Changes in Grape Berry Exudates during Fruit Development and Their Effect on Mycelial Growth of Botrytis cinerea

Abstract

Grape berries (Vitis vinifera L., `Thompson Seedless') exuded a variety of compounds through the cuticle and epicuticular wax layer onto the berry surface. The composition of the exudate changed through the course of the growing season. Phenolic compounds and malic acid were in relatively high concentrations in grape berry exudates after bloom, but were low in exudates from mature fruit. The rate of decrease of phenols and malic acid was more rapid during the early stage of berry growth than during the ripening period. Sugar and potassium concentrations in the berry exudates were low at bloom, but increased rapidly in the later stages of ripening. Water extracts of berry exudates contained sugars, malic acid, potassium, and sodium. The water extracts promoted mycelial growth of Botrytis cinerea Pers. Ethanol and ether extracts contained phenols and lipids. These fractions from fruit sampled in the first 3 weeks after bloom strongly inhibited mycelial growth. The inhibitory effect of these fractions decreased later in the season.