Propagation techniques played a significant role in the early domestication of grapevines. Considering the morphological features of wild grape berries and the nutritional properties of grape seeds, it is unlikely that these were spat out by ancient agriculturists: it is much more likely that they were eaten, or they were disposed of with the winemaking residues. In this study, we tested whether seed exposure to different processing methods-fresh, dried, and fermented-affected germination in Vitis vinifera L. Trials were conducted in 2024 at two ampelographic collections in Lizzano (Italy) and Jighaura (Georgia). We sampled 6 accessions of V. vinifera subsp. sativa in Italy and 19 accessions-5 wild V. vinifera subsp. sylvestris and 14 cultivated V. vinifera subsp. sativa-in Georgia. Grapes were processed as fresh, dried, and fermented berries. Germination was assessed for 15 days, using 4 to 8 replicates of 25 seeds each. A total of 13200 seeds was observed. Our results indicated that seeds from fresh and dried berries exhibited similar and higher germination potential, while fermented seeds showed a significant reduction in germination-only two fermented accessions (one subsp. sylvestris, one subsp. sativa) showed limited germination capacity. Ethanol exposure during fermentation may damage the seed embryo, reducing its germination ability. In general, the germination rate of the unfermented seeds of subsp. sylvestris were noticeably higher than the ones of subsp. sativa, suggesting potential differences due to their divergent propagation strategies. Collectively, these findings indicate that during grapevine domestication, grape propagation by fresh and dried seeds could be successful, while fermentation imposed an inadvertent selective bottleneck against sexual propagation. Only occasional ethanol-tolerant seeds may have survived. This may have eventually decreased the cultivated grapevine's biodiversity.
'Pinot Grigio Matto', meaning "crazy Pinot Gris", appeared decades ago in some vineyards in Treviso province (Veneto region, North-Eastern Italy). No information is available on its origin and provenance. A preliminary investigation based on DNA genotyping revealed that it shared the same molecular profile of 'Marzemino', even if the bunches remained grey at ripening instead of becoming blue-black. The comparison between 'Pinot Grigio Matto' and 'Marzemino' using ampelographic, chemical and DNA analyses at the berry colour locus revealed the strong similarity between them, except for the data linked to grape colour. Sensorial analyses of white and red wines highlighted the good oenological potential of this grapevine mutant. The availability of dozen mutated vines, showing uniform grey pigmentation of bunches at ripening, testifies that this mutation is well fixed and stable. This study demonstrates that 'Pinot Grigio Matto' is a previously unknown, somatic mutant for berry colour of 'Marzemino'. This study enriches the knowledge of the phenomena contributing to the generation of viticultural biodiversity and varietal evolution, through the identification, maintenance and valorisation of a new variety, generated by a spontaneous bud mutation. Giving the substantial (25%) increase in ros & eacute; wine global production, winemaking from 'Marzemino Grigio' is a promising prospect.
'Manjari Manjula' is a new table grape variety with the productivity of 30-35 tons per ha. Naturally loose bunches and big berries are distinct characteristics of the variety. Berries are elliptical, grey purple with ample bloom, firm, have nonslippy skin and show the presence of 1-2 seeds per berry. Generally, a pleasing sugar-acid ratio (>25.0) is recorded in the variety, with an average of 18.85 degrees Brix of total soluble solids and 7.11 g.L(-1 )of titrable acidity. Thus, fruit quality, vine productivity and ease in cultivation makes 'Manjari Manjula' a potential variety for commercial expansion.
This research investigated the effect of light quality on changes in leaf pigments, photosynthesis rate, and gas exchange in grapevine under salinity stress in greenhouse. The study was conducted as a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with three replications over two consecutive years. The first factor was light quality generated by LED lamps at 5 levels, including: 100% red, 100% blue, 70% red + 30% blue, and 50% red + 50% blue and the control (greenhouse natural sunlight). The second factor was electrical conductivity (EC) induced by adding NaCl to the nutrient solutions at 4 levels, including 1.67 (the control), 3.63, 6.05, and 10.23 dS.m-1. The results indicated that under the EC of 10.23 dS.m-1, both combinations of red and blue lights (especially 70-30% ratio) led to a greater increase and preservation total Chlorophyll contents, stomatal conductance and carboxylation efficiency in leaves compared to the monochromatic lights, while they reduced substomatal CO2 concentration. 100% blue light had the highest effect on reducing the leaf surface temperature followed by greenhouse natural sunlight, whereas 100% red light had a substantial impact on reducing the transpiration rate. 100% red light, along with both the combination of red and blue, showed the highest actual water use efficiency under the EC of 10.23 dS.m-1. According to the results, both the combinations of red and blue improved the plant's tolerance and continuous photosynthetic activity under salinity stress conditions by increasing the positive effects or reducing the negative effects of salinity.
Mediterranean viticulture faces increasing challenges from severe thermal and water stress induced by climate change, which threaten both yield and grape quality. This study evaluated the effectiveness of foliar applications of three natural reflective mineral products, zeolite (TZL), basalt powder (TPB), and kaolin (TK), as sustainable adaptation strategies for Vitis vinifera L. 'Chardonnay' cultivated under typical Mediter ranean conditions. The experimental trials demonstrated that these mineral based reflective films are effective agronomic tools for mitigating heat and drought stress. All treatments significantly increased yield and average bunch weight compared with the untreated control, reducing losses caused by berry dehydration. Among the tested materials, zeolite (TZL) achieved the highest bunch weight and superior physiological performance. Ecophysiological assessments confirmed that reflective treatments preserved photosynthetic function by reducing photoinhibition and improving both net photosynthesis (Pn) and water use efficiency (WUE). While zeolite provided the best overall physiological and productive response, basalt powder produced grapes of the highest quality. Overall, the use of natural reflective minerals-particularly zeolite-emerges as an innovative and environmentally sustainable approach to optimizing vine energy and water balance, thereby maintaining high quality grape production in Mediterranean regions increasingly affected by global warming.
Fumaric acid is a promising oenological tool known for ability to block unwanted malolactic fermentations due its antibacterial properties. While its use as an acidifier musts and wines is currently being debated, its interaction with yeast has long been recognized, yet in-depth studies lacking. In this work, we investigated the impact of fumaric acid on the viability and fermentation performance of a pool of S. cerevisiae strains and other yeast species of oenological interest in experimental laboratory fermentations. In addition to collecting kinetic and microbiological data, we thoroughly characterized the resulting wines by analysing all intermediates of the Krebs cycle for possible traces of fumaric acid, which was added to the grape must. Our results demonstrate that fumaric acid does not significantly alter the activity S. cerevisiae, though we were able to identify some markers of its presence. Furthermore, a higher concentration of this molecule was found in the finished wines compared to controls, suggesting a new approach for tracing fumaric acid in wine. Although preliminary, our tests on non-Saccharomyces yeasts revealed divergent behaviours among the species, which paves the way for further research.
Compost application enhances soil structure, fertility, and microbial activity, reducing the need for chemical inputs and supporting agroecosystem resilience, while mycorrhizal symbiosis improves nutrient and water uptake efficiency, thereby increasing crop tolerance to abiotic stresses. Moreover, both compost and mycorrhizae contribute to soil carbon sequestration, offering an environmental-friendly solution to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining long-term soil productivity and health. The use of municipal solid waste (MSW)-derived compost in agriculture supports a circular economy by recycling organic waste into valuable soil amendments, aligning with zero-waste principles and reducing pressure on landfills. In this work, we treated grapevine plants with MSW-compost, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) or the combination of both, in a pot experiment with agricultural soil as growth substrate. Root mycorrhization was evaluated by staining and microscopy, while effects on the aerial parts of the plant were evaluated by measurement of the reflectance spectra of leaves. Results showed that MSW-compost increased the root mycorrhization by native AMF (i.e. in non-AMF inoculated plants), leading to mycorrhization levels comparable to those obtained with the addition of commercial inoculum. At the same time, MSW-compost amended plants showed a delayed leaf senescence. The integration of compost and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) represents a promising strategy to both improve adaptation of agriculture to climate change and reduce our dependence on synthetic fertilizers, fostering virtuous practices in sustainable agricultural systems.
The application of magnesium (Mg) fertilizer to the foliage of 'Pinot Noir' was studied over three years in a vineyard that historically developed moderate to severe Mg deficiency symptoms on leaves in late summer in western Oregon. Three foliar sprays of MgSO4 between fruit set and veraison at either 11.2 or 22.4 kg.ha-1 for each spray (providing a total of 3.36 or 6.73 kg.ha-1 of actual Mg per year) improved Mg concentrations in leaf blades at veraison, but not in petioles, and decreased Mg deficiency symptoms. The high Mg rate had higher leaf blade Mg concentrations than the low Mg rate in year 3, and a lower prevalence of Mg deficient leaves in years 2 and 3 than the low rate. Improving vine Mg status with foliar Mg had no influence on vine growth, other physiological parameters, or fruit yield. Increasing Mg status also did not increase sugar levels in must, nor increase Mg or S concentrations in must. Leaf blades collected at veraison or thereafter were effective in diagnosing low vine Mg status, but petioles were ineffective in diagnosing Mg status. Critical values for leaf blade Mg concentrations for 'Pinot Noir' are discussed based on the concentration of Mg in leaf blades of symptomatic leaves and also in routine veraison samples where Mg deficiency symptoms subsequently occurred in experimental plots. Since there was no negative impact of low Mg on vine productivity or must chemistry, critical values for Mg that actually impact economic production or fruit quality for 'Pinot Noir' grown in the region remain unclear.
Lolium multiflorum Lam. (ryegrass, or azev & eacute;m in Portuguese) is a grass used as forage and cover crop in vineyards of the southern region of Brazil. However, it has become invasive, with some biotypes identified as resistant to glyphosate. Its control is performed with herbicides, prior to flowering. Aside from plant resistance and damage to the ecosystem and to the population's health, these herbicides might cause lesions to plant tissues, and change photosynthesis and fruit maturation, as already observed in vineyards. Due to the presence of bioactive substances with phytotoxic activity, extracts of native plants might be exploited to develop natural products with herbicidal activity. The present study evaluated the effects of aqueous extracts by decoction and infusion of Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil. leaves on germination, seedling formation, growth, and on the chlorophyll and tissues of adult L. multiflorum plants. In vitro bioassays were performed at the concentrations of 0% (control-only purified water), 0.5%, 1%, and 2%, comprised of five replicates of 20 L. multiflorum caryopses. Germination percentage, average germination time, average seedling formation time, average seedling length, and dry mass were calculated. Adult L. multiflorum plants were submitted to treatments using extracts by decoction in the concentration of 3% and 5% (and control-only purified water), and chlorophyll content, dry mass, and anatomical cuts were evaluated. Chemical compounds present in the extracts were identified through High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Data were submitted to a unidirectional analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a polynomial regression analysis (p < 0.05). Both extracts showed phytotoxic activity, yet the decoction extract had higher phytotoxicity, especially at the concentrations of 1% and 2%, reducing germination percentage and speed, as well as seedling formation and growth. Damage was lower in adult plants, although there was rupture of epidermal cells and chlorophyll parenchyma, as well as plasmolysis at 3 and 6% of the extract. The chemical profile of I. paraguariensis is consistent with the biological activity observed. The hypothesis that the aqueous extract by decoction of I. paraguariensis leaves has potential to develop a natural product with herbicidal activity against L. multiflorum, to be used in vineyards, was confirmed. However, further studies are required to evaluate extract application methodology, individual action of each compound present, and their action mechanisms.
The identification and characterization of yeast species during winemaking are essential for ensuring fermentation quality and preventing microbial spoilage. In this study, an atypical yeast colony was isolated from a red wine sample and subjected to morphological and molecular analyses. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) profiling of the ITS region yielded patterns inconsistent with known wine-associated yeasts. Subsequent sequencing of the D1/D2 domain confirmed the isolate as Dipodascopsis uninucleata, marking its first documented occurrence in a wine matrix. Microscopic examination revealed distinctive ascus structures, while literature review highlighted the species' capacity to produce bioactive oxylipins and accumulate lipids, suggesting potential biotechnological applications. Interference assays demonstrated minimal impact of D. uninucleata genomic DNA on the qPCR-based quantification of Brettanomyces bruxellensis, a key spoilage organism. These findings expand the known diversity of wine microbiota and underscore the importance of molecular tools in detecting rare or previously unreported yeast species in oenological environments.
Photosynthetic characteristics are critical indicators of a plant's ability to grow and achieve high yield under specific climatic conditions. In this study, grape varieties including 'Thompson Seedless', 'Bangalore Blue', 'Red Globe', and 'Crimson Seedless', along with newly released varieties 'Manjari Medika', 'Manjari Kishmish', and 'Manjari Shyama' were evaluated for their photosynthetic performance under tropical climatic regions of India. The results showed a significant positive correlation of yield and biomass with parameters such as apparent quantum yield, net photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll content, and leaf area index (LAI). This indicates that varieties exhibiting higher photosynthetic efficiency also produced greater biomass and yield. Hierarchical clustering grouped the seven varieties into three distinct categories. 'Manjari Medika' and 'Red Globe' formed the first category due to their superior apparent quantum yield, net photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll content, and LAI, resulting in the highest yield and biomass. The second category included 'Manjari Kishmish', 'Manjari Shyama', and 'Thompson Seedless', while 'Crimson Seedless' and 'Bangalore Blue' were grouped in the third category, having comparatively lower photosynthetic performance. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and a comprehensive evaluation using the TOPSIS method ranked the varieties based on their photosynthetic traits. 'Manjari Medika' and 'Red Globe' ranked the highest, whereas 'Bangalore Blue' ranked the lowest. Overall, the findings highlight that in the tropical climate, 'Manjari Medika' and 'Red Globe' exhibit superior photosynthetic performance and yield potential, followed by 'Manjari Kishmish', 'Manjari Shyama', and 'Thompson Seedless'.
After dozens of years of prospections in North-East Italy aiming at the recovery and valorization of ancient grapevine germplasm, it is still possible to find new genotypes. One-hundred-sixty-three grapevine samples were recovered in Veneto and Trentino Alto Adige regions, as a result of surveys performed from 2021 to 2024. In total, 163 vines were sampled at 36 sites. Genotyping was performed using 12 SSR markers, nine of them internationally adopted for grape varietal identification, and 98 SSR profiles were obtained. By comparison of these profiles with reference molecular databases, 87 profiles were ascribed to known varieties, and seven remained anonymous. Some hybrids were detected. PCA showed the complex history and different geographical origin of the compared genotypes: some were closer to the Balkan varieties 'Vulpea', 'Heunisch weiss' and 'Muscat & agrave; petits grains blancs', while others were closer to 'Raboso Piave' or to 'Garganega'. Among the novelties found, some are under observation since 2022 for ampelographic and oenological evaluation, like 'Brepona','Ottavia','Pontedara','Rossa Baver', 'Rossa Burgan', and 'Saccola bianca'.
DNA analysis of the Polish grapevine cultivar 'Jutrzenka' enabled the determination of its genetic profile based on 22 SSR markers. Comparative analysis of SSR profiles confirmed its identity with the Russian variety 'Tsvetochnyi', supporting the conclusion that 'Jutrzenka' is a synonym. After the exclusion of 'Jutrzenka''s previously declared parents, 'Villard Blanc' and 'Pinot Blanc', 'Tsvetochnyi' was confirmed as derived by 'Severnyi' x 'Muscat & agrave; petits grains blancs', as declared by its breeders.
Vineyard soils do not always provide the amount of nitrogen (N) that the grapevines need. This makes it necessary to supplement them with nitrogen fertilizer. However, high doses of N applied can cause excess vigor in the grapevines, which can harm the composition of the grape must and, consequently, its by-products. However, excess vigor can be controlled by winter pruning. The study aimed to evaluate the productivity and grape must composition in 'Chardonnay' and 'Pinot Noir' wine-producing, subjected to nitrogen fertilization and winter pruning intensity, in the southern region of Brazil. 'Chardonnay' and 'Pinot Noir' grapevines were subjected to applications of 0, 40 and 80 kg of N ha-1 year-1, since 2011. Double Guyot pruning was carried out with two pruning intensities: six buds on each branch (quality pruning) and twelve buds on each branch (production pruning). Productivity, yield components (number of clusters per plant, average cluster weight, ravaz index, green pruning mass, pulp weight and skin weight), berry physical variables (Hue, Chroma, a*, b*, luminosity and berry firmness) and the must chemical composition (total soluble solids, total titratable acidity, total polyphenols, total anthocyanins, pH and TSS/TTA) were evaluated in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 crop seasons. The highest productivity was observed in the 'Chardonnay' and 'Pinot Noir' which were production pruned to maintain the highest number of buds per branch per plant and when the cultivars were subjected to nitrogen fertilization. Berry physical variables and the must chemical composition, with the exception of total polyphenols, were not affected or were minimally affected by the types of pruning and the doses of N applied. Adjusting the management practice with production pruning and the application of 80 kg of N ha-1 year-1 is a strategy for increasing productivity in vineyards, associated with controlling the vigor of the grapevines.
The combination of low rainfall, high evapotranspiration and low water availability under semi-arid conditions necessitates rethinking cultural practices including the use of irrigation. This article aims to present necessary soil-climate and vegetative-berry development variables to be considered to manage a minimal irrigation for ensuring yield consistency and avoiding potential inhibition of berry development and maturation. A two-year study (2022-2023) was conducted on 'Grenache N'. (Vitis vinifera L.) grafted onto 110R in commercial vineyards located in the wine region of Pyr & eacute;n & eacute;es-Orientales (PO), South of France. One drip-irrigated and one rainfed treatment were compared. Among the main findings of this study, the relationship between soil water content and predawn leaf water potential differed for irrigated treatment compared to the rainfed treatment. This highlights the need for a proper calibration curve between these two variables when considering drip irrigation. In addition, the monitoring of the evolutions of berry sugar and organic acids, in parallel with the evolution of berry volume (or fresh mass), permitted to evaluate the impact of water supply on vine water and carbon functioning and achieve minimal irrigation. When local water availability for irrigation is limited (less than 500 m3 per hectare per year), such soil, plant and berry measurements at key stages can make the difference and help surpass physiological limits. This study ultimately proposes an easy-to-conduct field method to help winegrowers achieve predefined yield and wine quality targets while minimizing their water footprint.
Bud dormancy in woody perennials is a complex physiological process regulated by seasonal environmental fluctuations. Both water status and energy reserve molecules are involved in the process of bud dormancy release, although their precise roles remain a subject of ongoing debate. This study aimed to investigate the role of energy reserve molecules and the formation of vascular tissue in the grapevine during and after budbreak. Histochemical, microscopy, and biochemical techniques were employed to monitor the pattern of vascular tissue formation in the bud meristem and surrounding cane tissues, as well as the utilisation of reserve molecules, such as starch. Our findings revealed that starch reserves were rapidly consumed, a process associated with increased alpha-amylase activity. Furthermore, we observed the formation of new vascular tissues starting from the onset of budbreak until stage EL7, at which point functional connections between the emerging shoot and cane were established, ensuring the initiation of water transport.
Understanding the potential impacts of biochar on wine flavour is crucial if such a soil management tool is to be adopted by the viticulture sector, ensuring acceptance by vine growers, winemakers, and consumers alike. Two previous field studies in the temperate and Mediterranean regions showed that standard grape quality parameters were unchanged upon soil amendment with biochar, under favourable climatic conditions. We aimed to investigate the way biochar impacts on standard grape quality indicators and secondary metabolites that are key for wine sensory attributes under unfavourable climatic conditions, hypothesizing an increased potential for biochar to affect such quality parameters in drier climates. To that aim, we deployed a woody biochar (alone and combined with vegetable compost) at application rates relevant to agricultural management (4 and 40 t.ha-1) in a non-irrigated commercial denomination of controlled origin vineyard in Central Portugal, with established grapevines of 'Sauvignon Blanc'. Biochar did not significantly alter grape composition, such as aroma compounds associated with wine aroma (mono and sesquiterpenic compounds, C6 aliphatic and aromatic alcohols). These findings support the feasibility of applying a woody biochar to commercial vineyards (up to 40 t.ha-1) in drier Mediterranean-like regions, with no adverse effects on grape or wine sensory attributes in the second year, although further clarification of longer-term effects is needed.
This research employs a survey of relevant stakeholders to identify low-input farming practices with the potential to mitigate key agronomic and environmental challenges in the Mosel vineyard region (Germany) and enhance their sustainability. Stakeholders are concerned about the future of the Mosel winemaking region as threatened by the lack of farm generational succession and of economic sustainability, as well as suffering problems of excessive fertiliser use and biodiversity loss. Their priorities actions such as: conserving traditional landscapes, recovering traditional crops, reducing soil erosion, and increasing crop profitability. The stakeholders point at minimum tillage, soil mulching, maintenance of natural vegetation on plot edges, green manure, and pheromone control as the most adequate farming practices for the area. Using TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) multi-criteria analysis, these practices have also been ranked as the most effective for facing the identified agronomic and environmental challenges. This analysis, by combining prioritization and effectiveness, yielded even higher valuations than those directly assigned by stakeholders. This is conditioned by some stakeholders rating them low or not choosing them on the grounds of lack of effectiveness, incompatibility with current practices, lack of tradition, or the high implementation or management cost, so, the multi-criteria analysis really shows the true ranking. As we can see the typology of small family-run farms with elderly winemakers, with steep stony plots that make farming difficult and expensive, coupled with changes in the "terroir" due to climate change, compromises the survival of production. This study has highlighted that a change in mentality to modernise farms and adopt agro-ecological practices, as well as diversification with fodder and aromatic crops can offer the community an opportunity which, supported by marketing strategies, may provide an incentive to consumers.
In order to identify grape varieties with suitable tolerance to salinity, it is crucial to determine their ability to exclude chloride ions either by extruding them into the rhizosphere or by inhibiting their loading into the xylem. With this objective in mind, an experiment was devised involving two cultivars of Vitis vinifera L., namely the chloride-sensitive 'Shahroudi' and semi-sensitive 'Asgari', as well as a chloride-tolerant hybrid rootstock. Potted specimens were subjected 25 mM sodium chloride for a period of 10 days. The relative transcript abundances of membrane proteins that potentially facilitate chloride absorption through the root epidermis and chloride loading via parenchyma in the xylem sap were assessed using the quantitative real-time PCR method. These evaluations confirmed the existence of variations among genotypes of V. vinifera species in terms of their inhibitory capabilities and degree of tolerance exhibited by their various tissues towards chloride accumulation. Notably, the relative expressions of all selected genes demonstrated significant differences, thus supporting their involvement in chloride absorption and loading into the shoot. By employing a multivariate regression method, we identified specific genes whose relative expression can be recommended for predicting chloride residue in the roots or the entire body of the grapevine
Caused by grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3), grapevine leafroll disease (GLRD) is one of the most devastating viral diseases in most grape-growing regions worldwide. Unfortunately, due to a lack of understanding of the GLRaV-grapevine interaction, there are currently no applicable measures to cure GLRaV-3 infection. Most effective GLRD control strategies include planting certified virus-free grapevines and removing virus-infected vines through rogueing. Therefore, early detection of GLRaV-3 is critical for the timely removal of infected plants in the vineyard. Here, we evaluated the efficiency and accuracy of GLRaV-3 early detection by RT-PCR using a table and raisin grape germplasm collection in California's Central Valley. The results were verified by late detection using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We found that the efficacy of RT-PCR-based GLRaV-3 early detection highly depends on the genotypes. Some GLRaV-3-infected germ-plasm could be detected by RT-PCR at an early stage, while other lines either generated inconsistent results between individual plants or exhibited only negative outcomes; however, they were almost all later confirmed to be GLRaV-3 positive by ELISA. The inconsistency is probably due to slower virus propagation and disease development in these lines. We also found that despite the lower GLRaV-3 early detection rate, all positive RT-PCR results are accurate and can be used to guide timely vine removal to prevent GLRaV-3 spread. Early detection of GLRaV-3 across various varieties and breeding lines provides valuable germplasm-dependent guidance for table and raisin grape growers and researchers in Central California, enabling them to initiate disease management as early as in April. With necessary modifications, the guidance can also be applied to GLRaV-3 management in vineyards outside of our region.
