Berry Color Research Articles

Floricane yield and berry quality of seven primocane red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) cultivars

Primocane raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) may produce crop on the lower part of the cane during the second year of its’ growth cycle, if the canes are retained over winter. We aimed to evaluate the floricane cropping potential and berry quality in seven primocane raspberry cultivars, which are too late for fall cropping in the Northern growing conditions. Long cane plants of these cultivars were produced, overwintered, and grown like floricane cultivars in a high tunnel. Harvesting floricane crop started in mid-June, and the length of the summer cropping season was between eight to 10 weeks. 'Joan J' and 'Imara' were the earliest cultivars, and 'Autumn Bliss' was the latest. Total floricane yield in most cultivars was between 1.7 to 2.0 kg/cane. ‘Autumn Treasure’ yielded significantly less, and ‘Autumn Bliss’ produced 2.5 kg berries /cane. The average berry size was 5 g, except in ‘Autumn Bliss’ and ‘Autumn Treasure’, which had smaller berries. The highest sugar content was observed in 'Kwanza' berries and the lowest in 'Polka'. High throughput phenotyping proved an effective tool for determining berry shape and color. ‘Kwanza’ berry color was the reddest, yellowest and lightest of all cultivars. Based on our results, growing primocane raspberry cultivars as long cane plants for production of summer crop is more reliable than growing them as fall cropping in short growing season conditions. The cultivars ‘Imara’ and ‘Kweli’ were the most promising in our experiment; they had a high yield potential and excellent berry quality.

Effect of PLA Active Packaging Containing Monoterpene-Cyclodextrin Complexes on Berries Preservation.

Blackberries and raspberries are highly perishable and fragile products, which limits their shelf life. The effect of biodegradable active packaging of blackberries and raspberries containing 2.5% and 5.0% weight (wt%) of thymol or carvacrol complexed in β-cyclodextrins (β-CDs), successively added to poly (lactic acid) (PLA), and melt-processed by injection molding was evaluated under stored conditions at 4 °C for 21 days, using as reference commercial clamshell and PLA package control samples. Thus, physicochemical, headspace, microbiological, and sensory quality studies were carried out in order to compare the efficacy of the different packages. Concerning weight loss, color, and total phenolic and soluble solids content, significant differences were detected when compared with commercial clamshell packaging. The results show that the PLA packages containing thymol and carvacrol complexes maintained the color, weight, and phenolic content of berries until day 21, with a score up to 45% better compared to commercial clamshell. The headspace analysis detected 101 mg L−1 (ppm) of thymol and 35 ppm of carvacrol on the first day of refrigeration; these concentrations decreased with time. This release mechanism of carvacrol and thymol into the PLA package modified the initial atmosphere composition. After 21 days of storage, the berries had 4.25 degrees of acceptance, without adverse perception of aroma or flavor for both carvacrol and thymol compounds. A general microbial inhibition was observed for yeast and molds, which increased with the concentration of monoterpene in PLA packages, and showed an inhibition of 3.5 log units for PLA packages containing thymol, and of 3 log units for those containing carvacrol. Overall results show that PLA/β-CD-thymol 5.0% packages prolonged raspberries’ and blackberries’ shelf life by one more week at 4 °C, compared with commercial clamshell packaging.

Characterization and Action Mechanism Analysis of VvmiR156b/c/d-VvSPL9 Module Responding to Multiple-Hormone Signals in the Modulation of Grape Berry Color Formation.

In recent years, more and more reports have shown that the miR156-SPL module can participate in the regulation of anthocyanin synthesis in plants. However, little is known about how this module responds to hormonal signals manipulating this process in grapes. In this study, exogenous GA, ABA, MeJA, and NAA were used to treat the ‘Wink’ grape berries before color conversion, anthocyanin and other related quality physiological indexes (such as sugar, aroma) were determined, and spatio-temporal expression patterns of related genes were analyzed. The results showed that the expression levels of VvmiR156b/c/d showed a gradually rising trend with the ripening and color formation of grape berries, and the highest expression levels were detected at day 28 after treatment, while the expression level of VvSPL9 exhibited an opposite trend as a whole, which further verifies that VvmiR156b/c/d can negatively regulate VvSPL9. Besides, VvmiR156b/c/d was positively correlated with anthocyanin content and related genes levels, while the expression pattern of VvSPL9 showed a negative correlation. Analysis of promoter cis-elements and GUS staining showed that VvmiR156b/c/d contained a large number of hormone response cis-elements (ABA, GA, SA, MeJA, and NAA) and were involved in hormone regulation. Exogenous ABA and MeJA treatments significantly upregulated the expression levels of VvmiR156b/c/d and anthocyanin structural genes in the early stage of color conversion and made grape berries quickly colored. Interestingly, GA treatment downregulated the expression levels of VvmiR156b/c/d and anthocyanin structural genes in the early color-change period, but significantly upregulated in the middle color-change and ripening stages, therefore GA mainly modulated grape berry coloring in the middle- and late-ripening stages. Furthermore, NAA treatment downregulated the expression levels of VvmiR156b/c/d and anthocyanin structural genes and delayed the peak expression of genes. Meanwhile, to further recognize the potential functions of VvmiR156b/c/d, the mature tomato transient trangenetic system was utilized in this work. Results showed that transient overexpression of VvmiR156b/c/d in tomato promoted fruit coloring and overexpression of VvSPL9 inhibited fruit coloration. Finally, a regulatory network of the VvmiR156b/c/d-VvSPL9 module responsive to hormones modulating anthocyanin synthesis was developed. In conclusion, VvmiR156b/c/d-mediated VvSPL9 participated in the formation of grape color in response to multi-hormone signals.

Impact of Methyl Jasmonate, Abscissic Acid and Ethephon on the Consistency of Flame Seedless Grapes Pre-harvest and Post-harvest

Berry color development of Flame Seedless grapes is considered one of the main maturity indices. Achieved the requested color at harvest is one of the main problems of Flame Seedless because berries fail to reach the requested level of red color. So, an experiment was carried out on Flame Seedless vines in a private vineyard in the governorate of Sharkia, Egypt. Bunches were sprayed with one of the following five treatments, 0 mg/l (as a control treatment), Methyle Jasmonate at 0.046 %, Ethephon at 0.24 g/l and at 0.14 g/l, Ethephon at 0.24 g/l + ABA at 0.015% and Ethephon at 0.24 g/l + Methyle Jasmonate at 0.046 %. The single treatments were sprayed at veraison stage while the combined treatments were sprayed at veraison stage and then 5 days later. The combined treatment of (Ethephon + Methyle Jasmonate) was the best treatment, compared control treatment in both seasons, it improves berry color and increases the packable yield at the first harvest. The same treatment significantly increased anthocyanin content and total soluble solids percentage as well as TSS/acid ratio compared with control treatment in both seasons, respectively. Therefore, the combination between Ethephon and Methyle Jasmonate surpassed the other tested treatments in improving berry color and improving berry quality at harvest time. Moreover, the combined treatments with either Ethephon + Methyle Jasmonate was more effective in improving berry coloration and quality than Methyle Jasmonate individually.

The Effect of Pre-Harvest Application of Pectic Oligosaccharides and Abscisic Acid on Technological Ripening and Anthocyanin Profile of ‘Syrah’ Must and Grapes Grown in a Warm Climate

The progressive increase of environmental temperature as a consequence of climate change is a challengefor the wine industry. Elevated temperatures during grape ripening affect the development of grape skincolor by inhibiting the synthesis of pigments and promoting their degradation, which causes an imbalancein the chromatic quality of must and red wine. The application of pectic oligosaccharides (POs) and abscisicacid (ABA) triggers the phenylpropanoid pathway and increases the color index in grapes. Since the atharvestpigments and phenolic compounds are determinant for wine quality, this work addressed the preharvestapplication of POs and ABA as an in-field strategy for improving the quality of Syrah must andgrapes grown in a warm climate. The color development, physicochemical parameters, phenolic content,and pigments in berries and must were evaluated. Results showed POs and ABA improved berry colordevelopment and anthocyanin content during ripening. Musts from POs-treated berries exhibited thehighest phenols concentration and the most intense color, related to higher chroma values and anthocyanincontent, particularly delphinidin, petunidin, and malvidin 3-glucosides, while ABA improved must tonalityby reducing the hue angle. In summary, POs and ABA application at veráison, differentially modulatedthe technological ripening of Syrah grapes and can be an alternative to conventional agrochemicals topreserve the quality of musts elaborated from grapes grown in warm climates, by increasing the content ofphenolic compounds and enhancing berry skin color development through the differential accumulationof anthocyanins.

Transcriptomic and Metabolic Analyses Provide New Insights into the Effects of Exogenous Sucrose on Monoterpene Synthesis in "Muscat Hamburg" Grapes.

Monoterpenes provide strong floral and fruit aromas to grapes and wines. In the present study, the effects of exogenous sucrose on the monoterpenes metabolites were studied at the metabolomic and transcriptomic levels in "Muscat Hamburg" grape berries. 6% sucrose aqueous solution was used as treatment, applied at the berry color change stage and 8 days after the first application. Transcriptomics analysis was carried out on berries collected at three phenological stages (berries with intermediate Brix values, E-L 36; berries not quite ripe, E-L 37; and berries harvest-ripe, E-L 38). Our results showed that the sucrose application induced the accumulation of monoterpenes at harvest, especially geraniol and geranic acid. The summary of the number of differentially expressed genes between the control and treatment was 3465, 977, and 2843 at E-L 36, E-L 37, and E-L 38, respectively. Weighted gene correlation network analysis was constructed based on the RNA-seq data, and the MElightyellow module was probably correlated with monoterpene metabolism, comprising 131 unigenes. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain expression analysis of five key differentially expressed genes in terpenoid pathways validated the RNA-seq-derived expression profiles (R2 = 0.8143). Our findings provided new insights into the regulation of monoterpene biosynthesis in grape berries under exogenous sucrose.

Melatonin application improves berry coloration, sucrose synthesis, and nutrient absorption in ‘Summer Black’ grape

In this study, we investigated the effects of melatonin application on berry coloration, sugar accumulation, and nutrient absorption in ‘Summer Black’ grapes. Melatonin spraying at 100 μmol L−1 on grapes during veraison induced skin coloration earlier than that in controls, as well as higher transcript abundance of anthocyanin biosynthesis-related genes and transcription factors MYBA1 and MYBA2. Melatonin treatment increased the soluble sugar content, especially of sucrose, by promoting the activity of sucrose phosphate synthase, and also increased endogenous melatonin content and the concentrations of mineral nutrients N, K, Cu, Fe, and Zn in grape berries. Correlation analysis suggested that high sugar content promoted anthocyanin synthesis. These findings provide a sound theoretical basis for the development of techniques aimed to achieve optimum coloration of grapes in hot and rainy regions.

Genome-wide characterization and analysis of bHLH transcription factors related to anthocyanin biosynthesis in spine grapes (Vitis davidii)

As one of the largest transcription factor family, basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor family plays an important role in plant metabolism, physiology and growth. Berry color is one of the important factors that determine grape quality. However, the bHLH transcription factor family’s function in anthocyanin synthesis of grape berry has not been studied systematically. We identified 115 bHLH transcription factors in grape genome and phylogenetic analysis indicated that bHLH family could be classified into 25 subfamilies. First, we screened six candidate genes by bioinformatics analysis and expression analysis. We found one of the candidate genes VdbHLH037 belonged to III (f) subfamily and interacted with genes related to anthocyanin synthesis through phylogenetic analysis and interaction network prediction. Therefore, we speculated that VdbHLH037 participated in the anthocyanin synthesis process. To confirm this, we transiently expressed VdbHLH037 in grape and Arabidopsis transformation. Compared with the control, transgenic materials can accumulate more anthocyanins. These results provide a good base to study the function of the VdbHLH family in anthocyanin synthesis of grape berry.

Secondary Metabolism and Defense Responses Are Differently Regulated in Two Grapevine Cultivars during Ripening.

Vitis vinifera ‘Nebbiolo’ is one of the most important wine grape cultivars used to produce prestigious high-quality wines known throughout the world, such as Barolo and Barbaresco. ‘Nebbiolo’ is a distinctive genotype characterized by medium/high vigor, long vegetative and ripening cycles, and limited berry skin color rich in 3′-hydroxylated anthocyanins. To investigate the molecular basis of these characteristics, ‘Nebbiolo’ berries collected at three different stages of ripening (berry pea size, véraison, and harvest) were compared with V. vinifera ‘Barbera’ berries, which are rich in 3′,5′-hydroxylated anthocyanins, using transcriptomic and analytical approaches. In two consecutive seasons, the two genotypes confirmed their characteristic anthocyanin profiles associated with a different modulation of their transcriptomes during ripening. Secondary metabolism and response to stress were the functional categories that most differentially changed between ‘Nebbiolo’ and ‘Barbera’. The profile rich in 3′-hydroxylated anthocyanins of ‘Nebbiolo’ was likely linked to a transcriptional downregulation of key genes of anthocyanin biosynthesis. In addition, at berry pea size, the defense metabolism was more active in ‘Nebbiolo’ than ‘Barbera’ in absence of biotic attacks. Accordingly, several pathogenesis-related proteins, WRKY transcription factors, and stilbene synthase genes were overexpressed in ‘Nebbiolo’, suggesting an interesting specific regulation of defense pathways in this genotype that deserves to be further explored.

The role of VvMYBA2r and VvMYBA2w alleles of the MYBA2 locus in the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis for molecular breeding of grape (Vitis spp.) skin coloration.

SummaryIn grape, MYBA1 and MYBA2 at the colour locus are the major genetic determinants of grape skin colour, and the mutation of two functional genes (VvMYBA1 and VvMYBA2) from these loci leads to white skin colour. This study aimed to elucidate the regulation of grape berry coloration by isolating and characterizing VvMYBA2w and VvMYBA2r alleles. The overexpression of VvMYBA2r up‐regulated the expression of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes and resulted in higher anthocyanin accumulation in transgenic tobacco than wild‐type (WT) plants, especially in flowers. However, the ectopic expression of VvMYBA2w inactivated the expression of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes and could not cause obvious phenotypic modulation in transgenic tobacco. Unlike in VvMYBA2r, CA dinucleotide deletion shortened the C‐terminal transactivation region and disrupted the transcriptional activation activity of VvMYBA2w. The results indicated that VvMYBA2r positively regulated anthocyanin biosynthesis by forming the VvMYBA2r‐VvMYCA1‐VvWDR1 complex, and VvWDR1 enhanced anthocyanin accumulation by interacting with the VvMYBA2r‐VvMYCA1 complex; however, R44L substitution abolished the interaction of VvMYBA2w with VvMYCA1. Meanwhile, both R44L substitution and CA dinucleotide deletion seriously affected the efficacy of VvMYBA2w to regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis, and the two non‐synonymous mutations were additive in their effects. Investigation of the colour density and MYB haplotypes of 213 grape germplasms revealed that dark‐skinned varieties tended to contain HapC‐N and HapE2, whereas red‐skinned varieties contained high frequencies of HapB and HapC‐Rs. Regarding ploidy, the higher the number of functional alleles present in a variety, the darker was the skin colour. In summary, this study provides insight into the roles of VvMYBA2r and VvMYBA2w alleles and lays the foundation for the molecular breeding of grape varieties with different skin colour.

АЛАДДИН – МОРОЗОСТОЙКИЙ СТОЛОВЫЙ СОРТ ВИНОГРАДА

The most promising way to reduce the need for fungicides in viticulture is the use of re-sistant cultivars. In this regard, an urgent task is the selection of table grape varieties with increased resistance to diseases and frost in combination with high marketability and taste. The article discusses the results of a fif-teen-year study of the promising table variety Aladdin. The variety is interspecific hybrid obtained from a saturating crossing Vostorg krasnyy × Vostorg muskatniy at All-Russian Research Institute for Viticulture and Wine-making– Branch of Federal State Budget Sci-entific Institution «FRARC». The Aladdin variety was compared with the regionalized table variety Vostorg, which is also the paren-tal form in the second generation. The viticul-ture is not irrigated, grafted, not covered, the training is fan type on trunk, the planting scheme is 3 × 1.5 m. In the variety study, the methods generally accepted in viticulture and the standard technology of cultivation of vineyards were used. The Aladdin variety is distinguished by an early ripening period, large berries, medium-sized bunches, firm pulp, attractive berry color, light muscat aro-ma. The variety has a proven genetic high re-sistance to powdery mildew and mildew, high frost resistance is confirmed by the data of agrobiological records. According to the total-ity of economically valuable traits, resistance to unfavorable biotic and abiotic environmen-tal factors, the Aladdin variety can be recom-mended for transfer to the State variety test-ing of the Russian Federation.

Cytokinin but not gibberellin application had major impact on the phenylpropanoid pathway in grape

Cytokinin and gibberellic acid (GA) are growth regulators used to increase berry size in seedless grapes and it is of interest to understand their effects on the phenylpropanoid pathway and on ripening processes. GA3 and synthetic cytokinin forchlorfenuron (N-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N′-phenylurea, CPPU) and their combination were applied to 6 mm diameter fruitlets of ‘Sable Seedless’, and berries were sampled 51 and 70 days (d) following application. All treatments increased berry size and delayed sugar accumulation and acid degradation with a stronger effect of CPPU. CPPU, but not GA, reduced berry color and the levels of anthocyanins. While CPPU reduced the levels of anthocyanins by more than 50%, the combined treatment of GA+CPPU reduced the levels by about 25% at 51 d. CPPU treatment had minor effects on flavonols content but increased the levels of monomeric flavan-3-ols by more than two-fold. Phloroglucinol analysis using HPLC showed that proanthocyanidin content was significantly increased by CPPU, whereas mean degree of polymerization was reduced from 26 to 19. Volatile analysis by GC-MS showed changes in composition with CPPU or GA treatment with potential impact on flavor. RNA-seq analysis showed that GA had a minor overall effect on the transcriptome whereas CPPU had pronounced effects on gene expression at both 51 and 70 d. Comparing the control and CPPU at similar Brix of ca. 19.7°, a reduced expression of stilbene synthases (STSs) including their regulators MYB14 and MYB15, and other phenylpropanoid-related genes was observed in CPPU-treated grapes. Overall, our study shows that CPPU had a major influence on the phenylpropanoid pathway and affected multiple ripening-related processes.

Study of the VvMybA1 gene allele state of some colored and uncolored grapevine varieties

As a result of the work, genetic markers were created that were used to identify alleles of the VvMybA1 genes, which control the anthocyanin color of berries in grape varieties. Using these markers, alleles were identified in grape varieties belonging to different ecologicalgeographical groups. In the process of work, alleles were sequenced and compared with the NCBI database in order to identify their state and their belonging to a specific type of structure. In addition, these sequences were compared with each other to reveal the structural features of varieties with and without color of berries. Single nucleotide polymorphisms, structural features, and deletions in the structure of alleles were revealed.

ПЕРСПЕКТИВНЫЕ СТОЛОВЫЕ ГИБРИДНЫЕ ФОРМЫ ВИНОГРАДА ПРИВАТНОЙ СЕЛЕКЦИИ

The development of the table grapes market is directly related to the renewal of the assort-ment and technological modernization of pro-duction, taking into account the growing re-quirements of consumers. Equally important is the discrepancy between the tastes of con-sumers of fresh grapes and the quality indica-tors of the grapes supplied by the industry, therefore, an important task is to improve the assortment. Recently, a large number of pri-vate breeders have joined the breeding work on the breeding of table varieties, the results of whose work often have no scientific as-sessment. The article presents the results of a variety study of five selected promising table hybrid forms of grapes obtained by amateur winegrowers. Variety studies were conducted in 2018–2020 at the experimental vineyard of the experimental field All-Russian Research Institute for Viticulture and Winemaking – Branch of Federal State Budget Scientific In-stitution «FRARC». The methods used for the assessment were generally accepted in vit-iculture. Vineyards grafted, covering, non-irrigated, planting scheme 3×1.5 m. The agro-biological characteristics are given, the yield is estimated, the uvological, tasting and eco-nomic assessment of hybrid forms is given. The studied varieties have desirable character-istics: high quality, attractive appearance, large and very large bunches and berries, dense pulp consistency, different tastes, bright color of berries.

Postveraison Deficit Irrigation Effects on Fruit Quality and Yield of "Flame Seedless" Table Grape Cultivated under Greenhouse and Net.

Lack of color in the skin of red table grape varieties is a serious problem in areas of warm climate. This problem is often addressed by the application of ethylene release products such as ethephon. Strict regulation in the use of this product in EU forces European grape producers to look for suitable alternatives. With the aim to increase red skin color, we applied regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) strategies from veraison until harvest on “Flame Seedless” table grape vines cultivated under nets and under a plastic greenhouse in South East Spain, and compared yield and fruit quality with vines fully irrigated under the same net and plastic greenhouses. Our results show a modest improvement in the percentage of commercial clusters with better skin color, probably because the short duration of the deficit irrigation period only caused a slight decrease in soil water content and a mild water stress in RDI vines. Larger differences were observed under the more limiting conditions of the plastic greenhouse for light environment, especially when berry skin color was measured by CIRG (color index of red grape). More noticeable effect of RDI was noted on fruit earliness. Water savings were also remarkable. Negative effects of RDI on berry size or total soluble solid content were not perceived. Our results suggest that RDI is a suitable strategy to save irrigation water without substantial negative effects on yield and berry size. However, the effects on skin color were insufficient in the trial conditions.

Commercial brassinosteroid increases the concentration of anthocyanin in red tablegrape cultivars (Vitis viniferaL.)

Background and Aims Red tablegrapes may fail to develop adequate berry colour. To correct this, abscisic acid and ethephon are applied; however, little is known about the possibility of brassinosteroids (BRs) to improve berry colour. Thus, a commercial BR formulation was tested in two commercial vineyards of Redglobe and Crimson Seedless in order to evaluate its effectiveness for improving berry colour. Methods and Results Treatment at a concentration of 0.06 mg/L was applied only one time at veraison or the application was repeated 7 days later. Anthocyanin concentration, berry colour [evaluated as colour index for red grape (CIRG)] and other berry quality parameters were evaluated. Treatment with BR increased anthocyanin in the berries of both cultivars. As a result, a higher CIRG was observed in Redglobe treated berries, whereas in Crimson Seedless the CIRG was similar to that of the Control, despite an increase in berry size generated by the BR treatment of this cultivar. Conclusions The commercial formulation tested improved the colour of Redglobe berries and maintained the colour in the resulting larger berries of Crimson Seedless. Significance of the Study This study supports the potential of BRs as a tool to improve berry colour in a commercial context, laying the foundations for future work and incorporation of BRs within tablegrape management programs.

Overview of Kaolin Outcomes from Vine to Wine: Cerceal White Variety Case Study

Kaolin protective effect was assessed in a white grapevine cultivar ‘Cerceal’ in ‘Alentejo’ Region (southeast Portugal) where plants face extreme conditions during the summer season. We addressed the hypothesis that kaolin effects lead to several changes in leaves, fruits, and wine characteristics on the primary and secondary metabolism. Results showed that kaolin reduces leaf temperature which provokes an improvement in physiological parameters such as net photosynthesis and water use efficiency. This protection interferes with berry color, leaving them more yellowish, and an increase in phenolic compounds were observed in all fruit tissues (skin, seed, and pulp). Additionally, both berry and wine characteristics were strongly affected, with an increase of tartaric and malic acid and consequently high total acidity, while the sugar concentration decreased 8.9% in berries provoking a low wine alcohol level. Results also showed that kaolin induces high potassium, magnesium, and iron, and low copper and aluminum concentrations. Moreover, the control wine showed higher content of esters related with hostile notes whereas wine from kaolin treated vines presented higher content of esters associated with fruity notes. Overall, the results strengthen the promising nature of kaolin application as a summer stress mitigation strategy protecting grapevine plants and improving fruit quality and creating more balanced wines.

Disfunctions in the anthocyanin accumulation of Vitis vinifera L. varieties studied by a targeted resequencing approach

BACKGROUND: The pathway of anthocyanin biosynthesis, and its alterations leading to berry colour modification, are well known in grape skin. This variability could affect both quantity and quality of pigment accumulation. OBJECTIVE: The present work is focused on 15 grapevine cultivars selected to represent a high variability in the phenotypical colour traits in order to highlight new polymorphisms related to the flavonoid pathway. METHODS: Twenty-one genes involved in the biosynthetic pathway of anthocyanins were studied via targeted resequencing and were correlated with phenotypic data (anthocyanin profiles and spectroscopy indices). RESULTS: Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and InDel (insertion/deletion) polymorphisms were detected. Out of 1751 polymorphic loci, 68% were SNPs and 32% were InDels (568). Cluster analysis and SPLS-DA were used to investigate the genetic relationships among the cultivars, confirming the large range of phenotypical variability. Statistically significant correlations were detected between accumulation of cyanidin-based anthocyanins and genetic polymorphisms in two structural genes and one transcription factor putatively involved in the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway. CONCLUSIONS: The understanding of the polymorphisms related to the anthocyanin accumulation could support future selection of new pink table grape varieties with increased appeal on the consumers.

Preharvest Salicylate Treatments Enhance Antioxidant Compounds, Color and Crop Yield in Low Pigmented-Table Grape Cultivars and Preserve Quality Traits during Storage.

Previous reports reported on the effectiveness of preharvest salicylic acid (SA) treatment on increasing fruit quality properties although no information is available about acetyl salicylic acid (ASA) and methyl salicylate (MeSa) treatments. Thus, SA, ASA and MeSa were applied at 1, 5, and 10 mM in 2016 and at 1, 0.1 and 0.01 mM in 2017 to vines of ‘Magenta’ and ‘Crimson’ table grapes. Preharvest salicylate treatments at high concentration, 5 and 10 mM, delayed berry ripening and reduced crop yield, while ripening was accelerated and yield increased at lower concentrations. In addition, SA, ASA, and MeSa treatments, at 1, 0.1, and 0.01 mM, improved berry color due to increased concentration of total and individual anthocyanins, for both cultivars. Quality parameters, and especially, antioxidant bioactive compounds, such as total phenolics and total and individual anthocyanins, were found at higher levels in treated berries at harvest and during prolonged cold storage, the highest effects being found in 0.1 mM MeSa treated table grapes. Overall, it could be concluded that MeSa treatment at 0.1 mM could be the most useful tool to increase bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties in table grape and in turn, their health beneficial properties, with additional effects on increasing crop yield, accelerating on-vine ripening process and maintaining quality traits during prolonged storage.

Performance of ‘Flame seedless’ grapevines grown on different rootstocks in response to soil salinity stress

Salinity is considered a vital problem in the vineyard especially which are grown in arid and semi-arid soil which limits the increase in yield of vines. The current study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity of 'Flame seedless' vines to soil salinity which grew on four rootstocks ('Self grafted', 'Freedom', '140 Ruggeri', and '1103 Paullson') during the development stages of berry of seasons (2018-2019). The evaluation has conducted at four during the development stages of berry are flowering (take 4-weeks), fruit set (2 weeks after flowering), Veraison (at the beginning berry color), and at harvesting time. The determination is photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophyll (Chls) and carotene (Car), and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (Fv/Fm ratio, Fm, and F0). Also, the carbohydrate of shoots accumulation and the antioxidant enzyme activities (AEAs) have been monitored during the development of the grape berry. The result confirmed that the '1103 Paullson' rootstock presented greater tolerance to soil salinity stress in comparison to other rootstocks in the course of the development stages of the grape berry. Therefore, it is supported by grape growers to graft 'Flame seedless' vine on the of '1103 Paullson' in arid and semi-arid soil. Consequently, it mitigates soil salinity stress in a new 'Flame seedless' vineyards.