Grape Genotypes Research Articles

Mining of Candidate Genes Associated with Leaf Shape Traits in Grapes

As the most important organ for photosynthesis, leaves provide the main energy source for plant growth. Leaf traits affect light energy utilization and, thus, plant development and biomass. Given the high morphological variability of leaves between and within grape genotypes, phenotypic analysis is challenging. This study first evaluated leaf shape trait parameters using a specific leaf profile and area analyzer, along with genome-wide association study (GWAS) analyses, to identify additional candidate genes related to grape leaf shape traits. In the two-year analysis, 89 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were found to be significantly associated with leaf shape traits. These SNP loci were distributed on 18 chromosomes, of which chromosome 15 had the most relevant SNPs. We found that leaf shape-associated genes included mainly plant hormone-, ubiquitin ligase-, serine/threonine protein kinase-, transcription factor-, and cell wall metabolism-related genes. By analyzing the expression of these candidate genes on the chip, we found that they exhibited diverse expression levels in leaves at different developmental stages (young, mature, and senescent). This suggests that these genes could be considered candidates for grape leaf improvement.

Pollen biology and metaxenic studies on early maturing grape (Vitis vinifera) genotypes

The present experiment was conducted during 2020–21 and 2021–22 at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to study the impact of open-, self-, and cross-pollination on metaxenic traits (berries) and the incidence of cleistogamy in grapes (Vitis vinifera L.). Seven different cross-combinations were used on the grape variety Pusa Navrang, which were planted at 3 m × 3 m spacing and trained on the Y-trellis training system. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) with four replications. The incidence of cleistogamy, berry set, retention percentage, and the metaxenia effect of pollen grains in different grapevine varieties, namely, Pusa Navrang (PN), Black Muscat (BM), Pusa Swarnika (PS), Beauty Seedless (BS), Perlette (PER), Male Hybrid (MH), were studied. Also, pollen quantity and viability were determined for the different grapevine varieties under study. Depending on the genotypes and whether the fruit set is obtained inside the covered flowers, cleistogamy was confirmed. A significantly higher berry set (40–85%) and retention (32–77%) were recorded in open- and self-pollinated flowers. The total number of pollens/anther in six grape genotypes ranged from 7916.62–23832.02, whereas the maximum active pollen rates were noted in the Male Hybrid (70.01%) and Black Muscat (66.80%). The pollens from the Beauty Seedless genotype exhibited significant enhancement of metaxenic traits such as berry set, retention, and size in Pusa Navrang. Therefore, utilizing Beauty Seedless as a pollen parent in grape breeding programmes holds promise for enhancing berry set and overall berry quality, thus enhancing the hybridization efficiency.

Ampelographic Diversity Assessment of Local Grape Genotype Grown in India

Grapevine is well adapted to the agro climatic conditions of India, which makes it one of the major element of the Indian horticulture. However, there has been limited focus on assessing grapevine germplasm, and genetic resources have previously remained underutilized despite their potential for adapting to environmental changes. This study aims to evaluate the diversity of local (developed in India) grapevine accessions growing in different regions in India. A total of 20 local varieties were evaluated using 14 fruit traits previously developed by DUS. An important variability was revealed among the local varieties studied based on fruit characteristics. The most discriminant traits were bunch weight, berry diameter, bunch length, berry weight, berry shape, seed number per berry. Hierarchical clustering analysis showed three main clusters, each regrouping accessions of different named varieties. Mean values of cluster for various yield parameters revealed that cluster I possessed maximum value for yield related attributes. Maximum bunch weight was observed in Manjari Medika (270.0g) followed by Pusa Seedless (243.1 g), Arka Shyam (213.5 g) while higher 50 berry weight (201.0 g) and berry diameter (20.30 mm) in Arka Majestic genotype. Arka Majestic and Manjari Medika showed better quality traits. Our results indicate a potential of morphological diversity within the local genotypes that should be further investigated in order to understand their performance and to evaluate them in selection programs.

Polyploidy Induction by Sodium Azide and Ethyl Methane Sulfonate in Grape Genotypes

Polyploidy Induction by Sodium Azide and Ethyl Methane Sulfonate in Grape Genotypes

Polyphenolic Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Whole Grape Juices from Vitis labrusca and Brazilian Hybrid Grapes in Two Training Systems.

The phenolic profile and antioxidant activity of whole grape juices from Vitis labrusca and Brazilian hybrids in two training systems were analyzed. Genotypes of V. labrusca ('Bordô' and 'Isabel') and Brazilian hybrids ('IAC 138-22 Máximo' and 'BRS Violeta') were grafted onto the rootstock 'IAC 766 Campinas' (106-8 'Mgt' × Vitis caribaea) and trained on low and high trellis. After harvest, the grapes were destemmed and the berries macerated in a roller crusher. Following hot extraction without pressurization of the pomace and gentle pressing of the blend (skins, must, and seeds), the juices were bottled in amber glass bottles and pasteurized. The physicochemical and colorimetric parameters of the juices, as well as the levels of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, total monomeric anthocyanins, antioxidant activity, and polyphenolic profile, were evaluated. The juices were also subjected to sensory analysis (CAAE: 65549817.7.0000.5411). There was broad variation in all assessed characteristics. The results obtained demonstrate that the training system and grape genotype used in juice production are highly related to the presence of sugars, acidity, and bioactive compounds. Juices made from 'Bordô', 'IAC 138-22 Máximo' and 'BRS Violeta' grapes stood out from 'Isabel' juices, the main grape variety used in Brazilian juice and wine production. All juices contain bioactive compounds in considerable concentrations, indicating beverages with high antioxidant activity and, consequently, high biological potential, with the use of high trellis in vine cultivation potentially increasing concentrations.

Inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) based genetic and morphological polymorphism of Azerbaijani grape (Vitis vinifera) genotypes

Inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) based genetic and morphological polymorphism of Azerbaijani grape (Vitis vinifera) genotypes

Mecanismos adaptativos durante la recuperación de genotipos de uvas locales tolerantes y sensibles sometidos a estrés salino

Utilization of distinct genetic resources is an auspicious prospective strategy to combat adverse impacts of salinity, which is expected to get worse under climate change conditions, for maintaining grape production and quality. This research aims to study the adaptive mechanisms during the recovery of tolerant and sensitive salt-stressed local grape genotypes on the bases of biochemical, anatomical and gene expression responses. Transplants of three Egyptian grapes (Vitis vinifera); Baltim Eswid, Romy Ahmer and Romy Abiad, were exposed to sodium chloride-induced salt stress of 2.28 and 3.75 mS compared to 695 µS water-irrigated control for two months, then all plants were irrigated with tap water for additional one month for recovery. Recovered Baltim Eswid cultivar following the highest saline treatment gave maximum survival percentage (100 %), while Romy Abiad recorded the lowest rate (40 %). Suggested adaptive mechanisms include: damage reduction caused by salinity-related oxidative stress, osmotic adjustment, and perform structural modifications that allow protection. It was concluded that, Blatim Eswid is a superior salt-tolerant local grape genotype, while Romy Abiad is the most sensitive as affected mostly by oxidative stress represented by a significant increment of hydrogen peroxide content. Keywords: grape, salinity, recovery, genotypes.

Genome editing of a recalcitrant wine grape genotype by lipofectamine-mediated delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoproteins to protoplasts.

The main bottleneck in the application of biotechnological breeding methods to woody species is due to the in vitro regeneration recalcitrance shown by several genotypes. On the other side, woody species, especially grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.), use most of the pesticides and other expensive inputs in agriculture, making the development of efficient approaches of genetic improvement absolutely urgent. Genome editing is an extremely promising technique particularly for wine grape genotypes, as it allows to modify the desired gene in a single step, preserving all the quality traits selected and appreciated in elite varieties. A genome editing and regeneration protocol for the production of transgene-free grapevine plants, exploiting the lipofectamine-mediated direct delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) to target the phytoene desaturase gene, is reported. We focused on Nebbiolo (V. vinifera), an extremely in vitro recalcitrant wine genotypeused to produce outstanding wines, such as Barolo and Barbaresco. The use of the PEG-mediated editing method available in literature and employed for highly embryogenic grapevine genotypes did not allow the proper embryo development in the recalcitrant Nebbiolo. Lipofectamines, on the contrary, did not have a negative impact on protoplast viability and plant regeneration, leading to the obtainment of fully developed edited plants after about 5 months from the transfection. Our work represents one of the first examples of lipofectamine use for delivering editing reagents in plant protoplasts. The important result achieved for the wine grape genotype breeding could be extended to other important wine grape varieties and recalcitrant woody species.

Evaluation for powdery mildew resistance in grapevine (Vitis venifere L.) parental germplasm under in-vitro and natural field conditions

Powdery mildew (PM) caused by Erysiphe necator Schwein [(syn. Uncinula necator (Schweinf.) Burrill.] is an ascomycete biotrophic fungus of grapevine, leading to substantial yield and economic losses in infected crop. Thirty-four genotypes of Vitis vinifera L., including commercial varieties and hybrids, two genotypes of V. champini, three interspecific hybrids of Vitis species and two wild indigenous Himalayan species, namely V. parviflora and V. jacquemontii were assessed for resistance to powdery mildew using the leaf disc method in-vitro with E. necator isolate and in the field under natural condition during 2022 and 2023. Significant differences in the scores among the grape genotypes were observed in both in-vitro and field conditions. Resistance evaluation under both conditions classified V. parviflora, 110R, Coudere 1613, Dogridge, St. George and V. vinifera cultivars like Male Hybrid, Pusa Navrang, Blank Prince and Merlot as resistant sources, which can serve as valuable donor parents for breeding programs. Correlation analysis illustrated the negative correlation between disease severity index (DSI) and temperature (r = -0.50 (max), r = -0.48 (min)), rainfall (r = -0.07) and a positive correlation with relative humidity (r = 0.42). In-vitro inoculation, Organisation Internationale de la Vigne et du Vin Descriptors (OIV) scores (7 days post inoculation (dpi)) showed a negative correlation with hyphal area percentage (r = -0.90) and a positive correlation with necrosis (r = 0.86) indicating the resistant genotypes showing necrosis at the infection site and thus restricted the pathogen growth

Genetic Variability and Multivariate Analysis of Physio-Biochemical Traits in Coloured Grape Genotypes

Twenty-two coloured grape accessions were screened for various physio-biochemical traits. The genetic variability and multivariate analysis were carried out for growth and biochemical parameters of grape accessions grown under Pune conditions. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variations were observed in average bunch weight, berry weight, proline and total tannin. All the biochemical parameters showed very high estimated heritability for broad sense (h2b.s.). Higher genetic gain was recorded for average bunch weight, total tannin, proline and protein while low genetic gain was observed in berry diameter and seeds/berry. The multivariate analysis revealed that biochemical parameters could be potentially used for discrimination of grape genotype. The heat map cluster analysis showed higher biochemical parameters in Kali Sahebi, Kishmish Maldovski, Red Ficosa, H-516 and Omania Black. Among the accessions studied, Kali Sahebi performed better concerning growth attributes like average bunch weight, berry diameter, berry and seed weight, days to harvest and biochemical constituents like total phenol, anthocyanin and colour intensity. A very close association was observed between phenotypic and genotypic variation, particularly for biochemical parameters. Therefore, very high heritability and genetic advance were recorded in these parameters. It can be concluded that the parameters governing the very close association between phenotypic and genotypic variation can contribute to the varietal selection and trait-specific varietal development programmes.

АГРОБИОЛОГИЧЕСКАЯ И ЭНОЛОГИЧЕСКАЯ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА ПЕРСПЕКТИВНЫХ КЛОНОВ СОРТА САПЕРАВИ В УСЛОВИЯХ ЧЕРНОМОРСКОЙ АГРОЭКОЛОГИЧЕСКОЙ ЗОНЫ ВИНОГРАДАРСТВА

Clone breeding is one of the promising directions for obtaining productive, high-quality, adaptable to local conditions grape genotypes. The Saperavi variety is a classic for the winemaking of the Caucasus, therefore, its preservation for further production in the conditions of modern climate change is an urgent task. The present study is aimed at identifying clones of the Saperavi variety with improved yield and wine quality indicators that preserve productivity and adaptability to local conditions. The place of research is subzone № 1 of the Black Sea agroecological zone of viticulture, moderate continental climate, soils are southern chernozems. 2023 was much warmer compared to the climatic averages. 10 bushes (C1-C10) were isolated without visual signs of viral, bacterial and phytoplasmic infections, which, according to the results of DNA analysis, have a Saperavi DNA profile from the international VIVC database. According to the data of resistance to winter conditions, variants C2, C4, C6, C8 and C10 were distinguished, according to agrobiological records – C1, C7, C8 and C9, according to the average weight of the bunch – C1, C3, C5, C6 and C8; according to the yield per bush – C10, according to the productivity of the shoot – C2, C3 and C10. The qualitative indicators of the yield (the mass concentration of sugars and titrated acids in berry juice) were high in all variants. According to the volume fraction of ethyl alcohol, the mass concentration of titrated acids, volatile acids and the reduced extract of wine materials, all samples showed values corresponding to GOST. According to the mass concentration of sugars in dry wine in bulk, variants C1, C2, C6 and C10 were distinguished, according to the sum of phenolic substances – C2, C8 and C10, according to the sum of coloring substances – C2, C3 and C8. According to the tasting assessment, variants C3 and C6 were noted. Variants C2, C6 and C10 were determined based on a set of characteristics (resistance to winter conditions, moderate productivity and high quality of yield and wine products). Key words: GRAPES, CLONE BREEDING, PROTOCLONS, VITICULTURE, ZONING VITICULTURE

Multi-criteria decision analysis applied to Brazilian grapevine genotype selection

Developing new table grape cultivars that exhibit high yield and superior fruit quality is imperative to meet the escalating demands of the consumer market in the Lower-Middle São Francisco River Valley. The primary objective of Embrapa Semiárido's Active Germplasm Banks (AGB) for grapes is the conservation of Vitis sp. germplasm under semi-arid climatic conditions to make it available for research, particularly for the breeding and development of novel grape cultivars. This study aims to use Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), specifically the Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluation (Promethee) II, to rank the grape genotypes of the Embrapa Semiárido's AGB, considering multiple criteria to define the primary grape varieties for the breeding program. The decision maker (DM) participated in all process stages, from validating qualitative and quantitative criteria to evaluating the criteria weights, and the decision matrix had 106 seeded and 50 seedless grape genotypes with 14 criteria. For visual analysis, we generated the GAIA Plane using the Visual Promethee Software. In the group of seeded grape cultivars, the three top-ranked genotypes were 'Italia Clone I′, 'Dona Maria', and 'Italia Muscat', while in the seedless group, the best-rated were 'BRS Ísis', 'BRS Linda', and 'BRS Morena'. Our research demonstrated, for the first time, the evaluation of grape genotypes using MCDA method with qualitative and quantitative criteria.

A rapid and efficient Agrobacterium-mediated transient transformation system in grape berries.

Transient transformation is extremely useful for rapid in vivo assessment of gene function, especially for fruit-related genes. Grape berry, while an important fruit crop, is recalcitrant to transient transformation, due to the high turgor pressure in its mesocarp cells that limits the ability of Agrobacterium to penetrate into the tissue. It is urgent to establish a simple transient transformation system for rapid analysis of gene function. In this study, different injection methods, grape genotypes, and developmental stages were tested in order to develop a rapid and efficient Agrobacterium-mediated transient transformation methodology for grape berries. Two injection methods, namely punch injection and direct injection, were evaluated using the β-glucuronidase (GUS) gene and by x-gluc tissue staining and 4-methylumbelliferyl-β-D-glucuronide fluorescence analysis. The results indicated that there were no significant differences on transformation effects between the two methods, but the latter was more suitable because of its simplicity and convenience. Six grape cultivars ('Hanxiangmi', 'Moldova', 'Zijixin', 'Jumeigui', 'Shine-Muscat', and 'A17') were tested for transient transformation. 'Hanxiangmi', 'Moldova', and 'Zijixin' grape berries were not suitable for agroinfiltration due to frequently fruit cracking, browning, and formation of scar skin. The fruit integrity rates of 'Jumeigui', 'Shine-Muscat', and 'A17' berries were all above 80%, and GUS activity was detected in the berries of the three cultivars 3-14days after injection with the Agrobacterium culture, while higher GUS activities were observed in the 'Jumeigui' berries. The levels of GUS activity in injected berries at 7-8weeks after full blooming (WAFB) were more than twice at 6 WAFB. In subsequent assays, the over-expression of MYB transcription factor VvMYB44 via transient transformation accelerated the anthocyanin accumulation and fruit coloring through raising the expression levels of VvLAR1, VvUFGT, VvLDOX, VvANS, and VvDFR, which verified the effectiveness of this transformation system. These experiments finally identified the reliable grape cultivars and suitable operational approach for transient transformation and further indicated that this Agrobacterium-mediated transient transformation system was efficient and suitable for the elucidation of gene function in grape berries.

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Tandem Mass Spectrometry-Based Profiling Reveals Anthocyanin Profile Alterations in Berries of Hybrid Muscadine Variety FLH 13-11 in Two Continuous Cropping Seasons

FLH 13-11 is an F1 interspecific hybrid muscadine grape genotype that was developed to produce new anthocyanins for pigment color stability. This hybrid resulted from a cross between ‘Marsh’ (Vitis munsoniana) and ‘Magoon’ (V. rotundifolia) and has been cultivated for the wine and juice industry. This report characterizes anthocyanins produced in fully ripe berries and reveals a significant difference in total anthocyanin contents from two continuous cropping seasons. High-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) and HPLC–quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-qTOF-MS/MS) were used to profile anthocyanins in berries. The resulting data showed that fourteen anthocyanins were detected, six from 2011 and nine from 2012, with only one produced in both seasons. However, the anthocyanidin profiles of the berries were the same. Five anthocyanins were annotated as diglucosides of anthocyanidins based on MS/MS features, including delphinidin 3,5-diglucoside produced in both seasons, cyanidin 3,5-diglucoside mainly formed in 2011, petunidin 3,5-diglucoside, malvidin 3,5-diglucoside, and peonidin 3,5-glucoside only detected in 2012. Also, three anthocyanidin-diglucoside-like anthocyanins and three monoglucosides, including peonidin 3-glucoside, delphinidin 3-glucoside like, and pelargonidin 3-glucoside-like anthocyanins, were detected in 2011 and 2012, respectively. These results indicate that FLH 13-11 can produce both anthocyanidin-diglucosides and -monoglucosides, and their biosynthesis is closely dependent on cropping years.

Studies on pollen micro-morphology, pollen storage methods, and cross-compatibility among grape (Vitis spp.) genotypes.

The knowledge of pollen morphology, suitable storage condition, and species compatibility is vital for a successful grapevine improvement programme. Ten grape genotypes from three different species, viz., Vitis vinifera L., Vitis parviflora Roxb., and Vitis champini Planc., were studied for their pollen structure and pollen storage with the objective of determining their utilization in grape rootstock improvement programs. Pollen morphology was examined through the use of a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The viability of the pollen was assessed using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC). In vitro pollen germination was investigated using the semi-solid medium with 10 % sucrose, 100 mg/L boric acid, and 300 mg/L calcium nitrate. The results revealed variations in pollen micro-morphology in 10 genotypes, with distinct pollen dimensions, shapes, and exine ornamentation. However, species-wise, no clear difference was found for these parameters. Pollen of V. parviflora Roxb. and Dogridge was acolporated and did not germinate. The remaining eight genotypes exhibited tricolporated pollen and showed satisfactory in vitro pollen germination. Storage temperature and duration interactions showed that, at room temperature, pollen of most of the grape genotypes can be stored for up to 1 day only with an acceptable pollen germination rate (>30 %). However, storage for up to 7 days was successfully achieved at 4 °C, except for 'Pearl of Csaba'. The most effective storage conditions were found to be at -20 °C and -196 °C (in liquid N2), enabling pollen storage for a period of up to 30 days, and can be used for pollination to overcome the challenge of asynchronous flowering. Four interspecific combinations were studied for their compatibility, among which V. parviflora Roxb. × V. vinifera L. (Pusa Navrang) and V. parviflora Roxb. × V. champini Planc. (Salt Creek) showed high cross-compatibility, offering their potential use for grape rootstock breeding. However, V. parviflora Roxb. × V. vinifera L. (Male Hybrid) recorded the lowest compatibility index among studied crosses. In the case of self-pollinated flowers from V. parviflora Roxb. and V. parviflora Roxb. × V. champini Planc. (Dogridge), pollen failed to germinate on the stigma due to male sterility caused by acolporated pollen. As a result, the flowers of these genotypes functioned as females, which means they are ideal female parents for grape breeding without the need for the tedious process of emasculation.

On the Way to the Technological Development of Newly Selected Non-Saccharomyces Yeasts Selected as Innovative Biocontrol Agents in Table Grapes.

Post-harvest decay of fresh table grapes causes considerable annual production losses. The main fungal agents of decay both in pre- and post-harvest are B. cinerea, Penicillium spp., Aspergillus spp., Alternaria spp., and Cladosporium spp. To date, the use of agrochemicals and SO2 are the main methods to control grape molds in pre- and postharvest, respectively. Significant improvements, however, have already been made in to apply innovative and more environmentally sustainable control strategies, such as Biological Control Agents (BCAs), which can reduce disease severity in both pre- and post-harvest. In this study, 31 new non-Saccharomyces yeast strains, isolated from berries of native Apulian table grape genotypes, were tested for their in vivo effectiveness against grey mold of table grapes, resulting in two St. bacillaris ('N22_I1' and 'S13_I3'), one S. diversa ('N22_I3'), one A. pullulans ('OLB_9.1_VL') and one H. uvarum ('OLB_9.1_BR') yeast strains that were marked as efficient and good BCAs. Their mechanisms of action were characterized through in vitro assays, and additional characteristics were evaluated to assess the economic feasibility and viability for future technological employment. Their effectiveness was tested by reducing the working concentration, their antagonistic effect on a wide range of fungal pathogens, their ability to survive in formulations with long shelf life, and their safety to human health.

Investigation of genetic diversity among autochthonous grape cultivars grown in Türkiye using molecular primers

AbstractGrape is a type of fruit widely grown globally and in Türkiye thanks to its importance in human nutrition and diversity of usage areas. Türkiye has a long history of grape cultivation, and the genetic diversity of local grapes grown in some regions has still not been revealed. This study showed the genetic diversity between 60 local grape genotypes selected from north Central Anatolia and nine reference grape cultivars;10 inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) and 7 inter-primer binding site (IPBS) retrotransposon primers were used. The mean values of genetic diversity indices in ISSR and IPBS retrotransposon primers were calculated as expected allelic frequency (p) 0.476/0.195, observed allelic frequency (q) 0.524/0.805, number of effective alleles (Ne) 1.326/1.378, Shannon’s information index (I) 0.308/0.367, expected heterozygosity (He) 0.199/0.232 and unbiased expected heterozygosity (uHe) 0.201/0.234, respectively. Unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) and model-based STRUCTURE analysis divided the studied germplasm into two groups. However, local genotypes were not grouped per the regions where they grew. As a result of the analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) analysis, the inter-population variation was determined to be 11%, and the intra-population variation was determined to be 89%. The mean genetic differentiation value (Fst) between populations was 0.303. The results showed that ISSR and IPBS retrotransposon primers effectively explained the genetic diversity.

Practical method for table grape selection using multicriteria decision análisis

The São Francisco Valley (Pernambuco-PE, Brazil) is of great importance for the local economy, since the region represents a large portion of Brazilian production and export of fresh grapes. Traditional methods of feasibility analysis involve only cost or productivity analyses, but for the grape growers there must be techniques and methods that assist decision making involving other criteria with characteristics of the grape. Yet, there is a noticeable lack of multi-criteria methods that assist the grower in making decisions for selection of commercial table grape cultivars for the feasibility analysis. Thus, the aim of the present study is to select table grape cultivars through multiple criteria, using a new method for eliciting scale constants: the Flexible and Interactive Tradeoff (FITradeoff), for the purpose of assisting a rural producer to expand production while minimizing inconsistencies in the decision-making process. With the assistance of a decision maker, the Decision Matrix and Consequence Table were constructed on Microsoft Excel® – composed by 11 criteria and 3 alternatives, all closed source grape cultivars (with patents). Then, the data were applied on the FITradeoff software for the ranking problematic. Thus, it was possible to arrive at a ranking of the best alternatives, where the cultivar Timpson (SNFL) (U2) was found to be the optimal solution proposed for the rural producer. The application of FITradeoff provided a satisfactory result with little time and effort spent, leading to a final suggestion for the decision maker. In addition, at the end of the process, it provided graphical visualization of the performance and dominance of each criterion selected, as well as a ranking of the grape cultivars through the Hasse Diagram, with the order of the best alternatives. Ordering the grape genotypes considering Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis methods is crucial to selection of commercial table grape cultivars. The method can be applied to other segments of agriculture that require multi-criteria evaluations.

Flowering, fruiting and germplasm characterization of burmese grape (baccaurea sapida muell. Arg.)

Burmese grape (Baccaurea sapida Muell. Arg.) belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae, is a minor underexploited fruit crop grown wild as well as under cultivation in Nepal, India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, China, Thailand, for fresh consumption. It is a dioecious plant and reported to have an excellent nutritive value, but mainly grown in homestead condition mostly in neglected ways. The present study was aimed to characterize the germplasm nature, details of flowering and fruiting system of Burmese grape. Tree growth habit and crown shape of all the accessions surveyed were semi erect and irregular, respectively. The colour of the male flowers varied from yellow to green yellow shades while the colour of the female flowers varied from yellow to yellow green and green yellow shades. The variation present on fruit length (2.81 cm to 3.80 cm), fruit weight (12.25g to 22.95g), pulp percentage (49.82% to 65.33%), total soluble solids (9.00º to 13.10ºBrix), tritatable acidity (0.73mg to 1.28mg/100g fruit pulp) and ascorbic acid content ranged from (23.18mg to 57.80mg/100g fruit pulp) suggest suitable selection method for identification of promising Burmese grape genotypes. Bangladesh J. Bot. 52(4): 989-998, 2023 (December)

Exploring Salinity Tolerance Mechanisms in Diverse Egyptian Grape Genotypes Based on Morpho-Physiological, Biochemical, Anatomical and Gene Expression Analysis

Exploring Salinity Tolerance Mechanisms in Diverse Egyptian Grape Genotypes Based on Morpho-Physiological, Biochemical, Anatomical and Gene Expression Analysis