Search

• 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]

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]

In the present investigation, spray drying independent operating conditions such as the inlet air temperature (A-IAT 130, 150 and 170 °C), outlet air temperature (B-OAT 60, 70 and 80 °C), needle speed (C-NS 3S, 4S, 5S), maltodextrin concentration (D-MD 10, 15, 20 %), pump speed (E-PS 5, 10, 15 mL/min) and water/grape pomace ratio (F-W/GP ratio 10, 15, 20) were optimized to develop the spray-dried grape pomace powder (SDGPP) with maximum yield. The impact of these conditions on total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), and antioxidant activity (DPPH· values) of SDGPP samples were analyzed. The independent spray drying factors (IAT, OAT, NS, MD, PS, and W/GP ratio) impart a strong direct effect (p ≤ 0.05) on powder yield, TPC, TFC, and DPPH· values. The interaction effects (A × B, A × C, A × D, A × E, A × F, B × C, B × D, B × E, B × F, C × D, C × E, C × F, D × E, D × F, and E × F) of independent variables were noted non-significant (p ≥ 0.05) for response values. After validation of the model and verification of results, the independents' variables were found in the range of 170 °C (IAT), 80 °C (OAT), 4S (NS), 15 % (MD), 10 mL/min (PS) and 15 (W/GP ratio) for yield (64.7 ± 1.18 %), TPC (7.66 ± 0.53 mg GAE/g), TFC (3.19 ± 0.30 mg CE/g) and DPPH· 140.3 ± 1.59 (100 µL/mL), respectively. The decrease in TPC, TFC, and DPPH· values of SDGPP samples was noted during 60 days of storage at 25 ± 2 °C and 65 ± 5 % RH (p ≤ 0.05) but not greater than unprocessed samples. It could be concluded that the protection of phenolic contents and retention of antioxidant activity of dried powders can be achieved at optimized spray drying conditions for discerning food and byproduct processing industries. [Display omitted] • Spray drying of phenolics rich grape pomace is a promising method for encapsulation. • Interaction for spray drying independent factors was optimized for pomace powder. • The quality of raw and spray-dried grape pomace was evaluated during storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of abnormal disorders; hypertension, glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, proinflammatory, and prothrombotic states, affecting approximately 14 % of the world's population. The potential of grape seeds extract (GSE) supplementation to improve the metabolic disturbances and their related conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was investigated in this study. In-vitro metabolic syndrome assays were investigated through α-amylase, α-glucosidase, lipase, lipoxygenase (LOX), cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2), renin and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition assays. Additionally, in-vivo rat model of high-fat-high-carbohydrate diet (HFD)-induced MetS was established, where metformin (MT) (200 mg/kg) was used as a reference drug and GSE was given at 100 and 200 mg/kg by oral gavage. GSE was standardized using HPLC analysis for the major reported compound; catechin which should be ≥ 160.76 ± 5.52 μg/mL. Total phenolic content of GSE was 21.12±0.61 µg gallic acid equivalent/1 mg extract and total flavonoid content was 23.81±0.64 µg rutin equivalent/1 mg extract. In-vitro assays revealed the potential of GSE to manage the metabolic syndrome, besides its strong antioxidant capacity. Treatment with GSE (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) markedly (P < 0.05) controlled the weight gain, improved the metabolic pathways (total glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, AST, and ALT), oxidative stress parameters (MDA, GSH, and catalase) and inflammatory biomarkers in HFD fed rats. GSE downregulated the expression of insulin resistance gene (IR) and some inflammatory related genes (TNF-α and NF-κB), additionally it improved the pathological features of metabolic conditions and upgraded the expression of Nrf2 compared to HFD group. The superior effects were owned to the high dose of GSE, 200 mg/kg b.wt. (P < 0.05, P < 0.001). All results sustenance the beneficial effects of the standardized GSE in the management of metabolic syndrome. [Display omitted] • Grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) as a medicine have been well known since ancient times. • Inhibition assays documented GSE in the management of the metabolic syndrome. • GSE had hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory. • GSE improved the pathological features of metabolic conditions. • Standardization of GSE using HPLC, catechin should be ≥ 160.76 ± 5.52 μg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grape farms face many climate risks during cultivation, and regulatory and sustainability-related challenges after the harvest. To support the farmers, Government of India (GoI) aims to promote adaptive capacity throughout the grape value chain by improving resilient infrastructure. This paper proposes a novel Grapevoltaics farm design based on shared circular business model principles where resources like energy, water, and land are shared between grape farmer and solar plant operator. The resilience (in the near term) and sustainability (in the long term) of such multifunctional systems may be influenced by the decisions taken by the involved stakeholders in terms of resource sharing and support extension when facing climate risk events. To address stakeholder engagement, the proposed Grapevoltaic farms leverage blockchain smart contract, making them Blockchain-enabled Grapevoltaics (BCeDGVs). To understand the feasibility, 1-ha Grapevoltaic farm is modeled for 12 grape growing regions accross India and analysed using Resilience Performance, Life Cycle Analysis, and Techno-Economic (RePLiCATE) approach. The results show that the solar panels provide resilience support based on the rules of engagement written on blockchain smart contracts. The BCeDGVs has 1295.28–2908.08 kWh/kWp/day electricity generation potential across India with a lifetime average of 15,380.65 MWh even after considering the national average photovoltaic degradation rate of 1.9%. The observed grape yields vary between 2 and 31.25 Mt/ha with an average yield of 45 Mt/ha (table grape) and 40 Mt/ha (wine grape), and the rainwater harvest varies between 1.23 to 7.32 M l. The economic assessment revealed that grape farmers and photovoltaic plant operators across India under BCeDGVs could have revenues ranging between INR 56.25 to 225 million and INR 29.48–66.19 million, respectively, suggesting to relook into the feed-in tariffs and crop selling prices. The environmental sustainability results suggest that 1.984 ha/MW land-use mitigation and 12–100% reduction in groundwater dependency are possible while maintaining the minimum and maximum national average global warming potentials as 0.074 and 0.088 kg CO 2 -eq./kg grape, respectively. Overall, the integrated assessments find that the BCeDGVs may promote low carbon, climate resilient grape cultivation in India and has possible integration with GoI's GrapeNet platform. This study highlights a new research direction symbiotic grape farms and energy networks. [Display omitted] • Grapevoltaics co-locate Vitis vinifera cultivation with solar photovoltaics. • Blockchain smart contract facilitated shared circular business model in agriculture. • Harvested rainwater cut emissions for grape crop and solar panel cleaning. • Dynamic operation of solar panels protects the grape crop from rain events. • Grapevoltaics integration with APEDA's GrapeNET platform, Govt. of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chalcone isomerase-like (CHIL) protein is a noncatalytic protein that enhances flavonoid content in green plants by serving as a metabolite binder and a rectifier of chalcone synthase (CHS). Rectification of CHS catalysis occurs through direct protein-protein interactions between CHIL and CHS, which alter CHS kinetics and product profiles, favoring naringenin chalcone (NC) production. These discoveries raise questions about how CHIL proteins interact structurally with metabolites and how CHIL-ligand interactions affect interactions with CHS. Using differential scanning fluorimetry on a CHIL protein from Vitis vinifera (VvCHIL), we report that positive thermostability effects are induced by the binding of NC, and negative thermostability effects are induced by the binding of naringenin. NC further causes positive changes to CHIL-CHS binding, whereas naringenin causes negative changes to VvCHIL-CHS binding. These results suggest that CHILs may act as sensors for ligand-mediated pathway feedback by influencing CHS function. The protein X-ray crystal structure of VvCHIL compared with the protein X-ray crystal structure of a CHIL from Physcomitrella patens reveals key amino acid differences at a ligand-binding site of VvCHIL that can be substituted to nullify the destabilizing effect caused by naringenin. Together, these results support a role for CHIL proteins as metabolite sensors that modulate the committed step of the flavonoid pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• B. cinerea infection accelerated of the browning in grape spike-stalk. • The infection induced the phenylpropanoid and flavonoid pathways in grape rachis. • The infection induced the phenols biosynthetic genes in grape spike-stalk. • There were some phenolic compounds accumulated in fungal infected grape rachis. Munage grape (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Munage.) is a unique cultivar found in southern Xinjiang, China. Spike-stalk browning in this species has become more common in recent years, and negatively impacting fruit shelf life and market value, thereby causing severe economic losses during storage. To understand the underlying mechanisms of Botrytis cinerea -induced spike-stalk browning in Munage grape, we analyzed the transcriptome and phenolic substances so a response to fungal infection using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) coupled with Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC–MS) analysis. Morphological and physiological observations showed that the browning degrees and phenolic enzyme activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), polyphenoloxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) in B. cinerea- infected spike-stalk were significantly higher than those of in controls' during the entire storage period. According to the omics profiles, phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways were the major pathways induced by B. cinerea infection. The genes encoding enzymes responsible for the synthesis of basic phenolic acids, including phenylalanine ammonia-lyase 2 (PAL2), cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H), 4-coumarate: CoA ligase (4CL), shikimate O-hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HCT), caffeic acid 3-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and cytochrome P450 84A1 (F5H) were up-regulated 3 to 8 folds in response to B. cinerea infestation, accompanied by abundant accumulation of phenols such as 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, trans-cinnamic acid, 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxycinnamic acid and salicylic acid. Several flavonoid compounds with antioxidant activity (vitexin, (+)-dihydrokaempferol, luteolin, naringenin and apigenin) accumulated in the inoculated spike-stalk as stress-response signals. These results contribute to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of B. cinerea induced spike-stalk browning on Munage grapes and provide theoretical guidance for prevention and control measures to reduce the incidence of gray mold after harvest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The archaeobotanical remains of the Vesuvian area are an exceptional cultural heritage. • The most important part of these materials are housed in the MANN Museum. • The peculiarity of Vitis vinifera remains is their apparent uncharred conditions. • The radiocarbon dating indicated that the age of the Vitis remains is 1782–1796. • This work underlines a chronic lack of archaeobotanical specific skills. Since 1738, archaeological sites in the area around Mount Vesuvius have produced large quantities of botanical remains, constituting the Collezione dei Commestibili e degli Avanzi organici (i.e. Collection of Edibles and Organic Remains), currently housed in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale in Naples. It is considered as one of the most extensive collections from the classical world and provides in-depth evidence of Roman dietary habits. A significant portion of the material, in fact, can be attributed to food-related taxa, including a distinctive historical find consisting of thousands of uncharred remains of Vitis vinifera L. (i.e. grapevine). The carpological assemblage is composed by 6 kilos of grapes, peduncles, stalks and pips attributed to marc remains. A multidisciplinary study (morpho-anatomical and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance analysis, as well as Radiocarbon dating) of these specimens allowed to establish that the collection also includes 'historically false material'. Indeed, the histological structure of the grape seeds and the lignified cell layers appear well preserved. Radiocarbon dating has shown that the material does not date back to the Roman period, but that the age of the Vitis remains can be placed between 1782 and 1796, the period corresponding to the first excavations carried out in the Vesuvian area. Accordingly, in order to reconstruct the history of this material, a complementary review of published works, archival records and inventories was carried out, which revealed that the first mention of this material in archival sources appeared in 1885 and has been listed incorrectly ever since. The information obtained from the survey of archival material and experimental analysis allowed to emphasize the lack of attention, study and inadequate conservation methods of archaeobotanical material. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vine vigor or vegetative growth is an important factor related to berry quality and vinicultural training management, but brassinosteroid (BR)-induced molecular mechanisms underlying vine growth remain unclear. In this study, the hypothesis that the Vitis vinifera CYP90D1 gene VvCYP90D1 , one of the genes for BR biosynthesis, plays a critical role in shoot elongation was tested. RNA sequencing analysis of shoots collected from the vigorous cultivar Koshu (KO) and the reference cultivar Pinot Noir (PN) 7 days after bud break showed higher expression levels of various genes in the BR biosynthesis pathway in KO than in PN. The VvCYP90D1 expression level in KO was highest in meristems, followed by internodes and leaves. Cluster analysis of amino acid sequences including those in other plant species showed that the isolated gene belonged to the CYP90D1 group. The vegetative growth and the endogenous BR (brassinolide; BL) content were significantly higher in VvCYP90D1-overexpressing Arabidopsis than in wild type. VvCYP90D1-overexpressing Arabidopsis treated with brassinazole (Brz), a BR biosynthesis inhibitor, showed recovery of vegetative growth. These results indicate that VvCYP90D1 in grapevine has a vegetative growth promoting effect via BR biosynthesis. Our findings on the mechanism of BR-induced grape shoot growth will contribute to the development of new shoot control techniques for grapevine. • BR biosynthesis pathway genes were highly expressed in vigorous Koshu grapevine. • Overexpression of grape cytochrome P450 CYP90D1 increased endogenous BR content in Arabidopsis thaliana. • VvCYP90D1 increased vegetative growth in Arabidopsis thaliana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthocyanins are flavonoids that contribute to the color of grape berries and are an essential component of grape berry and wine quality. Anthocyanin accumulation in grape berries is dependent on the coordinated expression of genes encoding enzymes in the anthocyanin pathway that are principally regulated at the transcriptional level, with VvMYBA1 as the main transcriptional regulator in grapes. Alternative splicing (AS) events in VvMYBA1, however, have not been examined. In the present study, VvMYBA1-L, an AS variant of VvMYBA1, was identified in 'ZhongShan-Hong' (ZS-H) and its offspring. The AS variant is characterized by a deletion in the third exon of the open reading frame (ORF) of VvMYBA1-L , resulting in the early termination of the encoded protein. Overexpression of VvMYBA1-L in grape berries resulted in delayed flesh coloration and ectopic overexpression of VvMYBA1-L in tobacco inhibited the coloration of petals. Yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays revealed that VvMYBA1-L interacts with VvMYBA1. Dual luciferase assays indicated that co-infiltration of VvMYC1 and VvMYBA1 significantly activated the promoter regulated expression of VvCHS3 , VvDFR , VvUFGT, and VvF3H. In the presence of VvMYBA1-L, however, the induction effect of VvMYBA1 on the indicated promoters was significantly inhibited. Our findings provide insight into the essential role of VvMYBA1 and its variant, VvMYBA1-L, in regulating anthocyanin accumulation in grape berry flesh. • We identified an alternative splicing variant of VvMYBA1, VvMYBA1-L. • Overexpression of VvMYBA1-L in grape berry flesh inhibits the flesh coloration. • Ectopic overexpression of VvMYBA1-L in tobacco depresses the petals coloration. • VvMYBA1-L depresses the expression of VvMYBA1. • VvMYBA1-L disrupts the transcriptional activation of downstream genes by VvMYBA1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological acidification and bioprotection are interesting tools to overcome some problems of climate change and fit some consumer requirements for fresher wine styles. Juices of Airén (Vitis vinifera L.) were fermented by Lachancea thermotolerans (Lt) and Metschnikowia pulcherrima (Mp) starters and compared with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc). Fermentations were monitored and wines were analysed for standard parameters and volatile fractions by SPE-GC–MS. Wines were evaluated by an experienced tasting panel. All ferments reached dryness with lower volatile acidity and lower ethanol than the control. All strains of Lt used for biological acidification reduced the pH values of wines (pH 3.25–3.56) more than chemical acidification with 1.5 g/L of tartaric acid (pH 3.64). Wines were characterised by different total acidity and volatile composition according to the yeasts used. Lt and Mp produced wines with higher perception of freshness and acidity than Sc control, probably elicited by the higher production of lactic acid complemented with higher contents of succinic acid (+0.2–0.6 g/L). Overall, the results showed that bioacidification is a practical alternative to chemical acidification to cope with either climate change or consumer demand for fresher wine styles. • Selected non- Saccharomyces starters have adequate fermentation performance in co-culture with S. cerevisiae. • Simultaneous co-inoculations of Lt and Mp produce a modulation of sensory profile. • Significant pH reduction and better physicochemical stability compared with chemical acidification with tartaric acid. • Bioacidification is an alternative to chemical acidification with tartaric acid and reduces the use of additives (TH 2 & SO 2). • The sensory perception of freshness is increased by bioacidification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The organic acids and anthocyanins exhibited a strong vintage effect. • The June and September precipitation had a positive impact on anthocyanin concentrations, the soil total potassium content had a negative impact. • The July to September temperature diurnal range, trellis system, vine perimeter, and canopy height were the main drivers of δ¹³C, which further influences grape anthocyanin concentrations. Terroir leaves its influence on the flavor build-up in grape berries by triggering biochemical reactions that ultimately shape the typicality of the produced wines. However, the complex relationship between terroir, carbon stable isotopic composition, and the biochemical composition of grapes remains poorly understood. To fill these gaps, grape berries were harvested at maturity from two grape cultivars, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (Vitis vinifera L.), across 32 sites within the Eastern Foothills of the Helan Mountains region over two vintages. The climate and soil data for these sites were collected, and cultivation practices were surveyed. In parallel, the grape quality indicators were measured at maturity to explore their variations among sub-regions and the correlations between terroir factors and grape quality. Moreover, the carbon stable isotopes (δ¹³C) were measured to evaluate the water status of vines at different sites. Results indicated that organic acids and anthocyanins exhibited a strong vintage effect, with the cooler vintage exhibiting higher levels of these compounds relative to the warmer vintage. Specifically, the Hongsipu sub-region, with a cooler climate, consistently demonstrated higher anthocyanin concentrations than other sub-regions in both vintages of the study. Further analysis revealed that the cultivar Cabernet Sauvignon displayed a higher ratio of di-hydroxylated to tri-hydroxylated anthocyanins in the cooler year, whereas Merlot exhibited the opposite trend. The Mantel test identified several critical factors influencing anthocyanin concentration, including total soil phosphorus (Tp), total soil potassium (Tk), soil thickness (Thickness), precipitation (April-September precipitation, Pre4–9), April-September average temperature (4–9 Tave), April-September active accumulated temperature (4–9 Aa), April-June active accumulated temperature (4–6 Aa), July-September active accumulated temperature (7–9 Aa), temperature diurnal range (May, July, August, September, DR-5 and DR 7–9), trellis system, vine density, and δ13C. Finally, structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze and summarize the relationships between terroir factors, anthocyanin concentration, and δ¹³C. The results indicated that June and September precipitation had a positive impact on anthocyanin concentrations, while soil total potassium content had a negative impact. On the other hand, the July to September temperature diurnal range, trellis system, vine perimeter, and canopy height were the main drivers of δ¹³C, which further influenced grape anthocyanin concentrations. This research contributes to a scientific foundation for grape cultivation in the Eastern Foothills of the Helan Mountains and provides valuable insights for practices in other regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignin is a potential source of polyphenols with different biological activities which might be affected by the extraction or isolation process. This study investigated the effect of ozonation on the bioactive properties of water-soluble lignin extracts from Miscanthus giganteus (grass-type biomass) and Vitis vinifera (wood-type biomass). Total polyphenolic content, antioxidant activities (ABTS, DPPH and β-carotene bleaching assays), and antimicrobial properties were evaluated. Although ozonation did not improve the antioxidant activity per gram of lignin extract with any of the methods employed, it significantly enhanced extraction of antioxidants. All lignin extracts displayed significant antioxidant potential, DPPH IC50 values ranging from 7.6 to 29.0 µg/mL and ABTS ranging 64.1–154.6 mg Trolox/g extract. Miscanthus lignin extracts achieved 70.6 % β-carotene bleaching inhibition, compared with 96.2 % inhibition by BHT. Miscanthus lignin extracts exhibited better yield and antioxidant activity compared with vine shoots, likely due to their lower molecular weight and higher content of phenolic monomers. Antibacterial analysis revealed that Miscanthus lignin extracts had superior activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli , which was enhanced by ozonation and linked to zeta potential and compositional aspects. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) for Miscanthus extracts were 3 mg/mL and 6 mg/mL, respectively. Miscanthus extracts from 160 min ozonation demonstrated better antifungal activity than vine shoots, particularly against Penicillium digitatum (MIC:12 mg/mL) compared with Botrytis cinerea (MIC:25 mg/mL). The bioactive properties of water-soluble lignin extracts from ozonated Miscanthus open up new possibilities for their potential use in food and food packaging applications. • Ozonated Miscanthus and vine shoots lignin extracts had antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. • Ozonation process increased the extraction of total polyphenols from both biomasses. • Longer ozonation decreased antioxidant activity of lignin extracts. • Longer ozonation increased antimicrobial activity of lignin extracts. • Miscanthus lignin extracts had higher antimicrobial activity than vine shoots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proanthocyanidins (PAs) are vital polyphenolic compounds in plants with various biological functions. Although WRKY transcription factors are known to play important roles, their specific involvement in regulating PAs metabolism in grapes remains underexplored. In this study, we identified six candidate WRKY genes potentially involved in PAs synthesis by transiently overexpressing them in Nicotiana tabacum leaves. Among these, VvWRKY57 was found to enhance PAs synthesis. Further functional analysis, achieved by overexpressing of VvWRKY57 in grape calli, confirmed its positive role in PAs biosynthesis. Using yeast one-hybrid (Y1H), dual-luciferase reporter (DLR) assays, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), we demonstrated that VvWRKY57 binds to the promoter of leucocyanidin reductase (VvLAR2) and stimulates its activity. Additionally, yeast two-hybrid (Y2H), bimolecular fluorescence complementary (BiFC), and pull-down assays revealed that VvWRKY57 forms heterodimers with VvWRKY20, while VvWTKY20 also forms homodimers. Interestingly, overexpression of VvWRKY20 was found to inhibit PAs synthesis. Y1H, DLR, and EMSA further showed that VvWRKY20 binds to the promoters of VvLAR1 and VvLAR2 , repressing their transcription activity. When VvWRKY57 and VvWRKY20 were co-expressed, VvLAR2 promoter activity and PAs synthesis were suppressed. Moreover, we discovered that VvPUB26, an E3 ubiquitin ligase physically interacts with both VvWRKY57 and VvWRKY20. VvPUB26 mediated the degradation of VvWRKY20 but did not influence the degradation of VvWRKY57. In conclusion, this study highlights the regulatory interplay between WRKY transcription factors in PAs biosynthesis, offering insights into their distinct roles in modulating this important metabolic pathway in grapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grapevine production worldwide is adversely impacted by climate change, including limited water availability, low-quality or sudden excess of water, and more frequent, severe, and prolonged heatwaves. As a result, grapevine growers require reliable spatial and temporal information on vine water status to adapt practices. This research evaluates the use of Landsat 8 satellite imagery in conjunction with weather data, and a machine learning algorithm (Gradient Boosting Machine) to predict vine water status in large vineyard blocks. The accuracy of predictions was assessed across both space (mapping) and time (forecast) using block-out and date-out cross-validation techniques. The study was conducted over two consecutive growing seasons on a Vitis vinifera , L. cv. Merlot vineyard in Central California. The ground data included measurements of midday stem water potentials, Ψ stem and leaf gas exchange (net assimilation, A N and stomatal conductance, g s). Data acquisition was performed in twenty-four experimental units on the same day of the satellite overpasses. The results of the study demonstrate that machine learning is accurate in predicting vine water status spatially within the training measurement dates with low errors (NRMSE Ψstem = 2.7 %, NRMSE gs = 16.2 %, NRMSE AN = 11.2 %) and a high degree of accuracy (R2 greater than 0.8 in the prediction of all three measurements) as assessed by block-out cross-validation. The temporal forecast, assed via date-out cross-validation, proves to be more challenging, although the addition of ground data at one single spatial location improves the date-out performances and allows the NRMSE to reach 6.8 % for Ψ stem with R2 of 0.90, 53.4 % for g s with R2 of 0.74, and 25.5 % for A N with R2 of 0.78. The findings from this study have important implications for precision viticulture. They provide an assessment of Landsat 8 imagery, coupled with machine learning, as a means for growers to monitor and forecast vine water status at the field scale. The study highlights the importance of the validation method to ensure the proper use and assessment of machine learning models on agriculture data. • Climate change affects vineyards; water scarcity and heatwaves challenge cultivation. • Landsat 8, weather data, ML combine to monitor vine water status, aiding irrigation. • ML achieves accurate spatial predictions with low errors and high accuracy. • Forecasting for unseen dates is difficult but improves with prior ground data. • Consider spatial-temporal factors for accurate ML assessment in agricultural data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New superabsorbent hydrogels (SH) could be groundbreaking technologies for the adaptation of agriculture to climate change, but knowledge about their physio-chemical traits, their effects on soil hydrology, and their efficacy on tree crop physiology is very limited. In this work, two potassium polyacrylate SH (SH1 and SH2) and an organic material derived SH (SH3) were tested for their water holding capacity and the capability to improve soil hydrology according to the water demands of cultivated grapevine, one of the most relevant rainfed tree crops. All SH absorbed a significant amount of water as compared to their relative weight (from 9.19 g H 2 O/g polymer of SH3, to 369.64 g H 2 O/g polymer of SH2) and made it available at water potential (Ψ) levels compatible with grapevine root system uptake. When incorporated to the soil, all SH successfully increased soil field capacity, affecting also wilting point, and increasing maximum plant available water (from +43 % of SH2 to +84 % of SH1). All SH increased stem Ψ of potted vines subjected to a progressive water deficit, as compared to controls (+0.25 MPa at four days from irrigation suspension, +0.2 MPa at eight days from water suspension, when Control vines showed a stem Ψ of −1.63 MPa).Our work demonstrated for the first time the potentialities of three different SH and their positive effects on soil water relations. Both synthetic and organic-derived SH could improve vine water status under limited water supply. While other studies are needed to clarify effects according to different rootstocks and soils, the results pave the way for the integration of SH in vineyard water management. • Hydrogels (SH) display different water-holding capacity and absorbed water is available for grapevine root systems. • SH change soil hydrology increasing field capacity, wilting point, and available water concentration. • A higher SH maximum water absorption does not correspond to a better improvement of soil hydrology. • All SH were effective in preserving stem water potential of vines subjected to a reduced water supply. • SH could be groundbreaking tools to improve vineyard water management in the climate change scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Bioinspired synthesis of PbO/CuO/FeO TMO NCs using Vitis vinifera fruit juice for the first time. • The PbO/CuO/FeO TMO NCs has significant electrical conductivity. • A new 4-NT sensor was fabricated based on PbO/CuO/FeO TMO NCs/SPCE. • The newly designed sensor exhibits a limit of detection of 4.512 nM over a concentration range of 2–40 nM. • The sensing of 4-NT remained unaffected by tested interfering species from various pollutants, as confirmed by recovery values (99.2–101.7 %) in water samples. The determination of explosive nitroaromatic chemicals has prompted concerns about human safety around the world. In this work, we demonstrate an electrochemical sensor based on trimetallic oxide nanocomposites modified screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) for the detection of nitroaromatic compounds. Trimetallic oxide nanocomposites are multiphase materials containing ternary metal oxides. Because of their high specific surface area, superior electron transport capabilities, and favourable catalytic behaviour, they are frequently employed as antibacterial materials, catalysts, and sensors. In order to combat the problems associated with high manufacturing costs, low selectivity, and low sensitivity of conventional sensors, this paper reports on the construction of an electrochemical sensor for 4-nitrotoluene (4-NT) using a trimetallic oxide nano-sensor. The nano-sensor is composed of transition metal oxides copper and iron combined with post-transition lead metal oxide. In this study, we prepared a PbO/CuO/FeO TMO NCs sample with different individual metal oxides synthesized by a green reduction method using Vitis vinifera fruit juice. SEM was used to observe and validate structural and morphological variations brought on by various metal compositions. The four bio-synthesized materials comprise dispersed multiphase matrices containing varying shapes of nanoparticles with different morphologies. The elemental and phase arrangements of the synthesized samples were investigated employing UV, FT-IR, XRD, and EDAX approaches. The findings of the electrochemical measurements indicate that the SPCE modified with PbO/CuO/FeO TMO NCs has enhanced sensing capabilities over CuO, FeO, and PbO NPs for 4-NT; the limit of detection is 4.512 nM and sensitivity is 0.531 μA nM−1 for the developed sensor. Notably, recovery values (99.2–101.7 %) in water samples showed that evaluating interfering species from different contaminants had no effect on the sensing of 4-NT. All of these findings show that the newly developed sensor performs well in terms of reproducibility, selectivity, and sensitivity for the detection of 4-NT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper (Cu) is an essential element for plants, participating in photosynthesis, oxidative metabolism and cell wall synthesis. However, excessive Cu may become toxic, as Cu participates in Fenton chemistry and cause oxidative stress. Grapevine (Vitis sp.) is an important perennial crop, used for in natura consumption as well as for wine and juice. Vineyards are susceptible to fungal diseases that are commonly controlled by using Cu-based fungicides, which can lead to Cu accumulation in the soil. Since grape production is based on grafting scions of consumed-friendly varieties onto rootstocks that can withstand soil-borne diseases and stresses, it is important to identify rootstock genotypes that are tolerant to Cu excess. In this work, we compared physiological and molecular responses of four Vitis sp. rootstock genotypes to Cu excess, namely IAC, IBCA, Paulsen and Isabel. While IAC, IBCA, Paulsen were similarly tolerant, Isabel was the most sensitive to Cu excess. IAC and IBCA showed higher Cu accumulation in shoots, suggesting distinct partitioning strategy. We identified core Cu excess-responsive genes in grapevine roots of all four genotypes, including a putative HMA vacuolar Cu transporter and Cu-binding proteins. Genes related to the homeostasis of other elements are altered, such as iron (Fe) and phosphorus (P), suggesting that Cu excess alters the ionome balance. IAC and IBCA had extensive changes in their laccase gene repertoire, suggesting that could be related to the distinct Cu partitioning. Moreover, genes associated specifically with Isabel could be related to the genotype Cu excess sensitivity. Our work provides a valuable dataset for understanding variation in Cu tolerance how roots respond transcriptionally to Cu stress, and provide candidate genes for engineering Cu tolerance in grapevines. [Display omitted] • We identified core copper excess responsive genes in grapevine roots. • Leaf and root ionomes are altered by copper excess. • Copper is differentially partitioned in grapevine rootstock genotypes. • We identified candidate genes that might be involved in copper tolerance. • Some genes might be interesting for engineering copper tolerance in grapevine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

UV-C irradiation can maintain fruit quality by inducing fruit disease resistance and reducing decay during storage. Grape (Vitis Vinifera L.) was exposed to 2.4 kJ m−2 UV-C irradiation then inoculated with Aspergillus carbonarius to investigate the changes in nutritional quality, defense related substances and enzyme activities. Postharvest UV-C irradiation can increased the levels of defense-related substances and enzyme activities, such as phenols, flavanols, lignin, proline, glutathione, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and β-1,3-glucanase (GLU). In addition, Resveratrol plays an important role in grape resistance to A. carbonarius infection through further verification by gene expression levels, the transcription factors VvWRKY24 and VvMYB14 are highly correlated with the regulation of VvSTS gene expression. This study revealed the molecular mechanism of postharvest grape fruit response to UV-C irradiation and the defense mechanism against black rot, and provided a theoretical basis for postharvest grape storage and preservation technology. • UV-C irradiation maintained storage quality of grapes. • UV-C irradiation induced resistance against A. carbonariu. • UV-C irradiation elevated activity of defense-related enzyme and phenolics content. • UV-C irradiation accelerated the biosynthesis of phenolic substances. • Resveratrol was a important defense substance during resistance induction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In total, 36 HD-Zip genes were identified in grapevine. • VviHDZ03 was identified as a key transcription factor in dormancy release of grapevine. • Overexpression of VviHDZ03 inhibited flowering and seed germination in tobacco. Bud dormancy is a crucial developmental process in grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.), where the transition from bud dormancy to bud break directly affects the timing and quality of flowering and fruit maturation. The homeodomain leucine zipper (HD-ZIP, HDZ) family is known for its significant role in regulating plant development; however, its specific involvement in grapevine dormancy remains poorly understood. In this study, we identified 36 VviHDZ genes in the newly assembled T2T grapevine genome and conducted a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis of the HDZ family. We also examined the spatiotemporal expression patterns of VviHDZ genes across 54 grapevine tissues and 6 stages of bud dormancy. Differential gene expression was validated by qRT-PCR, which revealed that VviHDZ03 was highly expressed during the bud break stage. Furthermore, the overexpression of VviHDZ03 in tobacco demonstrated its growth-inhibitory function, with delayed seed germination in overexpression lines, suggesting its significant role in grapevine dormancy. This study provides an in-depth characterization of the HDZ family in grapevine, highlighting the pivotal role of VviHDZ03 in bud dormancy release and offering valuable insights for future functional studies on grapevine bud dormancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO 2 NPs) improved agronomic traits by enhancing photosynthetic parameters and water potential of grapevine saplings under drought stress conditions. • At a concentration of 50 mg L−1, CeO 2 NPs increased tolerance to drought stress by reducing oxidative stress through changes in antioxidant defense systems and gene expression. • CeO 2 NPs are a promising elicitor candidate against drought stress. Drought stress poses a significant threat to global food security, impacting grapevine growth and development through physiological, biochemical, and molecular alterations. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO 2 NPs) have recently gained attention as a potential solution to environmental challenges, yet their application in grapevines remains understudied. This study examined the interaction between foliar-applied CeO 2 NPs (at concentrations of 0, 5, 50, and 500 mg L−1) and drought stress (at 30% and 70% of field capacity humidity) in grapevine saplings. Among the different concentrations tested, 50 mg L−1 CeO 2 NPs significantly improved the agronomic traits (e.g., shoot length, leaf area, shoot and root dry weights), photosynthetic parameters (stomatal conductance, chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b) and RWC of the grapevine saplings under drought stress. In parallel, CeO 2 NPs significantly induced the activity of compatible solutes and SOD, CAT and APX under drought stress conditions. Moreover, the availability of CeO 2 NPs alleviated drought stress-induced damage in grapevine saplings, as evidenced by decreased H 2 O 2 (32.63%), EL (40.35%) and MDA (50.63%) levels. The molecular results revealed that CeO 2 NPs caused significant changes in gene expression under drought stress by reducing the expression of the VvCLH1, VvCu/ZnSOD, VvRD29A and VvRBOHA genes by 4.54-fold, 27.73-fold, 14.6-fold and 46.12-fold, respectively. These findings suggest that CeO 2 NPs applied via leaves enhance grapevine sapling resistance to drought-induced oxidative stress through cooperative enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant mechanisms, influencing gene regulation. As a result, these findings revealed that CeO 2 NPs could be promising elicitor candidates for alleviating drought stress in grapevines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adaptation of crops to recurrent drought stress is crucial for maintaining agricultural productivity and achieving food security under changing climate. Guard cells, pivotal regulators of plant water usage and assimilation, are central to this adaptation process. However, the metabolic dynamics of guard cells under drought stress remain poorly understood, particularly in grapevine, a prominent crop grown in arid regions, and maize, a staple crop with substantial water requirements. In this study, differences in guard cells metabolism during drought stress of grapevine and maize were investigated by performing physiological and metabolomic analyses. Metabolomic analysis highlighted differential responses in amino acids and sugars, with grapevine guard cells displaying greater stability in amino acid and sugar signatures, while maize showed marked increases in sugar levels. These findings suggest two distinct adaptive strategies, a vigorous acclimation of guard cells, as observed in maize, and an attenuated acclimation of guard cells, shown in grapevine. Understanding these metabolic adjustments is helpful for enhancing drought resilience in agricultural systems. [Display omitted] • Differential responses in amino acids and sugars, with grapevine guard cells showing greater stability in amino acid and sugar signatures, while maize showed marked increases in sugar levels. • Two distinct adaptive strategies to drought. • Vigorous acclimation of guard cells in maize. • Attenuated acclimation of guard cells in grapevine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • β-Glucosidase and arylsulfatase activities were accessed in vineyard sandy soil. • The enzyme activities were positively related to grapevine yield. • Enzymatic activities are also related with C, N, Mn, Zn, Ca, Mg, K and P in soil. • Post-harvest sampling at the 0–0.10 m soil layer best represented these relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can be beneficial for plants exposed to abiotic and biotic stressors. Although widely present in agroecosystems, AMF influence on crop responses to virus infection is underexplored, particularly in woody plant species such as grapevine. Here, a two-year greenhouse experiment was set up to test the hypothesis that AMF alleviate virus-induced oxidative stress in grapevine. The 'Merlot' cultivar was infected with three grapevine-associated viruses and subsequently colonized with two AMF inocula, containing one or three species, respectively. Five and fifteen months after AMF inoculation, lipid peroxidation - LPO as an indicator of oxidative stress and indicators of antioxidative response (proline, ascorbate - AsA, superoxide dismutase - SOD, ascorbate- APX and guaiacol peroxidases - GPOD, polyphenol oxidase - PPO, glutathione reductase - GR) were analysed. Expression of genes coding for a stilbene synthase (STS1), an enhanced disease susceptibility (EDS1) and a lipoxygenase (LOX) were determined in the second harvesting. AMF induced reduction of AsA and SOD over both years, which, combined with not AMF-triggered APX and GR, suggests decreased activation of the ascorbate-glutathione cycle. In the mature phase of the AM symbiosis establishment GPOD emerged as an important mechanism for scavenging H 2 O 2 accumulation. These results, together with reduction in STS1 and increase in EDS1 gene expression, suggest more efficient reactive oxygen species scavenging in plants inoculated with AMF. Composition of AMF inocula was important for proline accumulation. Overall, our study improves the knowledge on ubiquitous grapevine-virus-AMF systems in the field, highlighting that established functional AM symbiosis could reduce virus-induced stress. • AMF are integral part of ROS homeostasis in grapevine coping with virus stress. • AMF reduced activity of ascorbate-glutathion cycle implying reduced ROS production. • In the later phase of AM establishment, AMF intensifed H 2 O 2 reduction by GPOD. • STS1 and EDS1 relative expressions confirm lower oxidative stress in AMF plants. • Virus infected grapevine shows reduced oxidative stress due to AMF symbiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-altitude mires are sensitive to environmental change and may provide useful insights into past climate change and human impact. Here we present the results of a palynological study on a mire close to the boundary of a forest-steppe ecotone in western Hyrcanian area of northern Iran. Two major phases of anthropogenic deforestation were detected: one during the period 600–500 cal yr BP and the other over the last decades of the twentieth century. The cold episode of the Little Ice Age was possibly responsible for the abandonment of the original village and expansion of sparse stands of Quercus macranthera-Carpinus orientalis in association with Fagus orientalis , Ulmus carpinifolia / U. glabra , Acer campestre and Vitis vinifera. Our data are crucial for choosing suitable species in reforestation programmes in the highlands of western Alborz Mountains. • Late Holocene forest dynamics of the Hyrcanian area • Predominance of sparse stands of broadleaved tree species • Two major phases of anthropogenic activity • Significant contribution of Irano-Turanian vegetation • Hydrological changes as the main drivers on the (extra)local wetland development [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of top-quality wines is closely related to the quality of the wine grapes. In wine grapes (Vitis vinifera L., Vv), sugar is a crucial determinant of berry quality, regulated by an interplay of various transcription factors and key kinases. Many transcription factors involved in sugar metabolism remain unexplored. Target of Rapamycin (TOR) is an important protein kinase in plants, recently found to regulate sugar metabolism in grapes. However, transcription factors or other factors involved in this process are rarely reported. Here, we utilized transgenic callus tissues from 'Cabernet Sauvignon' grape fruit engineered via gene overexpression (oe) and CRISPR/Cas9-based gene knockout (ko), and discovered a bZIP transcription factor, VvRF2b, whose knockout resulted in increased accumulation of fructose and sucrose, indicating that VvRF2b is a negative regulator of sugar accumulation. Subcellular localization and transcriptional activation tests showed that VvRF2b is an activator of transcription located both in the nucleus and cell membrane. Analysis of VvRF2b and VvTOR gene levels and sugar contents (glucose, fructose, and sucrose) in 'Cabernet Sauvignon' grape fruits at 30, 70, and 90 days after bloom (DAB) revealed that VvRF2b is expressed more highly during fruit development, while VvTOR is expressed more during the sugar accumulation phase, furthermore, VvTOR gene levels in ko VvRF2b transgenic calli increased significantly, suggesting a strong relationship between the knockout of VvRF2b and the overexpression of VvTOR. Additionally, bimolecular fluorescence complementation and luciferase complementation assays demonstrated the interaction between VvRF2b and VvTOR proteins. After knocking out the VvRF2b gene in oe VvTOR calli, it was found that the knockout of VvRF2b promotes VvTOR -regulated sucrose accumulation and enhances the expression of sugar metabolism-related genes regulated by VvTOR. In summary, our results suggest that VvRF2b interacts with VvTOR protein and influences VvTOR -regulated sugar metabolism. • VvRF2b localized in nucleus and plasma membrane with high self-activation. • VvRF2b is a negative regulator of fructose and sucrose accumulation in grapes. • VvRF2b interacts with VvTOR. • VvRF2b knockout enhances VvTOR's sugar metabolism function. • Used CRISPR/Cas9 for grape transgenic calli construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Botrytis cinerea causes gray mold, decreasing the quality of table grapes. The berry response to B. cinerea infection was explored in present study, focusing on the relationship between presence of autophagy and programmed cell death (PCD). Results demonstrated B. cinerea infection decreased cell viability, triggering cell death, possibly resulting in PCD occurrence. It was further verified by increased terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL)-positive nuclei, heightened caspase 3-like and caspase 9-like protease activity, and elevated expression of metacaspase genes. Additionally, autophagy was indicated by the increased VvATG expression and autophagosome formation. Notably, the autophagy activator rapamycin reduced TUNEL-positive nuclei, whereas the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine increased caspase 9-like protease activity. The PCD activator C2-ceramide inhibited autophagy, whereas the PCD inhibitor Acetyl-Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-aldehyde (Ac-DEVD-CHO) enhanced autophagy gene expression. Autophagy and B. cinerea -induced PCD in berry cells are reciprocally negatively regulated; and the rapamycin and Ac-DEVD-CHO could potentially maintain table grape edible quality. • B. cinerea infection impaired grape berry skin cell viability and induced PCD. • Elevated caspase 3-like and 9-like activities signaled B. cinerea -induced PCD. • B. cinerea infection enhanced autophagosome formation and VvATG expression. • Autophagy and B. cinerea -induced PCD reciprocally inhibited in skin cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of global mortality, accounting for 32% of deaths in 2019. Plant-based extracts, rich in bioactive compounds, have significantly contributed to modern medicine, offering therapeutic potential for various diseases. However, their use is limited by possible side effects, drug interactions, and a lack of comprehensive preclinical and clinical studies. This review aims to provide an overview of the mechanisms of action, clinical evidence, and adverse effects of key bioactive compounds derived from select Mediterranean plants, integral to the Mediterranean diet: Allium sativum (diallyl trisulfide, allicin, and S-allyl [cysteine]), Crataegus monogyna (quercetin, apigenin, and chlorogenic acid), Crocus sativus (crocin and safranal), Olea europaea (oleic acid, oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, oleocanthal, and oleacein), Salvia rosmarinus (rosmarinic acid, carnosol and carnosic acid), and Vitis vinifera (resveratrol). The review will focus on mechanisms such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory effects, as well as the regulation of lipid metabolism, which may be relevant to conditions like atherosclerosis and hypertension. In addition to summarizing current scientific evidence, this study aims to guide future research by identifying knowledge gaps and offering recommendations for designing preclinical and clinical studies. Key areas for future exploration include the long-term safety of these compounds, the evaluation of their synergistic effects when consumed as part of the Mediterranean diet, and the need for standardized protocols in clinical settings. By expanding the scientific foundation for these traditional remedies, this review may help pave the way for their use in the development of future phytomedicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An F1 population was produced in 2006 by crossing Raboso veronese, a black berry winegrape cultivar quantitatively rich in polyphenols, and Sultanina, a stenospermocarpic white grape variety. Biochemical properties, qualitative traits and aptitude as table grapes and for wine making of ten selected genotypes were evaluated in two harvests. These genotypes showed high variability in the chemical characteristics. Two seedless, colored berry offsprings (71 and 91) had an anthocyanin profile different from Raboso veronese, with peonidin being the main anthocyanin and prevailing on cyanidin, which is the main pigment in Raboso veronese, and a flavonoid content higher than the black grape parent (>5 g/kg grape). Other two seeded, colored berry offsprings (117 and 210) showed high berry weight (>2.5 g) and high sugar content (between 19 and 22 °Brix). Genotypes 71 and 91 are potentially interesting to produce nutraceutical-rich raisins or red wines that combine high color, high polyphenolic content and low astringency, due to the absence of seed tannins. Genotype 9 is the most suitable among the seedless, white berry offsprings for its high flavonoids content. Further studies are needed to evaluate the organoleptic characteristics of these grapes and to define their best uses. • A grapevine F1 population was produced by crossing Raboso veronese and Sultanina. • The grape biochemical properties of ten, most promising offsprings, were analyzed. • Three virtually new varieties with good nutraceutical properties were highlighted. • Two showed the combination of colored, seedless grapes, with high polyphenol amount. • One has white grapes with high flavonols content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gibberellic acid stimulated Arabidopsis (GASA) gene family, specific to plants, plays a pivotal role in growth, development, and response to diverse environmental stresses. Despite their importance, GASA genes in willow trees have been little studied. Here, 35 SmGASAs were identified from the Salix matsudana genome, which exhibited similar physical and chemical proprieties to GASAs in other species. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that GASAs from Populus trichocarpa , Vitis vinifera , Nicotiana tabacum , Oryza sativa , Arabidopsis thaliana , and S. matsudana are categorized into three distinct subfamilies. It appeared that polyploidization and segmental duplication have contributed to the expansion and diversification of the SmGASA family. These genes were significantly enriched in response to GA and oxygen-containing compounds. The diverse expression patterns observed across willow varieties suggested functional variation of SmGASAs throughout their evolutionary history. The expression profiles of SmGASAs were further analyzed in response to different treatments (i.e., salt, submergence, and polyethylene glycol (PEG)), indicating a potential role for SmGASAs in adapting to these stressors in willows. Remarkably, SmGASAs were shown to detoxify hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2), highlighting their potent antioxidant properties. Overall, the comprehensive genomic analysis of willow SmGASAs shed light on their role in stress responses, offering valuable insights for future research and supporting the hypothesis of their involvement in stress adaptation mechanisms. • A total of 35 willow GASA genes (SmGASAs) are identified from the Salix matsudana genome. • The SmGASAs respond to salt, submergence, and PEG treatments in willows. • SmGASA06 has the capability to detoxify H 2 O 2 and exhibits potent antioxidant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subcritical solvent extraction (SSE) is an efficient and versatile technology for the recovery of bioactive compounds from food by-products. The present work aims to study the SSE efficiency and kinetics for the extraction of grape marc polyphenols. Water, ethanol, and a 50% water-ethanol mixture (EtOH 50%) were used as green solvents. The higher polyphenol content (4.05 ± 0.23 g GAE /100 g d. m.) and antioxidant activity (42.30 ± 0.68 mg α-toc /mL) were obtained with subcritical EtOH 50% at 120 °C and 10.3 MPa, respectively, 1.5- and 3-fold higher than the conventional extraction. According to kinetic modeling, SSE was four-fold faster and a degradation phenomenon of polyphenols was highlighted for times longer than 10 min. The two-site kinetic model and a second order exponential decay function suitably described the extraction kinetics and degradation phase, respectively (R2 > 0.97). A remarkable effect was highlighted on the polymerization degree and galloylation percentage of proanthocyanidins by SSE, and an increase in their antioxidant activity was observed. • Subcritical solvent extraction (SSE) is more efficient and faster than conventional. • The subcritical 50% water-ethanol mixture is more effective than pure components. • SSE is constituted by two process steps: polyphenol extraction and degradation. • Two-site kinetic model well described the SSE extraction phase. • Subcritical fluids affect the proanthocyanidins properties and bioactivities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Five stationary and five mobile phases in HILIC were screened for 31 polyphenols. • Amide and amino stationary phases were the most promising for polyphenols analysis. • The elution of stilbenes in HILIC correlated with their degree of polymerization. • Charged aerosol detection showed similar response for polymer of stilbene. • HILIC/CAD provided representative profiles of stilbene composition in grapevine. The characterization of plant extracts is usually accomplished by reverse-phase liquid chromatography, but the development of new complementary approaches, such as HILIC, offers an orthogonal method. In this study, five HILIC stationary phases were evaluated to assess their ability to retain polyphenols. They were selected to cover the main different HILIC mechanisms: bare silica; silica with ethylene bridge; neutral amide; amino; zwitterionic. A total of 31 polyphenol standards were used for the screening, including 9 stilbenes, 8 flavonoids, 6 anthocyanins, and 8 phenolic acids. Three different detections were tested: diode array detector, charged aerosol detector and mass spectrometry. Results indicated that silica supports were not suitable for retaining polyphenols, with no or low retention observed except for anthocyanins. The effectiveness of stationary phases in retention of phenolics following the order related to increased retention: zwitterionic, amide, and amino. The choice of mobile phase also influenced retention. Mobile phases containing TFA as pH modifier limited retention, while formic acid was found to be more effective for polyphenol retention. Ammonium buffers also improved retention but often compromised peak shape. pH changes mainly impacted ionizable compounds, such as phenolic acids, by increasing their retention when they were ionized. DAD was wellsuited for detecting polyphenols that possess aromatic rings, though peak wavelengths depend on the structures of the polyphenols. CAD, while less sensitive than DAD and MS, provided an almost similar response for structurally related compounds, even with gradient elution. MS was the preferred detector for quantification when resolution between compounds was challenging, as it is often the case with natural extracts. The study successfully demonstrated that best HILIC conditions were obtained using an amino stationary phase composed of a polyethylenimine and formic acid-based mobile phase. These conditions were successfully applied to the analysis of stilbenoid-rich extracts from different parts of the vine. The elution order of stilbenoids followed the degree of polymerization. With CAD, the chromatographic profile was more representative of sample composition. It was demonstrated for the first time the interest of a combination of HILIC and CAD for analyzing stilbenes, offering a complementary approach to the classic RP analysis. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Based on immature zygotic embryos from grape seeds, a rapid and convenient system for Agrobacterium -mediated transformation has been established under non-tissure culture conditions. • Using this newly established system, the transformation time could be reduced to 2 months. • Based on the VvBBM gene, the transformation efficiency of 'Cabernet Sauvignon' was about 42.85 %. The process of genetic transformation of grapevine has long been hampered by the inefficiency and complexity of tissue culture-based methods, severely limiting cultivar improvement and functional genome research. In this study, we aimed to develop a novel, non-tissue culture-based method for the genetic transformation of grape immature zygotic embryos without relying on tissue culture. This approach involves the overexpression of the Vitis vinifera BABY BOOM (VvBBM) gene, a key member of the APETALA2/ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR (AP2/ERF) transcription factor family, which is known to enhance plant regeneration and transformation efficiency. Using 'Cabernet Sauvignon' immature zygotic embryos, we achieved a transformation efficiency of 42.85 % under non-tissue culture conditions, significantly reducing the cycle duration to approximately two months compared to traditional genetic transformation methods. Phenotypic and molecular analyses of the transformed grapevine plants confirmed the integration and overexpression of the VvBBM gene, resulting in improved growth metrics, including increased plant height, root length, and total root number, in a genotype-independent manner. Our results highlight the potential of VvBBM overexpression to circumvent the limitations imposed by tissue culture dependence, providing a rapid, efficient, and scalable alternative to conventional methods. Our study not only provides a practical approach to overcoming the barriers to genetic transformation in grapevine, but also opens new avenues for the application of this technology in the breeding of other economically important crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Tempranillo is the most cultivated variety in Rioja Appellation and 5th in the world. • Grape volatile composition is key in determining the final quality of the wine. • It is not feasible to monitor the aromatic maturity of the berries during ripening. • Knowing the aromatic maturity during ripening could be very useful for the winegrower. • HSI is a non-invasive and rapid technique for quality assessment in food industry. Volatile compounds present in grapes, and accumulated during the ripening process, are responsible for providing wine its main aromatic characteristics. However, there is currently no feasible and inexpensive method to monitor the volatile composition of grape berries during ripening. In recent years, hyperspectral imaging (HSI) has received wide recognition as a non-destructive and rapid technique for quality assessment in the agri-food industry. In this work, we have studied the use of HSI to estimate the volatile composition throughout ripening in berries of Vitis vinifera L. Tempranillo. For this purpose, 240 spectra in the visible-short wave near infrared (VIS+SW-NIR) range (400–1000 nm) were acquired from intact grapes in a laboratory. The reference method used was thin film solid phase microextraction - gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (TF-SPME-GC-MS). Using this instrumental method, a total of 20 volatile compounds were quantified. Total soluble solids (TSS) were also determined and refractometry was used as the reference method. With the reference and spectral data, calibration model using modified partial least squares (MPLS) regression, and external prediction were built. Values of determination coefficient of cross validation (R2 CV) ≥ 0.5 were obtained for all individual compounds except for α-terpineol, benzaldehyde, and (E)-2-hexen-1-ol. From these results, it can be affirmed that HSI in the VIS+SW-NIR range is an appropriate non-destructive tool to differentiate between high and low values of each volatile compound throughout the ripening of Tempranillo grape berries in a rapid and contactless way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Berry skin color is one of the most important and extensively studied quality traits in grapevines. • Various molecular markers linked to berry color traits and genotyping strategies have been proposed, but none have proved robustness and effectiveness on different genetic backgrounds. • Deciphering the whole genome sequencing data revealed three high polymorphic regions linked to the berry color trait. • A High-Resolution Melting genotyping strategy involving three selected molecular markers proved an effective molecular-assisted selection strategy across diverse grapevine genetic backgrounds. Marker-assisted selection (MAS) represents one of the most effective strategies to reduce costs and time in plant breeding programs. MAS benefits from the identification of markers in strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) with causative genes and from the development of fast, scalable, and reproducible screening techniques. In grape, berry color is a valuable trait, highly related to the sensory characteristics of fresh grape and wine quality. The present work aims to develop a MAS strategy to select skin color by High-Resolution Melting (HRM), a 'close-tube' method capable of detecting polymorphisms within PCR-amplified DNA fragments. To identify molecular markers associated with the berry skin color phenotypic trait, the total genome of 3 white-berry and 3 red-berry accessions were sequenced using Illumina technology and aligned to the reference genome PN40024 v4. The sequencing results revealed the presence of three highly polymorphic regions on chromosome 2 between 15 Kbp and 17 Kbp for red berry genotypes. HRM analyses were carried out on a total of 95 genotypes, 70 of which comprised a berry color segregating population: ['Italia' (white berry) x cv 'Crimson Seedless' (red berry)] and 25 genotypes belonging to a commercial grapevine germplasm collection consisting of 11 red and 14 white berry accessions. The HRM profiles of the three regions tested strongly correlated with the phenotypic trait of color. The results of this work represent an effective, fast, and reliable genotyping strategy that enables the discrimination of genotypes based on the presence or absence of berry pigmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pectin from grape pomace (Vitis vinifera var. Fetească Neagră and Vitis vinifera var. Rară Neagră) was extracted by using different extraction techniques (conventional, microwave-assisted and pulsed ultrasound-assisted extraction). Microwave-assisted extraction showed highest yield (11.2 %) for Rară Neagră pectin, while conventional extraction presented highest yield (9.9 %) for Fetească Neagră pectin. The yield was directly correlated with the galacturonic acid content, degree of esterification, molecular weight and functional features (water-holding, oil-holding and water-swelling capacity, emulsifying properties and rheological behavior of pectin emulsions). In addition, the FT-IR, morphological structure, thermal analysis and emulsion properties of obtained pectin samples from different extraction techniques revealed dissimilar results by comparing with commercial pectin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neofusicoccum parvum , is a fungal pathogen and one of the etiological agents of dieback disease in grapevines. The fungus causes deterioration of vines due to vascular colonization and/or production of toxins. We report herein the inhibitory effects of Trichoderma spp. isolates and the antifungal effects of cell-free supernatants (CFS) from Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus bacteria against N. parvum in agar plates. We also evaluated the effects of the most effective fungi and bacteria against the pathogen in pruning wounds of vine shoots. All isolates of Trichoderma exhibited antifungal activity ranging between 82 and 97.5% at 14 days of post-treatment. All Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus CFS at 10 and 33% concentrations inhibited mycelial growth with X. szentirmaii PAM 11 and PAM 25 causing the highest inhibition (>74%). In the shoot experiments, T. asperellum IB 01/13 and T. asperellum Quality®, X. szentirmaii PAM 11 (undiluted growth culture and CFS) suppressed the fungus by ≥ 93%. Our study highlights the potential of Trichoderma and X. szentirmaii PAM 11 for use as biofungicides in the management of N. parvum in grapevines. Further studies should be conducted to develop formulations of Trichoderma and Xenorhabdus that enhance stability in shelf-life and increase the efficacy of N. parvum control in grapevines under field conditions. [Display omitted] • Fungal diseases cause serious problems in grape production. • Neofusicoccum parvum is a fungal agent of dieback disease in grapevines. • Trichoderma is antagonistic against N. parvum in vines. • Xenorhabdus spp. produce putative biofungicide/s against dieback in vines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vitro plant regeneration is a pivotal process in genetic engineering to obtain large numbers of transgenic, cisgenic and gene edited plants in the frame of functional gene or genetic improvement studies. However, several issues emerge as regeneration is not universally possible across the plant kingdom and many variables must be considered. In grapevine (Vitis spp.), as in other woody and fruit tree species, the regeneration process is impaired by a recalcitrance that depends on numerous factors such as genotype and explant-dependent responses. This is one of the major obstacles in developing gene editing approaches and functional genome studies in grapevine and it is therefore crucial to understand how to achieve efficient regeneration across different genotypes. Further issues that emerge in regeneration need to be addressed, such as somaclonal mutations which do not allow the regeneration of individuals identical to the original mother plant, an essential factor for commercial use of the improved grapevines obtained through the New Breeding Techniques. Over the years, the evolution of protocols to achieve plant regeneration has relied mainly on optimizing protocols for genotypes of interest whilst nowadays with new genomic data available there is an emerging opportunity to have a clearer picture of its molecular regulation. The goal of this review is to discuss the latest information available about different aspects of grapevine in vitro regeneration, to address the main factors that can impair the efficiency of the plant regeneration process and cause post-regeneration problems and to propose strategies for investigating and solving them. • In vitro plant regeneration is a pivotal process for New Breeding Techniques. • In grapevine the regeneration process is impaired by recalcitrance related to genotype. • 'Molecular keys' to unlock the regeneration overall grapevine cultivars are suggested. • Approaches to study and achieve grapevine regeneration more efficiently are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultivated grapes, one of the most important fruit crops in the world, are sensitive to low temperature. Since Chinese wild grape Vitis amurensis is highly tolerant to cold, it is imperative to study and utilize its cold-tolerance genes for molecular breeding. Here, a VaMYC2 gene from V. amurensis was cloned, and its function was investigated by expressing VaMYC2 in the cold-sensitive V. vinifera cultivar 'Thompson Seedless'. The expression of VaMYC2 could be induced by cold stress, methyl jasmonate and ethylene treatment, but was inhibited by abscisic acid in leaves of V. amurensis. When transgenic grape lines expressing VaMYC2 were subjected to cold stress (−1 °C) for 41 h, the transgenic lines showed less freezing injury and lower electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde content, but higher contents of soluble sugars, soluble proteins and proline, and antioxidant enzyme activities compared with wild-type. Moreover, the expression of some cold-tolerance related genes increased in transgenic lines. Besides, the interactions of VaMYC2 with VaJAZ1 and VaJAZ7B were confirmed by yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays. Yeast one-hybrid and dual luciferase assays showed that VaMYC2 can bind to the promoters of VaCBF1 and VaP5CS and activate their expressions. In conclusion, expression of VaMYC2 in V. vinifera enhances cold tolerance of transgenic grapes which is attributed to enhanced accumulation of osmotic regulatory substances, cell membrane stability, antioxidant enzyme activity, and expression of cold tolerance-related genes. Also, VaMYC2 interacts with VaJAZ1 and VaJAZ7, and activates the expression of VaCBF1 and VaP5CS to mediate cold tolerance in grapes. • VaMYC2 gene was cloned from the cold-tolerance Chinese wild grape Vitis amurensis. • VaMYC2 is responsive to low temperature, MeJA, ETH and ABA. • Expression of VaMYC2 enhances cold tolerance in V. vinifera 'Thompson Seedless'. • VaMYC2 protein interacts with VaJAZ1 and VaJAZ7. • VaMYC2 can bind to and activate the promoters of VaCBF1 and VaP5CS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Resistance genes associated pseudogenes (pseudo-R genes) derived from whole-genome duplications were identified in the genome of Vitis vinifera and were annotated for their roles in plant defence responses. • Novel antifungal (EKA-AFPs) and antimicrobial peptides (Ψ -AMPs) identified and characterized can serve as promising anti-microbial candidates. • The co-expression network analysis between pseudogenes-lncRNAs-genes revealed six pathogen-responsive pseudo-R genes as significant during pathogen invasion. • Pseudo-R genes were also exhibiting tissue-specific expression patterns. • Pseudo-R genes play by regulating the gene expression either directly by acting as mRNA mimics for miRNA/tasiRNA targeting or indirectly by lncRNA mediated regulation of miRNA/tasiRNAs. Duplication events are fundamental to co-evolution in host-pathogen interactions. Pseudogenes (Ψs) are dysfunctional paralogs of functional genes and resistance genes (Rs) in plants are the key to disarming pathogenic invasions. Thus, deciphering the roles of pseudo-R genes in plant defense is momentous. This study aimed to functionally characterize diverse roles of the resistance Ψs as novel gene footprints and as significant gene regulators in the grapevine genome. PlantPseudo pipeline and HMM-profiling identified whole-genome duplication-derived (WGD) Ψs associated with resistance genes (Ψ-Rs). Further, novel antifungal and antimicrobial peptides were characterized for fungal associations using protein–protein docking with Erysiphe necator proteins. miRNA and tasiRNA target sites and transcription factor (TF) binding sites were predicted in Ψ-Rs. Finally, differential co-expression patterns in Ψ-Rs -lncRNAs-coding genes were identified using the UPGMA method. 2,746 Ψ-Rs were identified from 31,032 WGD Ψs in the genome of grapevine. 69-antimicrobial and 81-antifungal novel peptides were generated from Ψ-Rs. The putative genic potential was predicted for five novel antifungal peptides which were further characterized by docking against E. necator proteins. 395 out of 527 resistance loci-specific Ψ-Rs were acting as parental gene mimics. Further, to explore the diverse roles of Ψ-Rs in plant-defense, we identified 37,026 TF-binding sites, 208 miRNA, and 99 tasiRNA targeting sites on these Ψ-Rs. 194 Ψ-Rs were exhibiting tissue-specific expression patterns. The co-expression network analysis between Ψs -lncRNA-genes revealed six out of 79 pathogen-responsive Ψ-Rs as significant during pathogen invasion. Our study provides pathogen responsive Ψ-Rs integral for pathogen invasion, which will offer a useful resource for future experimental validations. In addition, our findings on novel peptide generations from Ψ-Rs offer valuable insights which can serve as a useful resource for predicting novel genes with the futuristic potential of being investigated for their bioactivities in the plant system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The permanent search for materials that can improve climatic conditions and thermal comfort in buildings remains a major concern for engineers. The choice of material is motivated by its behavior to the thermal stresses. To predict the distribution of temperature within the material requires mathematical models. In this paper, the heat transfer through raffia vinifera bamboo is modeled using the equation of energy conservation. Raffia vinifera bamboo consists of cork and shell and is treated as two layers material. The thermophysical properties of each layer are constant. The equation is solved analytically by the separation of variables method and numerically by the finite difference method. A numerical simulation with CASTEM software is also performed. A constant temperature is imposed at the external surface of the material while the continuity of the temperature and flux are applied at the cork/shell interface. To test the computational results, the thermophysical properties of the two layers were set equal. The analytical solution in this case of single layer was used as the reference result and the computational methods developed in this work were compared. Results demonstrated that the absolute value of the relative error at the center of material decreases abruptly with time and a maximum value less than 8% occurred for all the developed methods in the paper. Results also indicated that at a given time, the relative error increases slowly to a maximum value less than 8% close the surface. These results showed that the methods presented were correct. The case of two layers with different thermophysical properties was second examined and the raffia vinifera bamboo was viewed as heterogeneous material. The temperature profile at a given time decreases from the surface to the center of the material with a peak occurring at the interface cork/shell. At time t = 9750.336 s , the temperature at the center increases only by 4.75 °C. Thus, the raffia vinifera bamboo can be used as thermal insulation in buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the end of the summer season, grapevine buds (Vitis vinifera L) grown in temperate climates enter a state of winter recess or endodormancy (ED), which is induced by the shortening of the photoperiod, and during this period, the buds accumulate sucrose. In this study, we investigated whether the shortening of the photoperiod regulates the accumulation of sucrose in the buds in the same way as it regulates its entry into the ED. Because sucrose accumulation is regulated by genes that control its transport and degradation, the effect of the SD photoperiod and the transition of buds from paradormancy (PD) to ED on the expression of sucrose transporter (VvSUTs) and invertase genes (VvINVs) was studied. To analyze the possible role of sucrose during ED development, its effect on bud swelling and sprouting was studied on dormant and nondormant buds under forced growth conditions. The results showed that the SD photoperiod upregulates the expression of the VvSUT genes and downregulates that of the VvINV genes in grapevine buds. Additionally, during the transition of buds from PD to ED, the sucrose content increased, the expression of the VvINV genes decreased, and the expression of the VvSUT genes did not change significantly. Sucrose delayed bud swelling and sprouting when applied to dormant buds but had no effect when applied to nondormant buds. Therefore, we concluded that ED development and sucrose accumulation were synchronized events induced by the SD photoperiod and that a sucrose peak marks the end of ED development in grapevine buds. [Display omitted] • Sucrose accumulation and ED are triggered by the SD photoperiod. • Sucrose accumulated in the bud during ED is supplied by the cane. • Exogenous sucrose delay bud swelling and bud sprouting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugar synthesis from photosynthesis and its utilization through sugar metabolism jointly determine leaf sugar content, and in contrast, excess sugar represses leaf photosynthesis. Although plant photosynthesis is affected by leaf sugar metabolism, the relationship between sugar metabolism and photosynthetic capacity of different grape genotypes remains unclear. In this study, two grape (Vitis vinifera L.) genotypes 'Riesling' (RI, high sugar content in leaf) and 'Petit Manseng' (PM, low sugar content in leaf) were used to evaluate the relationship between sugar metabolism and photosynthesis. Sugar content, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic parameters, enzyme activity, and gene expression related to sucrose metabolism in leaves were measured, and the correlations between photosynthesis and sugar metabolism were assessed. The contents of sucrose and glucose were significantly higher in RI leaves than in PM leaves, while the fructose content pattern was reversed. Cell wall invertase activity for sucrose hydrolysis and the transcript levels of VvCWINV , VvHT s, VvTMT1 , VvFK s, and VvHXK2 were also higher in RI leaves than in PM leaves, whereas that of VvHXK1 mediating glucose phosphorylation, was lower in RI leaves than in PM leaves. Net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, and chlorophyll content were lower in RI leaves than in PM leaves and negatively correlated with glucose content, and the transcript levels of VvCWINV , VvHT s, VvTMT1 , and VvHXK2. In conclusion, this study indicates that leaf sugar metabolism and transport are related to photosynthesis in Vitis vinifera L., which provides a theoretical basis for improving grape photosynthesis. • Inter-varietal variation in sugar metabolism corresponds to sugar content variation. • Leaf sugar transport is induced in response to sugar accumulation. • Leaf sugar accumulation trends modifying photosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biostimulants are organic compounds which can influence the biochemical activity of the whole plant. Lately, great attention has been focused on the possibility of using these stimulants in the viticulture sector. Due to this, the aim of this work was to investigate the foliar application of a biostimulant made by Fabaceae tissue, rich in amino acids and peptides along with the high presence of natural triacontanol (C 30 H 62 O) (>6 mg kg−1), previously reported in many crops as chemicals able to stimulate different yield components, the technological composition of musts still having an effect on some of the microbial population of different fruits/crops. Hence, this research was conducted during the growing seasons 2020 and 2021 in a commercial vineyard of the 'Ribolla Gialla' grapevine (Vitis vinifera , L.), in the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region (North-Eastern Italy), in order to understand the effect on this woody perennial crop not yet investigated. After a two-year-study, a physiological response occurred, as ripening and veraision were brought forward in the treated plants as well as the harvest time, having higher enological parameters (sugars, total titrable acidity and citric acid content) than the non-treated at every stage. Thus, grapes in the treated plants reached a full technological maturity earlier than the non-treated, in both study years. There was a positive effect on must microbial ecology important for winemaking, hence, the biostimulant have promoted the growth of the microbial community on berry skin translating into what found in the must. • The biostimulant positively affected plant phenology and shortened the veraision and ripening. • The must technological parameters were positively influenced by the biostimulant and maturity brought forward. • The must microbiological ecology was promoted by the biostimulant application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methane mitigation in dairy cows is an essential part of combating global warming. Governments and consumers have become increasingly interested in herbage-based feeding, and premium prices are often paid for these types of dairy products. However, this feeding strategy is presumed to produce more methane per unit of feed or milk than corn silage- or concentrate-based diets due to higher fiber intakes. Immature herbage is preferred to maintain dairy cow performance, but the high content of N and digestible fiber may increase methane and urine N emissions compared with more mature herbage. Tannin-containing feeds, such as vine leaves (Vitis vinifera), may help to combat the emissions associated with feeding immature herbage. Our study aimed to evaluate differences between early-stage (ES; 21 d of regrowth) versus late-stage (LS; 42 d) herbage and the effects of vine leaves on methane and nitrogenous emissions and the milk fatty acid profile of dairy cows. Twenty-four mid- to late-lactating dairy cows were randomized to 4 dietary groups (n = 6) in a factorial study design. Each of the 4 diets contained 69% fresh mixed legume-grass herbage, 13% grass hay, and 5% concentrate on a dry matter (DM) basis. Two diets were based on immature fresh mixed legume-grass herbage and grass hay (ES), and 2 contained more mature fresh mixed legume-grass herbage and grass hay (LS). Of these, 1 contained 13% vine leaves (VL+) and the other an additional 13% hay (VL−). No significant differences were observed in DM intake or milk yield across the diets. Methane emission intensity was lowest with ES-VL+ diets compared with LS-VL− diets (−30%; 17.1 vs. 24.5 mg/kg of energy-corrected milk). Methane yield decreased by 17% and 20% when related to the intake of DM and digested organic matter for ES-VL+ compared with LS-VL− diets (16.9 vs. 20.3 g/kg of DM intake; 23.5 vs. 29.3 g/kg of digestible organic matter). Immature grass and vine leaf addition each caused about half of the respective declines. Cows consuming any of the ES diets and the LS-VL+ diet consumed and excreted (urinary N) significantly more N than those consuming LS diets. However, when related to N intake, no differences were recorded. Unexpectedly, vine leaves did not mitigate urine N excretion; however, they lowered the n-6:n-3 ratio and increased concentrations of vaccenic and rumenic acids in both ES and LS diets. Our results demonstrate that feeding immature herbage in combination with vine leaves reduces methane yield; however, the associated high urinary N losses need to be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Grapevine interacts different microbiota living around and within its tissues • Addition of microbial genes to plant genome gives supplementary functions to the holobiont • The composition of grapevine microbiota varies according to endogenous and exogenous factors • Microbiota variations can lead to perturbations of grapevine metabolism • The link between symptom emergence of dieback and microbial imbalance is currently studied Grapevine is a woody, perennial plant of high economic importance worldwide. Like other plants, it lives in close association with large numbers of microorganisms. Bacteria, fungi and viruses are structured in communities, and each individual can be beneficial, neutral or harmful to the plant. In this sense, microorganisms can interact with each other and regulate plant functions (including immunity) and even provide new ones. Thus, the grapevine associated with its microbial communities constitutes a supra-organism, also called a holobiont, whose functioning is linked to established plant-microorganism interactions. The overall health of the plant may be conditioned by the diversity and structure of microbial communities. Consequently, an optimal microbial composition will consist of a microbial balance allowing the plant to be healthy. Conversely, an imbalance of microbial populations could lead to (or be generated by) a decline of the plant. The microbiome is an active component of the host also responsive to biotic and abiotic changes; in that respect, a better understanding of the most important drivers of the composition of plant microbiomes is needed. This article presents the current state of the art about the grapevine microbiota and its composition according to the plant compartments and the influencing factors. We also focus on situations of imbalance, in particular during plant disease or decline. Finally, we discuss the possible interest of microbial engineering in an agrosystem such as viticulture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]