Grapevine Plasticity in Response to an Altered Microclimate: Sauvignon Blanc Modulates Specific Metabolites in Response to Increased Berry Exposure

Journal Article · Tue Dec 01 00:00:00 EST 2015 · Plant Physiology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1104/pp.15.01775· OSTI ID:1339388

Young, Philip R.  ^[1]; Eyeghe-Bickong, Hans A.  ^[1]; du Plessis, Kari ^[1]; Alexandersson, Erik  ^[2]; Jacobson, Daniel A. ^[3]; Coetzee, Zelmari A.  ^[4]; Deloire, Alain  ^[4]; Vivier, Melane A.  ^[1]

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1. Stellenbosch Univ. (South Africa). Inst. for Wine Biotechnology. Dept. of Viticulture and Oenology
2. Swedish Univ. of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp (Sweden). Dept. of Plant Protection Biology; Stellenbosch Univ. (South Africa). Inst. for Wine Biotechnology. Dept. of Viticulture and Oenology
3. Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States). Biosciences Division; Stellenbosch Univ. (South Africa). Inst. for Wine Biotechnology. Dept. of Viticulture and Oenology
4. Charles Sturt Univ., Wagga Wagga, NSW (Australia). National Wine and Grape Industry Centre; Stellenbosch Univ. (South Africa). Inst. for Wine Biotechnology. Dept. of Viticulture and Oenology

In this paper, the metabolic and physiological impacts of an altered microclimate on quality-associated primary and secondary metabolites in grape (Vitis vinifera) ‘Sauvignon Blanc’ berries was determined in a high-altitude vineyard. The leaf and lateral shoot removal in the bunch zones altered the microclimate by increasing the exposure of the berries. The physical parameters (berry diameter and weight), primary metabolites (sugars and organic acids), as well as bunch temperature and leaf water potential were predominantly not affected by the treatment. The increased exposure led to higher levels of specific carotenoids and volatile terpenoids in the exposed berries, with earlier berry stages reacting distinctly from the later developmental stages. Plastic/nonplastic metabolite responses could be further classified to identify metabolites that were developmentally controlled and/or responded to the treatment in a predictable fashion (assessed over two consecutive vintages). The study demonstrates that grapevine berries exhibit a degree of plasticity within their secondary metabolites and respond physiologically to the increased exposure by increasing metabolites with potential antioxidant activity. Finally, taken together, the data provide evidence that the underlying physiological responses relate to the maintenance of stress pathways by modulating antioxidant molecules in the berries.

• Research Organization: Stellenbosch University (South Africa)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE; National Research Foundation (NRF) (South Africa); Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme (THRIP) (South Africa); Wine Industry Network for Expertise and Technology (Winetech) (South Africa)
• OSTI ID: 1339388
• Journal Information: Plant Physiology, Vol. 170, Issue 3; ISSN 1532-2548
• Publisher: American Society of Plant Biologists
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES