In silico simulations employing flux balance analysis (FBA) elucidated distinct metabolic phenotypes between shaded and unshaded vines across cellular compartments. Integrating these findings provides a systems biology approach for understanding grapevine responses to environmental stressors. The leveraging of advanced omics technologies and precise metabolic models holds immense potential for untangling grapevine metabolism and optimizing viticultural practices for enhanced productivity and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the potential use of three bacterial strains—Paraburkholderia sp. strain CRV74, Pseudomonas sp. strain CRV21, and Acinetobacter sp. strain CRV19—as biocontrol agents of Botrytis cinerea in grapevine. These strains were selected for their ability to inhibit B. cinerea growth in vitro and used in field conditions for the control of grey mould symptoms in 'Glera' grapes. To this end, after inoculating these microorganisms onto plants sprayed with B. cinerea spores, the final yield, the physicochemical characteristics of the must, disease incidence, and the possible influence on the expression of plant-defence proteins were evaluated. Strain CRV21 resulted as being the most effective in combating grey mould (−20% of disease incidence). Although yield was not affected, significantly different values of total soluble solids content was observed. Additionally, a significant up-regulation of the genes PR-1, PR-5, β-1,3-glucanase, and class III chitinase was observed. These findings highlight the potential application of strains with anti-botrytis activity as sustainable alternatives to chemical defence for the control of this pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BMI1 is the main component of the Polycomb Group Complex 1 (PRC1), which functions as an important epigenetic inhibitor of various regulatory genes associated with shoot apical meristem, embryonic development, flowering, senescence and so on. However, its role in the regulation of grapevine development is still unclear. In order to explore the function of VvBMI1a gene in the regulation of flowering in Vitis vinifera 'Cabernet Sauvignon', the subcellular localization, expression pattern, yeast two-hybrid, two-molecule fluorescence complementation and flowering time of transgenic Arabidopsis were analyzed. The results showed that VvBMI1a, a member of RING domain-containing proteins family from grapevine (Vitis vinifera), is involved in controlling plant flowering time. Expression of VvBMI1a was abundant in the shoot tips and inflorescence meristems of grapevine. VvBMI1a protein is localized in the nucleus. VvBMI1a could interact with VvRING1a protein which belonged to PRC1. Phenotypic analysis showed that VvBMI1a over-expression lines had earlier flowering time than wild-type plants under long-day (LD) conditions. Further analysis by qRT-PCR and transcriptome suggests that both the suppression of FLC and activation of FT, SOC1, SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE 5 (SPL5), AGL8 were observed in VvBMI1a-overexpressing lines, resulting in early flowering. Our results provide the evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of manipulating VvBMI1a to alter the flowering time of plants. In a word, ectopic overexpression of VvBMI1a inhibited the expression of FLC, activated the expression of FT, SPL5, AGL8 to alter the flowering time of Arabidopsis plants. Key message: • VvBMI1a is a ubiquitously expressed nuclear protein. • VvBMI1a can interact with VvRING1a. • Ectopic overexpression of VvBMI1a induced the early flowering via inhibition of FLC, activation of FT, SPL5, AGL8 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to provide new data on forest management and arboricultural practices in the Roman and Late Antique periods in the north-eastern Iberian Peninsula. In this study, the waterlogged branches found in three wells at the sites of Iesso and Vilauba in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula were analysed. To determine management practices the roundwood method, based on the correlation between age and diameter, has been applied. The study has revealed the presence of a wide range of species collected on surrounding forests, especially in riparian forest. Moreover, it is remarkable the abundance of fruit trees at both sites, being the most abundant Prunus sp. The comparison of the archaeological branches with a reference collection of modern twigs from cultivated and non-managed individuals of the Prunaceae family, Salix sp. and Sambucus nigra , has provided clear evidence of management practices in these taxa. In addition, direct evidence of pruning was observed on some branches of Vitis vinifera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grapevine trunk diseases cause yield losses and vine mortality in vineyards worldwide. However, there have been few quantitative studies evaluating grapevine dieback on a large spatial and temporal scale. Here, we consolidated and standardized databases from the 13 main wine regions of France, compiling records of leaf symptoms associated with esca and Eutypa dieback from 2082 plots and 36 cultivars over a 20‐year period. This large dataset was used (a) for quantitative analysis of the prevalence (number of plots with at least one symptomatic plant) and incidence (percentage of symptomatic plants) of esca and Eutypa dieback; and (b) to decipher the effects of cultivar, year and plot age on both the prevalence and incidence of esca leaf symptoms by temporal Bayesian modelling. Esca was present on a mean of 74 ± 2% plots annually, with an incidence of 3.1 ± 0.1%. Eutypa dieback occurred in 41 ± 3% of the plots, with an incidence of 1.4 ± 0.1%. Our modelling approach revealed that the cultivar had a significant impact on the prevalence of esca, but not on its incidence when prevalence is greater than zero. Esca prevalence remained stable, whereas esca incidence was higher than the mean value in six of the years after 2012. We also found a significant non‐linear effect of plot age, with 10‐ to 30‐year‐old plots significantly more susceptible, depending on the cultivar. This study clearly illustrates the importance of considering extensive and continuous monitoring to improve our understanding of the impact and evolution of crop diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serbia preserves a high number of local grape varieties, which have been cultivated across thecountry forcenturies.Now, these ancient varieties are in the spotlight, and there is a global trend towards their recovery and characterization because they can revitalize regional, national and international grape and wine sectors. In addition, their genetic study can be useful to find new pedigree relationships to reveal how local varietal assortment evolve dover time. Here, thegeneticcharacterizationof138 grapevines from old Serbian vineyards revealed 59 different genetic profiles, 49 of which were identified as grapevine varieties whose origin in the country could be linked to some major Serbian historical periods.Most of the genetic profiles found in this work arranged in a complex pedigree network that integrates numerous grapevine varieties from diverse Balkan countries, agreeing with an intense exchange of plant material among Balkan regions for centuries. This analysis identified some varieties as important founders of Balkan genetic resources, like 'Alba Imputotato', 'Braghina Rosie', 'Coarna Alba', and 'Vulpea'. After deepening into their genealogy, these major direct founders might have ultimately derived from 'Visparola', an ancient variety of likely Balkan origin with a major founding role in some European regions. Our results also indicated the genetic singularity of the grapevine resources fromthe Balkanswhen compared to those fromother relevant winemaking regions, supporting the interest of their detailed study to evaluate their oenological potential and for the eventual identification of useful traits tocounteract current viticulture challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is crucial for winegrowers to make informed decisions about the optimum time to harvest the grapes to ensure the production of premium wines. Global warming contributes to decreasing acidity and increasing sugar levels in grapes, resulting in bland wines with high contents of alcohol. Predicting quality in viticulture is thus pivotal. To assess the average ripeness, typically a sample of one hundred berries representative for the entire vineyard is collected. However, this process, along with the subsequent detailed must analysis, is time consuming and expensive. This study focusses on predicting essential quality parameters like sugar and acid content in Vitis vinifera (L.) varieties 'Chardonnay', 'Riesling', 'Dornfelder', and 'Pinot Noir'. A small near-infrared spectrometer was used measuring non-destructively in the wavelength range from 1 100 nm to 1 350 nm while the reference contents were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Chemometric models were developed employing partial least squares regression and using spectra of all four grapevine varieties, spectra gained from berries of the same colour, or from the individual varieties. The models exhibited high accuracy in predicting main quality-determining parameters in independent test sets. On average, the model regression coefficients exceeded 93% for the sugars fructose and glucose, 86% for malic acid, and 73% for tartaric acid. Using these models, prediction accuracies revealed the ability to forecast individual sugar contents within an range of ± 6.97 g/L to ± 10.08 g/L, and malic acid within ± 2.01 g/L to ± 3.69 g/L. This approach indicates the potential to develop robust models by incorporating spectra from diverse grape varieties and berries of different colours. Such insight is crucial for the potential widespread adoption of a handheld near-infrared sensor, possibly integrated into devices used in everyday life, like smartphones. A server-side and cloud-based solution for pre-processing and modelling could thus avoid pitfalls of using near-infrared sensors on unknown varieties and in diverse wine-producing regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sour rot (SR) is one of the major diseases affecting grapevine berries, causing severe yield losses and deterioration of wine quality. SR is caused by an etiologic complex of microorganisms, including yeasts, bacteria, and filamentous fungi. This systematic review focuses on the etiology, epidemiology, and control of SR. A total of 74 papers published between 1986 and 2023 were assessed in this review. Description of disease symptoms was quite consistent across the papers, including oxidation of the grape skin, disaggregation of the internal tissues, and detachment of the rotten berries from the pedicel. The affected bunches are characterized by the smell of acetic acid and ethyl acetate that attracts fruit flies (Drosophila spp.). However, several knowledge gaps and/or inconsistencies were identified with respect to SR etiology, epidemiology, and control. Overall, 146 microorganisms were isolated from the affected berries (44.5% yeasts, 34.3% bacteria, and 21.2% filamentous fungi); however, the selected papers could not definitively clarify which species are primarily involved in the etiology of the disease. A general inconsistency was also observed in the methods used to assess the incidence and severity of SR in vineyards, making inter-study comparisons extremely challenging. Inconsistencies were also found in the methods used for pathogenicity assessment in artificial inoculation studies. Furthermore, gaps were detected in terms of SR epidemiology, with a focus on environmental conditions affecting the disease development. The SR management options are limited, and efficacy trials often result in poor, variable, and inconsistent levels of control, which might be attributed to the lack of knowledge on disease epidemiology. These knowledge gaps and inconsistencies were analyzed in this review to inform future research activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minerals are essential for plant metabolism, serving as crucial components of enzymes, structural elements, and signaling molecules. Stress-induced changes in mineral uptake and distribution can disrupt these physiological functions, compromising plant health and resilience. Understanding how drought and salt stress affect the mineral composition of vine saplings is essential for identifying potential nutrient deficiencies or imbalances that may arise in stressed environments. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of combined and separately applied drought and salt stress on the mineral contents of vine saplings. For this purpose, a trial was carried out with potted own-rooted "Alphonse Lavallée" (AL), three rootstocks (1103 P, 41 B, and 5 BB) and also AL grafted onto these rootstocks. 0, 50, and 100 mM of NaCl for salt stress and 25%, 50%, and 100% water levels of evapotranspiration (ETP) for water stress in combined and separately were applied to vines during two years. At the end of the experiment, the highest foliar damage was found in 41 B rootstock treated with 100 mM NaCl + 25% ETP and Alphonse Lavallée grafted onto 5 BB treated with 50 mM NaCl + 25% ETP in the first and second year, respectively. Saplings were significantly affected by salt and water stress in terms of mineral contents, which varied depending on whether they were grafted or not. Particularly in grafted AL, the amount of Cl was low, but the Nacontent was high compared to own-rooted Alphonse Lavallée and rootstocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc enrichment of edible food products, through the soil and/or foliar application of fertilizers, is a strategy that can increase the contents of some nutrients, namely Zn. In this context, a workflow for agronomic enrichment with zinc was carried out on irrigated Vitis vinifera cv. Syrah, aiming to evaluate the mobilization of photoassimilates to the winegrapes and the consequences of this for winemaking. During three productive cycles, foliar applications were performed with ZnSO4 or ZnO, at concentrations ranging between 150 and 1350 g.ha−1. The normal vegetation index as well as some photosynthetic parameters indicated that the threshold of Zn toxicity was not reached; it is even worth noting that with ZnSO4, a significant increase in several cases was observed in net photosynthesis (Pn). At harvest, Zn biofortification reached a 1.2 to 2.3-fold increase with ZnSO4 and ZnO, respectively (being significant relative to the control, in two consecutive years, with ZnO at a concentration of 1350 g.ha−1). Total soluble sugars revealed higher values with grapes submitted to ZnSO4 and ZnO foliar applications, which can be advantageous for winemaking. It was concluded that foliar spraying was efficient with ZnO and ZnSO4, showing potential benefits for wine quality without evidencing negative impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitis vinifera is the grape variety used in the production of wine and other products. In the wine production process, many of the vine's by-products are wasted, namely seeds and stems. Given the proportion of wine production worldwide, the quantity of by-products is beginning to be an environmental problem, making it urgent to take measures for their use to obtain bioactive compounds with health benefits. The aim of this work was to study the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of extracts from the seeds and stems of four Portuguese grape varieties: Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Viosinho, and Tinta Roriz. Total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoids (TFC) contents present in the different extracts were evaluated, as well as the antioxidant activity, by DPPH and FRAP methods. TPC and TFC values of the stem's extracts are much higher than those of the seeds of the same grape variety in the same solvent. The antioxidant activity of aqueous and ethanolic stem extracts is higher than that obtained for the seeds, showing that antioxidant activity is related to the content of polyphenols. The antimicrobial activity of different stem and seed extracts was determined against yeasts and Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and the effect was determined based on the minimal inhibitory concentrations calculated (MIC). In general, the ethanol:water (1:1) extract of the seeds from the different varieties tested inhibited C. albicans ATCC10231 and C. krusei ATCC6258 growth even at 200 μg/mL, and the effect was fungicidal at 200 μg/mL. The same type of extract showed selective antimicrobial activity, inhibiting S. aureus ATCC29213 growth but having no effect against E. coli ATCC25922 even at 200 μg/mL. The effect against S. aureus was bactericidal (at 200 μg/mL) for Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, and Viosinho. Taking all these results into account, it can be concluded that the by-products of the grape varieties tested are important sources of bioactive products, particularly as antioxidants and antimicrobials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of grape stems, a by‐product of the grape processing industry, as a source of valuable bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols, has gained attention in recent years. This study aimed to investigate different eco‐friendly extraction methods for obtaining polyphenols from grape (Vitis vinifera cv. Bidaneh Sefid) stems, focusing on green solvents and innovative techniques. Four extraction methods were tested, involving the use of water and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as green solvents, along with maceration, microwave, ultrasound, and reduced‐pressure techniques. High‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–ESI‐MS/MS) was used to characterize and quantify the bioactive compounds in the extracts. A total of 29 polyphenols, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and stilbenes, were detected. Among the four extraction methods tested, methods 1 (water + microwave + ultrasound + atmospheric pressure) and 2 (water + microwave + ultrasound + reduced pressure) were found to be the most effective. Our study demonstrated that using water and PEG as green solvents, combined with techniques like microwave, ultrasound, and reduced pressure, effectively extracted both hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds from the grape stems. These findings suggest that further exploration of these methods could lead to the development of value‐added products from grape stems, emphasizing the significance of green extraction techniques for the recovery of polyphenols from winemaking by‐products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement Summary Table grape production is a traditional practice in southeastern Spain, where locals have produced fresh grapes and raisins for centuries. Many of these vines are now centenary, and they represent a useful source of diversity for developing future table grape varieties with improved traits. Genetic analysis showed that many of the local varieties identified in this study were traditional varieties from Western Mediterranean countries. Others were not identified, and they might be old grape varieties of previous importance in the region. The conservation and characterization of these varieties could be key to ensuring current and future vineyard sustainability. Current worldwide table grape production focuses on a reduced number of Vitis vinifera L. varieties. However, traditional farmers have grown many table grape varieties for centuries, as they provided a steady source of fresh fruit and raisins. These ancient living genotypes potentially store a genetic diversity that can be used now to ensure future grape production. Here we focused on the study of grapevines found across Almería, one of the Spanish regions with longer tradition in table grape production. After an exhaustive inspection, we located 220 old (some centenary) vines producing grapes consumed by owners or in abandoned areas no longer devoted to agriculture. Some of these vines were identified by comparing their simple sequence repeat (SSR) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genetic profiles with available data from international databases. We found that, while grape growers' efforts focused on the cultivation of traditional grape varieties from Western Mediterranean regions, they also cultivated few exogenous varieties if they provided additional fruit features. Other vines were found to have genetic profiles that did not match reference datasets. Interestingly, some of them were found in multiple locations, suggesting they are endangered varieties with some previous relevance in the region. Besides, first‐degree relationships support the autochthonous origin of many of these unidentified genotypes. Locals kept a high number of different grapevine varieties, now considered reservoirs of genetic diversity. Traditional farming practices have been useful to prevent the loss of this diversity, which now needs to be preserved and further studied to contribute to the sustainability of viticultural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractGrape is a staple crop in many parts of Iran which has shown moderate sensitivity to salinity stress. Water and soil salinity is one of the major environmental stresses that strongly affect the production of agricultural products, including grapes. To overcome the harmful effects of salinity, different methods and materials are used, one of which is the use of nitric oxide. In order to explore the impact of nitric oxide on the mitigation of the negative effects of salinity stress on four grape cultivars and rootstocks (‘Bidaneh Sefid’ (Sultana) and ‘Yaghouti’ cultivars, and 140Ru and 1103 P rootstocks), a pot experiment was performed in a factorial based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. Plants were subjected to three sodium chloride (NaCl) levels of 0 (control), 25, and 50 mM and three levels of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) of 0 (control), 0.5, and 1 mM. Results indicated that increasing SNP concentration caused an increase in growth indices such as leaf area, shoot and root length, fresh and dry weights of leaves, shoots, and roots, and leaf relative water content (RWC). Furthermore, salinity decreased the concentrations of potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), and iron (Fe2+) in leaves, while increased the amount of sodium (Na+) and chlorine (Clˉ) as well as the electrolyte leakage (EL). In addition, SNP at 0.5 and 1 mM could increase the growth efficiency and RWC as well as the elements such as K+ and Mg2+ while decreased the absorption of Na+ and Clˉ as well as the EL in plants under salinity. According to the obtained results, SNP at both concentrations (0.5 and 1 mM) had a pronounced effect on reducing the negative effect of salinity in the evaluated grape rootstocks and cultivars. In general, the positive effects of SNP on ‘Yaghouti’ and ‘Bidaneh Sefid’ cultivars were higher than those on 140Ru and 1103 P rootstocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sustainable method for producing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Vitis vinifera seed extract has been proposed. The formation of AgNPs was confirmed through spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and electron microscopy. The UV-visible spectrophotometer revealed distinct absorbance peaks at 398.80 nm and 416.24 nm, signifying the presence of Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR). XRD, quasi-elastic light scattering, and surface topography results exposed that the AgNPs were crystalline and had rod-like shapes. FTIR identified seed extract functional groups that reduced silver ions to AgNPs and acted as capping agents. The nanoparticles showed inhibition against gram-positive microorganisms like Staphylococcus pneumonia and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, surpassing their effectiveness against gram-negative microorganisms such as Pseudomonas fluorescens. This environmentally responsible approach not only offers a green synthesis method but also holds promise for combating specific pathogenic bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Incorporating biofertilizers, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AM) fungal inoculants, into vineyard management practices may enhance vine growth and reduce environmental impact. Here, we evaluate the effects of commercially available and local AM fungal inoculants on the growth, root colonization, and nutrient uptake of wine grapes (Vitis vinifera) when planted in a field soil substrate. Methods and results In a greenhouse experiment, young wine grapes were planted in a field soil substrate and inoculated with one of three commercially available mycorrhizal inoculant products, or one of two locally collected whole soil inoculants. After 4 months of growth, inoculated vines showed no differences in plant biomass, colonization of roots by AM fungi, or foliar macronutrient concentrations compared to uninoculated field soil substrate. However, vines grown with local inoculants had greater shoot biomass than vines grown with mycorrhizal inoculant products. Conclusions Although effects from inoculations with AM fungi varied by inoculant type and source, inoculations may not improve young vine performance in field soils with a resident microbial community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black rot (Guignardia bidwellii) and downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) are two major grapevine diseases against which the development of efficient biocontrol solutions is required in a context of sustainable viticulture. This study aimed at evaluating and comparing the efficacy and modes of action of bacterial culture supernatants from Bacillus velezensis Buz14 and B. ginsengihumi S38. Both biocontrol agents (BCA) were previously demonstrated as highly effective against Botrytis cinerea in grapevines. In semi-controlled conditions, both supernatants provided significant protection against black rot and downy mildew. They exhibited antibiosis against the pathogens by significantly decreasing G. bidwellii mycelial growth, but also the release and motility of P. viticola zoospores. They also significantly induced grapevine defences, as stilbene production. The LB medium, used for the bacterial cultures, also showed partial effects against both pathogens and induced plant defences. This is discussed in terms of choice of experimental controls when studying the biological activity of BCA supernatants. Thus, we identified two bacterial culture supernatants as new potential biocontrol products exhibiting multi-spectrum antagonist activity against different grapevine key pathogens and having a dual mode of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, a complete physicochemical characterization of pruning residues from red grape varieties Cabernet Sauvignon (CSPR) and Malbec (MPR) from Mendoza, Argentina is reported. In addition, the extraction of lignocellulosic material by using an environmentally friendly methodology is reported, yielding 13.33 wt% for CSPR and 8.08 wt% for MPR. According to laser diffraction analysis (LD), the particle‐size distribution is similar for both varieties. Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning‐electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy (OM), and X‐rays diffraction (XRD) show the presence of lignin and cellulose in both samples. It may be concluded that vine shoots are an inexpensive and widely available source to obtain lignin and cellulose for multiple purposes, such as composites and blends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural variations (SVs) are a feature of plant genomes that has been largely unexplored despite their significant impact on plant phenotypic traits and local adaptation to abiotic and biotic stress. In this study, we employed woolly grape (Vitis retordii), a species native to the tropical and subtropical regions of East Asia with both coastal and inland habitats, as a valuable model for examining the impact of SVs on local adaptation. We assembled a haplotype‐resolved chromosomal reference genome for woolly grape, and conducted population genetic analyses based on whole‐genome sequencing (WGS) data from coastal and inland populations. The demographic analyses revealed recent bottlenecks in all populations and asymmetric gene flow from the inland to the coastal population. In total, 1,035 genes associated with plant adaptive regulation for salt stress, radiation, and environmental adaptation were detected underlying local selection by SVs and SNPs in the coastal population, of which 37.29% and 65.26% were detected by SVs and SNPs, respectively. Candidate genes such as FSD2, RGA1, and AAP8 associated with salt tolerance were found to be highly differentiated and selected during the process of local adaptation to coastal habitats in SV regions. Our study highlights the importance of SVs in local adaptation; candidate genes related to salt stress and climatic adaptation to tropical and subtropical environments are important genomic resources for future breeding programs of grapevine and its rootstocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]