Abstract
Grape and wine production and quality is extremely dependent on the fruit ripening process. Sensory and nutritional characteristics are important aspects for consumers and their development during fruit ripening involves complex hormonal control. In this review, we explored data already published on grape ripening and compared it with the hormonal regulation of ripening of other climacteric and non-climacteric fruits. The roles of abscisic acid, ethylene, and brassinosteroids as promoters of ripening are discussed, as well as the role of auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, jasmonates, and polyamines as inhibitors of ripening. In particular, the recently described role of polyamine catabolism in grape ripening is discussed, together with its putative interaction with other hormones. Furthermore, other recent examples of cross-talk among the different hormones are presented, revealing a complex interplay of signals during grape development and ripening.
Highlights
Grape (Vitis species) is among the most important fruit crops with a high economic impact on the global economy
We have previously reported the down-regulation at EL36 vs. EL35 of genes coding for ACC synthase and ACC oxidase, which are enzymes involved in ethylene biosynthesis [9]
ERF belongs to a large family of APETALA2-domain containing transcription factors that bind to promoters of many ethylene inducible genes. These results provide evidence that the ethylene-mediated signaling pathway is active during grape ripening, as seems to occur in pepper, another non-climacteric fruit [44]
Summary
Grape (Vitis species) is among the most important fruit crops with a high economic impact on the global economy. Albeit the amount of information already reported, the hormonal control in grape ripening, as non-climacteric fruit, is still poorly understood [10] It is known, that grape berry ripening involves the integration of multiple hormonal signals; with some hormones acting as promoters and others as repressors. Proteomic, and metabolic levels have characterized grape ripening of specific varieties, namely Cabernet Sauvignon [12], Pinot Noir [13], Barbera [14], Corvina [15], Muscat Hamberg [16], Trincadeira [17], Touriga Nacional, Aragonês [18], and Shiraz [19] These studies have revealed the complexity involved in the reprogramming of the transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome during grape ripening, which requires hormonal control.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
