Showing papers in "Vitis: Journal of Grapevine Research in 2003"

Effects of nitrogen supply on must quality and anthocyanin accumulation in berries of cv. Merlot

Abstract: Nitrogen supply to Merlot vines ( Vitis vinifera L.), grown under controlled conditions, affected must quality and the anthocyanin content in berry skins irrespective of vegetative growth. High N supply delayed fruit maturation; berries had a higher arginine and a lower anthocyanin content with relatively more abundant acylated anthocyanins compared to berries of vines supplied with low N. During maturation the anthocyanin content in the skin of berries decreased; this was more significant in high-N vines. It is concluded that high nitrogen supply affects the metabolic pathway of anthocyanins in different ways, e.g. it delays the quantitative and qualitative biosynthesis and enhances their degradation during the final steps of berry maturation.

Distribution of leaf photosynthesis and transpiration within grapevine canopies under different drought conditions

Abstract: The effects of seasonal drought on the distribution of leaf area, photosynthesis and transpiration within the canopy were evaluated for two Spanish grapevine cultivars. Both varieties were cultivated according to their typical training system. At early stages of drought, reduction of photosynthesis and transpiration was only observed in sun-exposed leaves. As drought intensified, even less sun-exposed leaves were affected. Severe drought reduced photosynthesis and transpiration in all locations of the canopy except for most shaded leaves in the inner part. However, those leaves were almost unproductive, and seemed to be insensitive to variation of both light intensity and drought. Leaf area was also reduced by drought, but the distribution of these reductions within the canopy differed between cultivars, possibly reflecting differences in the training system. Leaves from all locations of the canopy except those in the central part showed a similar radiation use efficiency, suggesting that the observed variation in photosynthesis within the canopy was mostly related to different light interception, while other factors such as different leaf age should play only a minor role. Photosynthetic radiation use efficiency strongly depended on both, pre-dawn leaf water potential and light-saturated stomatal conductance. The interest of these results for modeling purposes is discussed.

Fungi associated with Esca disease of grapevine in Germany

Abstract: Esca disease of grapevine is gaining increasing importance in Central European wine-growing countries. Several fungi, all of which are wood-inhabiting, were found to be associated with the disease. The taxa thought to act as main causal agents are the basidiomycete, Fomitiporia mediterranea , and, less frequently, the deuteromycetes, Phaeomoniella chlamydospora and Phaeoacremonium aleophilum . In addition, the species Eutypa lata, Phomopsis viticola, Botryosphaeria obtusa , and Cylindrocarpon destructans were isolated from Esca-affected vines. These species have been described in a standardized style and information is provided on taxonomy, cultured mycelium, microscopical characters, nuclear behaviour, as well as restriction and sequence data of ribosomal DNA.

Nitrogen and ultraviolet radiation modify grapevines' susceptibility to powdery mildew

Abstract: Potted Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay grapevines were grown in southeastern Australia under either ambient or reduced ultraviolet (UV) radiation to test the effect of UV on powdery mildew ( Uncinula necator ) susceptibility. Diacetate films were used to screen out UV-B (280-315 nm) and UV-A (315-400 nm). Two nitrogen treatments (0 or 3 g N per plant) were applied at bloom to test interactions of nitrogen status with UV radiation. Cabernet Sauvignon was much less susceptible to U. necator and also responded less to UV and nitrogen. U. necator incidence and severity on leaves were increased dramatically when high nitrogen supply was combined with low UV, particularly in Chardonnay. The differences in infection were not due to variation in canopy microclimate (temperature and humidity) caused by experimental treatments. However, high disease susceptibility in response to high nitrogen status and low UV radiation was related to low concentrations of constitutive phenolic compounds (flavonol glycosides and, to a lesser extent, hydroxy-cinnamic acid derivatives), high leafnitrogen status and photosynthetic rates, high succulence, and reduced cuticular wax deposition. No stilbene phytoalexins could be detected following infection, suggesting that stilbenes are not involved in U. necator resistance in grapevines. These results show that UV radiation affects disease susceptibility of grapevine cultivars and that this susceptibility is modulated by nitrogen supply.

Isolation and structure of Pinotin A, a new anthocyanin derivative from Pinotage wine

Abstract: K e y w o r d s : Vitis vinifera, red wine, Pinotage, high-speed countercurrent chromatography, anthocyanins, malvidin, vinylcatechol, pyranoanthocyanin. Introduction: The color of red wine is composed by monomeric anthocyanins, mainly malvidin-3-O-glucoside, acetylated and coumaroylated derivatives as well as a com- plex mixture of polymeric pigments which are predominantly present in aged wines. In addition, copigmentation is also known to contribute to the overall color intensity. In recent years, additional anthocyanin derivatives containing a pyran ring between C-4 and the hydroxyl group at position 5 of the aglycon moiety have been characterized. Among these, the vitisin-type pigments are formed by the reaction between malvidin and pyruvic acid (BAKKER et al. 1997, FULCRAND

Influence of leaf area density and trellis/training system on the light microclimate within grapevine canopies

Abstract: The influence of leaf area density and canopy configuration on the light microclimate within 6 wine grape trellis/ training systems commonly used in California (single curtain, double curtain, vertically shoot positioned, lyre, Smart-Henry and Smart-Dyson) was examined in two experimental vineyards (Oakville and Parlier). Mean canopy leaf area density varied considerably among the systems, ranging from approximately 2.8 m 2 m - 3 for the Wye to 10.1 m 2 m - 3 for the VSP. Non-positioned systems were characterized by a layer of relatively high leaf area density in their outer envelope and lower leaf area densities in their interior. In contrast, leaf area density in positioned systems increased from the top of the canopy moving downward to the fruit zone. Mean leaf area density within the fruit zone ranged from near 6 m 2 m - 3 in the DC to over 12 m 2 m - 3 in the VSP and LYR. The pattern of light attenuation within the canopy was generally similar among the systems, with PPF reaching its lowest level in or near the fruit zone. Fruit zone PPF was >10 % of ambient sunlight in low density canopies and <5 % in high density canopies. A gradual decline in fruit zone PPF was found as leaf area density increased in positioned systems. PPF decreased sharply in the fruit zone of non-positioned systems as leaf area density increased from 2 to 4 m 2 m - 3 , then leveled as leaf area density exceeded 6 m 2 m - 3 . Fruit zone PPF decreased as the leaf area density of divided systems increased from 2 to 4 m 2 m - 3 , then declined gradually as leaf area density approached 6 m 2 m - 3 . Fruit zone PPF in non-divided systems was initially lower, and declined more gradually as leaf area density increased, compared to divided systems. Compared to positioned systems, leaf layer number in the fruit zone rose more sharply in non-positioned systems as leaf area density increased. Leaf layer number was greater in nondivided systems compared to divided systems, but declined at similar rates in both systems as leaf area density increased. Shoot-positioned systems achieved well-exposed fruit zones at higher leaf area densities, but lower leaf layer numbers, compared to non-positioned canopies.

Analysis of a spontaneous mutant and selected clones of cv. Italia (Vitis vinifera) by AFLP markers

Abstract: A spontaneously formed mutant and selected clones (from clonal selection) of the table grape cv. Italia ( Vitis vinifera ) were evaluated with regard to the the possible use of molecular markers for grapevine clone differentiation. The identified off-type grapevine, which presents a mutated branch and a normal one on the same plant, removes any doubt as to its origin and allows a better evaluation of the suitability of molecular markers for the differentiation of grape clones. AFLPs were used as molecular markers because a large number of loci can be screened in a single assay, which is useful for any study on genotype relationships when a large number of bands (variables) is required. Different primer combinations (49) produced 3880 scorable AFLP bands but none showed any polymorphism among clones. Nevertheless it is suggested to use both AFLP and morphological markers for the differentiation of grapevine clones. The AFLPs would confirm the high level of DNA similarity among the suspected clones while morphological characters would allow to verify, through appropriate field experimental designs, the reliability of the phenotypic differences detected among grape clones.

A method using leafed single-node cuttings to evaluate downy mildew resistance in grapevine

Abstract: A method using leafed single-node cuttings, incubated at 25 ± 2 °C and 100 % humidity, was examined to screen grapevine genotypes for resistance to downy mildew ( Plasmopara viticola (Bert. & Curt.) Berl. & de Toni). Cuttings were taken at the 4 th , 5 th and 6 th nodes back from apices of actively growing shoots. Disease symptoms, namely chlorosis, sporulation and necrosis, were observed on the leaves of cuttings within 6 days of incubation after inoculation. Based on chlorosis and sporulation, genotypes were ranked from highly susceptible to resistant in the order of Sultana, M46-32 (Bicane x Villard blanc), Joannes Seyve 23.416, Marroo Seedless and Chambourcin. The expressions of both symptoms increased with the concentration of inocula applied to leaves (1 x 10 5 and 5 x 10 4 sporangia per ml), but the overall genotypic ranking was unaltered. The third symptom of leaf necrosis occurred on infected leaves either as progressively enlarging dead areas or as smaller localised necrotic spots. The latter has been call ed the ‘necrotic response’ symptom and its expression depended on genotype, although its value for separating or ranking genotypes was unreliable. Leaf chlorosis was associated with leaf sporulation (r 2 =0.41-0.47). Genotypes with necrotic response exhibited reduced leaf chlorosis and sporulation. A comparison between this new leafed singlenode cutting method and a previously published leaf disc method indicated it was more reliable for separating genotypes for downy mildew resistance.

Characterization of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivars from northern Portugal using RAPD and microsatellite markers

Abstract: Twelve grapevine cultivars from northern Portugal were characterized with RAPD and microsatellites. Nine primers were used in the RAPD analysis; 8 of the varieties showed monotypic patterns. With the 6 microsatellite loci a total of 38 alleles was obtained. Relationships among the studied varieties were observed. Both types of molecular markers have proved useful for identification. Existence of synonymies is discussed.

Photosynthetic functioning of individual grapevine leaves (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Pinot noir) during ontogeny in the field

Abstract: Field studies were conducted to investigate ontogenic changes in photosynthesis of a single grapevine leaf ( Vitis vinifera L. cv. Pinot noir) subtending the fruit. A 40-day-old leaf was physiologically most active with regard to net photosynthetic ( Pn ) and electron transport rates. Variable to maximum fluorescence ratios of dark-adapted leaves (F v /F m = 0.77) were higher in mature leaves than in expanding (0.66) or senescent ones (0.65). Lower F v /F m values in these stages seemed to be caused not by photoinhibition but by a low photochemical capacity as suggested from the chlorophyll a/b ratios. In isolated thylakoids, lower rates of whole chain and PSII activity were observed in expanding and senescent leaves, while higher rates were observed in mature leaves. A similar trend was noticed for Rubisco and total soluble proteins. The artificial exogenous electron donors Mn 2+ failed to restore the loss of PSII activity in senescent leaves, while DPC and NH 2 OH significantly restored the loss of PSII activity. The m arked loss of PSII activity in senescent leaves was primarily due to the loss of 33, 28-25, 23 and 17 kDa polypepides. A marked loss of Rubisco activity in senescent leaves is mainly due to the loss of 15 (SSU) and 55 (LSU) kDa polypeptides.

Calcium accumulation and redistribution during the development of grape berry

Abstract: In this study, we investigated the evolution of calcium content during grape berry development ( Vitis vinifera L.). In 5 years using several cultivars, the calcium content per berry was assessed in all compartments of the fruit. In the whole berry the calcium content increased from anthesis to ripeness. In the pericarp it decreased at the onset of ripening whereas it increased in seeds. Furthermore, during ripening, calcium was transported from the flesh to the skin. As calcium is a cation mobile in xylem, we compared our results with those on the functioning of xylem during the development of grape berries. We hypothesize that the calcium accumulation observed in the whole berry during ripening is due to its accumulation in the seeds.

Opines in naturally infected grapevine crown gall tumors

Abstract: Crown gall tumors collected from naturally infected plants of 7 grapevine varieties were analysed for the presence of opines. Eighty-five of the tested 90 samples contained known Agrobacterium vitis -induced opines. Octopine was the most common, it was found in 50 samples. Twentyeight crown galls contained nopaline and 8 were vitopine positive. There was only one tumor that contained two opines, nopaline and vitopine. Five samples were negative for the opines tested. The presence of A. vitis was confirmed in most of these tumors by PCR analysis. The opine assay may provide a simple diagnostic protocol to distinguish healthy callus tissues from crown galls as well as for the indirect identification of Agrobacterium infection.

Molecular identification of a phytoplasma infecting grapevine in the Republic of Macedonia

Abstract: Phytoplasmas from the ribosomal subgroup 16SrXII-A (stolbur) were identified by PCR and RFLP analyses of 16S rRNA gene and elongation factor-Tu phytoplasma gene ( tuf ) in symptomatic grapevines from the Veles and Skopje areas in Macedonia. Two methods were used for nucleic acid extraction. Amplification and RFLP results of 16S rDNA were not influenced by the method used, but RFLP patterns of tuf gene revealed additional bands if a less time consuming method was applied. The possible origin of these bands is discussed. This is the first report of the presence of the stolbur phytoplasma in cvs Chardonnay and Vranac in Macedonia.

Effect of five antimicrobial peptides on the growth of Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Escherichia coli and Xylella fastidiosa

Abstract: Five lytic peptides, cecropin A (CA), cecropin B (CB), magainin I (MI), magainin II (MII) and Shiva-1 (a synthetic analog of CB), were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and two pathogenic bacteria of grape, Agrobacterium tumefaciens and Xylella fastidiosa Peptides were tested at 01, 05, 10, 50 and 100 μM concentrations in liquid nutrient medium-based assay to determine their relative efficacy in inhibition bacterial growth A 24-h incubation of E coli with the respective lytic peptides revealed that both CA and CB exhibited the highest antibacterial activity and completely inhibiting bacterial growth at concentrations as low as 05 μM In contrast, MI, MII and Shiva-1 had no inhibiting effect on E coli at the tested concentrations Both CA and CB at concentrations greater than 05 μM were highly effective in inhibiting the growth of Agrobacterium , whereas complete inhibition was observed only at MI, MII and Shiva-1 concentrations greater than 5 μM Growth inhibition profiles of X fastidiosa were similar to those of E coli , although Shiva-1 at 10 μM showed a modest growth inhibition

Genetic structure in populations of the fungus Fomitiporia punctata associated with the esca syndrome in grapevine.

Abstract: Six populations of Fomitiporia punctata (Fr.) Murrill were sampled in France and Italy from vines showing symptoms of esca syndrome. Genetic variation within and among populations was studied by using 34 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. All the 192 isolates analyzed were distinguished, and the haplotypic diversity was similar in each population. The hypothesis that markers were randomly associated was not rejected for 5 populations and for the total sample. Comparison of marker frequency showed significant differences among populations for only 4 markers, indicating a low level of genetic differentiation. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) confirmed that most of the variance in RAPD banding patterns was present within populations (98.5 %). These data strongly suggest that the fungus spreads by means of airborne basidiospores and regularly outcrosses in nature. The prospected regions seem to form an epidemiological unit with a panmictic population of F. punctata. However, a very low but significant differentiation was detected between the populations in western France and those in Mediterranean locations.

The effect of different fertilizer application levels on anthocyanoplast development in berry skin of Pione grapevines (V. vinifera x V. labrusca)

Abstract: Effects of different levels of a complete liquid fertilizer on grape berry coloration and anthocyanoplast (ACP) development in the skin were investigated. Four-year-old vines of cv. Pione (a tetraploid hybrid of Vitis vinifera L. and V. labrusca L.) were planted in root zone-restricted beds and were treated with normal (N), high (H; Nx1.5), and excessively high (EH; Nx2) levels of a commercial liquid fertilizer. Fertilizer levels were decreased to one third after veraison to accelerate berry ripening. Skin anthocyanin contents in N- and H-treated berries increased at a constant rate after veraison, while the contents in EH berries were significantly lower. ACPs were first observed in epidermal cells at veraison in N and H berries and 2 weeks later in EH berries. In each treatment formation of ACPs in hypodermal cells occurred one week later than in epidermal cells. In each treatment the number of epidermal cells containing ACPs increased during ripening of the berries but the number of hypodermal cells with ACPs increased only in N vines. The average numbers of ACPs per epidermal and hypodermal cell were largest in N vines, followed by H and EH vines (two weeks after veraison). The number of ACPs decreased thereafter because most ACPs coalesced. The average ACP diameter at full ripeness was 16.7 μm in N vines, whereas in H and EH vines it was 9.5 μm and 9.7 μm, respectively. From these results, it can be deduced that in Pione grape berries high fertilizer levels inhibit ACP formation both in epidermal and hypodermal cells at veraison and/or induce their coalescence thereafter, resulting in poor coloration.

Effect of "Agrobacterium rhizogenes" infection on "in vitro" rooting of "Vitis vinifera"

Abstract: Agrobacterium rhizogenes is known to induce the proliferation of rapid growing, highly branching roots (hairy roots) in most dicotyledonous plants. We report here the effect of in vitro infection of Vitis vinifera with two A. rhizogenes strains (b-glucuronidase transgenic A4 and wild type LBA), with regard to an increase of root mass. In vitro -grown V. vinifera explants were infected with two A. rhizogenes strains. Both strains induced a significant increase in the number of the developed roots, and of their weight and length. Root number was increased by a factor of 2.9 (strain A4) and 2.7 (strain LBA), length increased 1.9 and 1.6 times (strains A4 and LBA, respectively), while the root weight was more affected by strain A4 (2.8 times increasing) than by LBA strain (1.9 times increasing). The transformation status of the developed roots was assessed by two different methods: PCR detection of rolB gene in LBA strain-derived roots and quantification of â-glucuronidase activity in A4 strain-derived roots.

Molecular approach to assess the origin of cv. Marzemino

Abstract: DNA marker analysis was used to determine the varietal identity of Marzemino accessions in public collections and private Italian vineyards; relationships among this varietal group and Vertzami, a traditional Greek cultivar, were also investigated through SSR and AFLP approaches. Molecular results strongly support the relationship among Vertzami cultivars growing in Greece, Marzemino and several Italian accessions selected on the basis of etymological similarity. SSR data exclude a direct descent of Marzemino, or other related Italian varieties, from Vertzami; on the other hand the level of similarity among Vertzami, Marzemino and some related varieties indicates a possible common ancestor. None of the accessions is considered as common ancestor but on the basis of genomic variability in the Marzemino group and of the relationships with the other Italian cultivars a probable Italian ancestor is supposed.

Genetic relationships among grapevine cultivars grown in Oltrepò Pavese (Italy)

Abstract: In order to evaluate the genetic distance among 47 grapevine accessions, including major and minor local cultivars grown in Oltrepo pavese (Pavia, Italy), DNA has been analysed with the AFLP approach (VOS et al. 1995). The electrophoretic analysis of the products amplified by 3 primer combinations showed high polymorphism. Furthermore, considering that DNA markers for haploid, uniparentally inherited genomes, such as the chloroplast DNA, are important indicators of pedigree, CpSSR analysis was also performed and this identified cases of maternal common origin among the analysed cultivars. The results show that these molecular tools allow univocal genotype identification and that the analysed germplasm has a wide genetic dissimilarity. Results are coherent with the postulation of a polycentric origin for the Oltrepo pavese cultivars and of a multiple varietal flow from different viticultural regions. The molecular information gathered in this research is essential for the establishment of an appropriate presentation programme of autochthonous varieties.

Sequence of a putative Vitis vinifera PR-1

Abstract: Introduction: Incompatible host-pathogen interactions include localized hypersensitive reaction (HR) and systemic resistances, e.g. systemic acquired resistance (SAR) and induced systemic resistance (ISR). Amongst various metabolic alterations associated with HR and SAR, various proteins are induced which are collectively referred to as ‘pathogenesis-related proteins’ (PRs). These proteins are defined as coded for by the host plant but induced specifically in pathological or related situations (VAN LOON and VAN STRIEN 1999). The association of PRs with SAR but not with ISR suggests that accumulation of PRs contributes to the induction of resistance but is not a prerequisite for it (VAN LOON 1997; VAN WEES et al. 1999). Fourteen families of PRs have been proposed (VAN LOON and VAN STRIEN 1999). The only PR family for which no function is known consists of the PR-1 proteins. Tobacco and tomato PR-1 proteins have antifungal activity, but their mechanism of action is not known. PR genes have been identified in Vitis species coding for chitinases, glucanases, osmotins, a ribonuclease-like protein and a lipid-transfer protein (BUSAM et al. 1997; SALZMAN et al. 1998; JACOBS et al. 1999; ROBERT et al. 2001). In addition, peroxydases, glucanases, chitinases and PR-1 like proteins have been serologically detected in grapevines (DELOIRE et al. 1997; REPKA et al. 2000, 2001). In the present note, we report cloning by RT-PCR of the open reading frame of a putative Vitis vinifera cv. Gewurztraminer PR-1.