Abstract
As popularly consumed fruit berries, grapes are widely planted and processed into products, such as raisins and wine. In order to identify the influences of different climatic conditions on grape coloring and quality formation, we selected two common varieties of grape berries, ‘Red Globe’ and ‘Xin Yu’, for investigation. Grapes were separately grown in different climates, such as a temperate continental arid climate and a temperate continental desert climate, in Urumqi and Turpan, China, for five developmental stages. As measured, the average daily temperature and light intensity were lower in Urumqi. Urumqi grape berries had a lower brightness value (L*) and a higher red-green value (a*) when compared to Turpan’s. A RT-qPCR analysis revealed higher transcriptions of key genes related to anthocyanin biosynthesis in Urumqi grape berries, which was consistent with the more abundant phenolic substances, especially anthocyanins. The maximum antioxidant activity in vitro and cellular antioxidant activity of grape berries were also observed in Urumqi grape berries. These findings enclosed the influence of climate on anthocyanin accumulation and the antioxidant capacity of grapes, which might enlarge our knowledge on the quality formation of grape berries and might also be helpful for cultivating grapes with higher nutritional value.
Highlights
The grape (Vitis vinifera L.), with carbohydrates, organic acids, and minerals, is one of the most famous fruits around the world
The average daily temperature in Turpan and Urumqi fluctuated around 40 ◦C and 30 ◦C, the average daily light intensity fluctuated around 800 μmol·m−2·s−1 and 500 μmol·m−2·s−1, and the average daily humidity fluctuated around 40% and 50%, respectively
L* values varied in different species, as Red Globe (RG) grape berries have a lower value than Xin Yu’ (XY) grape berries
Summary
The grape (Vitis vinifera L.), with carbohydrates, organic acids, and minerals, is one of the most famous fruits around the world. Grapes have been shown in previous studies to contain valuable bioactive substances, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins [1]. The concentration and composition of anthocyanins in grape berries are affected by environmental factors, including temperature, light, and moisture [7]. Some studies have confirmed that excessive high temperatures intensified the decomposition of anthocyanins in grape berries [13]. Researchers reviewed the influences of climate on grape maturity and quality, especially the effects from high temperatures [14]. We compared the color of grape berries and phenolics, including anthocyanin accumulation, as well as the cellular antioxidant activity of two grape varieties during five growth periods in Urumqi and Turpan, in order to figure out the influence climate has on grape coloring and quality formation. This study might enhance our knowledge on how climate influences the quality development of grapes
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