Seedless Table Grape Research Articles

Impact of Preharvest Foliar Application of Calcium Ascorbate on Quality, Health Promoting Phytochemicals and Postharvest Life of Thompson Seedless Table Grape

Impact of Preharvest Foliar Application of Calcium Ascorbate on Quality, Health Promoting Phytochemicals and Postharvest Life of Thompson Seedless Table Grape

Rootstock Effects on Fruit Yield and Quality of 'BRS Tainá' Seedless Table Grape in Semi-Arid Tropical Conditions.

In viticulture, choosing the most suitable rootstock for a specific scion cultivar is an efficient and cost-effective way to increase yield and enhance the physicochemical characteristics of the fruit. The objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic performance of the 'BRS Tainá' grapevine on different rootstocks under the conditions of the Sub-Middle São Francisco Valley. The main experimental factor consisted of eight rootstocks (IAC 313, IAC 572, IAC 766, 101-14 MgT, Paulsen 1103, Ramsey, SO4, and Teleki 5C), arranged in randomized blocks with four replicates. The experiment was conducted over four production cycles, from 2021 to 2023, in a commercial crop area in Petrolina, PE, Brazil. There were significant effects of rootstocks for the yield and number of bunches per plant, as well as berry length and firmness. 'BRS Tainá' achieved the highest yield (22.2 kg per plant) when grafted onto the Paulsen 1103 rootstock, which was superior to the yield on 101-14 MgT, IAC 313, and IAC 572 rootstocks. The highest number of bunches (88) was obtained with 'BRS Tainá' grafted on Paulsen 1103, while the lowest number (63) was obtained on IAC 572; both these rootstocks were not significantly different from the other rootstocks. For all scion-rootstock combinations, the mean values for soluble solid (SS) content, titratable acidity (TA), and the SS/TA ratio were similar to those previously described for 'BRS Tainá', meeting the commercialization standard. The results for the yield and number of bunches per plant indicate the suitability of grafting 'BRS Tainá' on Paulsen 1103 under the semi-arid tropical conditions of the São Francisco Valley.

A novel method for ultra-fast determination of phenolics with performance comparable to UPLC/DAD: Method development and validation on analysis of seedless table grapes

Grapes are well-known for the rich content of phenolics with benefits for human health. The reliable identification of phenolics in grapes is essential to explore the related bioactivity, highlighting the value of the grape source. In this work, an ultra-fast method for determining phenolic compounds in HPLC-DAD using a Rapid Resolution High Throughput-RRHT column (RP-C18 4.6 ×50 mm, 1.8 µm) was developed and validated and nine seedless table grapes produced in the São Francisco Valley, Brazil were analyzed. The method showed good sensitivity (LOD≤ 0.65 mg/L and LOQ< 1.12 mg/L), high linearity (R2 > 0.998), selectivity, precision (CV%< 6.82). The recovery (81.5–105.6 %) was adequate for the desired purpose. A total of 41 phenolics were separated in 20 min, rending a resolution equivalent to UPLC-DAD. Thirty-four phenolics were quantified in grapes, including eight phenolic acids, two stilbenes, one phenolic aldehyde, three isoflavones, four flavanols, three proanthocyanidins, five flavonols, and eight anthocyanins. Patented grapes presented a high content of mono glucoside anthocyanins. Brazilian registered grapes presented high anthocyanin content and the presence of 3,5-diglucoside anthocyanins. The validated method is an alternative for rapid identification of phenolics and maybe useful to stablish procedures for identifying compounds in determining the markers in fruit.

Improving Water Use Efficiency, Yield, and Fruit Quality of Crimson Seedless Grapevines under Drought Stress

Drought stress is a group of abiotic stresses that affects plant growth and yield production. A field experiment over two successive seasons (2021–2022 and 2022–2023) in sand soil was conducted to investigate the integration effect of deficit irrigation, soil amendment “hundzsoil”, and the spraying of proline on the water use efficiency (WUE), yield, and fruit quality of 8-year-old Crimson seedless table grapes. Four application rates of soil amendment (0, 2, 4, and 6 kg hundzsoil /vine) were added during the dormancy period, and four irrigation levels at 125, 100, 75, and 60% of the field capacity were applied just before flowering until harvest. Proline at two levels (0 and 500 ppm) was applied as a foliar spray. Parameters such as bud fertility, weight of 100 berries, juice volume, and cluster number were positively affected by irrigation at 75% FC along with applying hundzsoil at 2 and 4 kg/vine under proline spray in both seasons. Irrigation at the 125% FC level with a 6 kg hundzsoil application under proline spray resulted in the highest yield, berries number, cluster length, cluster weight, and total anthocyanin in both seasons. The TSS/acidity ratio was significantly and positively affected by deficit irrigation (60% FC level) under hundzsoil at a rate of 4 kg alongside proline spray. Reducing irrigation to 60% FC without hundzsoil and proline spray negatively affected numerous growth parameters and the yield. However, irrigation at 60% FC alongside 6 kg of hundzsoil and proline showed the highest IWUE in both seasons. Proline spray was a key factor in conserving water used for irrigation. This study recommends using deficit irrigation alongside hundzsoil application under proline spray as an adequate strategy for water use efficiency and improving the yield and fruit quality of Crimson seedless grapevines cultivated in sand soil.

Effect of Calcium, Magnesium Fertigation and Molybdenum Foliar Sprays on Yield and Fruit Quality of Flame Seedless Table Grape Cultivar

Effect of Calcium, Magnesium Fertigation and Molybdenum Foliar Sprays on Yield and Fruit Quality of Flame Seedless Table Grape Cultivar

A View on the Chemical and Biological Attributes of Five Edible Fruits after Finishing Their Shelf Life: Studies on Caco-2 Cells.

We studied five common perishable fruits in terms of their polyphenols dynamic, minerals distribution, scavenger activity and the effects of 50% ethanolic extracts on the viability of Caco-2 cells in vitro, over a period of time between T = 0 and T = 5/7 days, typically the end of their shelf life. Altogether, there were few changes found, consisting of either an increase or a decrease in their chemical and biological attributes. A slow decrease was found in the antioxidant activity in apricot (-11%), plum (-6%) and strawberry (-4%) extracts, while cherry and green seedless table grape extracts gained 7% and 2% antioxidant potency, respectively; IC50 values ranged from 1.67 to 5.93 μg GAE/μL test extract. The cytotoxicity MTS assay at 24 h revealed the ability of all 50% ethanol fruit extracts to inhibit the Caco-2 cell viability; the inhibitory effects ranged from 49% to 83% and were measured at 28 µg GAE for strawberry extracts/EES, from 22 µg to 45 µg GAE for cherry extracts/EEC, from 7.58 to 15.16 µg GAE for apricot extracts/EEA, from 12.50 to 25.70 µg GAE for plum extracts/EEP and from 21.51 to 28.68 µg GAE for green table grape extracts/EEG. The MTS anti-proliferative assay (72 h) also revealed a stimulatory potency upon the Caco-2 viability, from 34% (EEA, EEG) and 48% (EEC) to 350% (EES) and 690% (EEP); therefore fruit juices can influence intestinal tumorigenesis in humans.

Influence of mixed and single infection of grapevine leafroll-associated viruses and viral load on berry quality.

Grapevine leafroll disease is a viral disease that affects grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.) and has a severe economic impact on viticulture. In this study, the effect of grapevine leafroll-associated viruses (GLRaV) on berry quality was investigated in clones of cultivar cv. Crimson Seedless table grapes infected with GLRaV. RT-PCR confirmed the identity of the clones: clone 3236, infected only with GLRaV-3 (termed single); clone 3215, infected with GLRaV-3, GLRaV-4 strain 9 and grapevine virus A (termed mixed); and a viral free clone of the same genetic background of the infected clones (termed control). The berry quality indices of size, sugar, acidity and anthocyanin content were measured at harvest maturity. RT-qPCR was used to determine the viral load. The study was repeated over 2year. A two-way, multivariate analysis of variance was applied with clone and year as independent variables and the measured berry quality parameters as a dependent variable. All dependent variables were significantly affected by viral infection (Wilks, λ, (2,33)=0.033895, P-value<0.001), while only titratable acidity was affected by year. The average berry dry mass decreased (P-value<0.001). The water content of both infected clones was greater than that of the control (P-value<0.001). Both infected clones displayed reduced sugar content as a fraction of the berry dry mass (P-value<0.001). The anthocyanin and the phenol content of the infected clones were significantly reduced compared with the control clone (P<0.001, P<0.05, clone 3236 and clone 3215, respectively). Finally, the viral load was highly variable, and no quantitative relationship between viral load and berry composition was found.

The Effects of Pre-Harvest Melatonin Applications on Phytochemical Properties of Crimson Seedless Grape Variety (V. vinifera L.)

Foliar melatonin applications are crucial for grape quality as they can enhance skin color development, increase antioxidant capacity and nutritional value of grapes. The effectiveness of preharvest melatonin applications may change depending on fruit species, variety, application time, and dose. In the current study, it was utilized from various doses of melatonin application, including 0, 0.25, 0.50, and 1 mmol l-1 for improving the phytochemical attributes of Crimson Seedless table grape variety. The results of the principal component analysis showed that different doses of foliar melatonin application had different effects on the yield and biochemical attributes of grape variety. But particularly, 1 mmol l-1 and 0.50 mmol l-1 of melatonin doses had significant effects on total phenolic compounds content and antioxidant capacity from the phytochemical properties of Crimson Seedless table grape variety.

Agronomic performance of ‘BRS Melodia’ seedless table grape grafted onto different rootstocks

Agronomic performance of ‘BRS Melodia’ seedless table grape grafted onto different rootstocks

Viticultural Climate Indexes and Their Role in The Prediction of Anthocyanins and Other Flavonoids Content in Seedless Table Grapes

Background: Viticulture bioclimatic indexes like the Heliothermal Index (HI), Cool Night Index (CI), and Dryness Index (DI), can be used to assess the influence of climate on grapes’ quality. Methods: HI, CI, and DI + total seasonal irrigation were utilized to assess the effect of climate on the flavonoids content and composition of two Vitis vinifera seedless varieties, ‘Summer Royal’ and ‘Crimson Seedless’, both grown in Apulia (Southern Italy). Results: The flavonoids content was significantly affected by variety and climate conditions on the base of HI, CI, and DI + total seasonal irrigation. Factor analysis applied to climate indexes and flavonoids showed that anthocyanins and flavonols were negatively and positively correlated to CI in both varieties, respectively. Additionally, warmer night temperatures determined higher fla-van-3-ols. HI increase promoted anthocyanins, flavonols, and flavan-3-ols content in Crimson Seedless, whilst it induced an opposite trend in Summer Royal. Finally, DI + total seasonal irrigation showed to be positively linked to flavonols content and negatively linked to anthocyanins content just in the case of Crimson Seedless. Significant regression models were also determined between climate indexes and productive parameters (i.e., yield, TSS, TA, pH, bunch, and berry weight). Conclusions: Climate indexes HI, CI, and DI + total seasonal irrigation showed an effect on quality grape parameters like flavonoids and contributed to building predictive models when new climatic zones are going to be evaluated for the production of table grapes.

Optimization of In Vitro Embryo Rescue and Development of a Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) Marker Related to Stenospermocarpic Seedlessness in Grape (Vitis vinifera L.).

Seedlessness is one of the highest valued agronomic traits in grapes. Embryo rescue in combination with marker-assisted selection have been widely applied in seedless grape breeding due to the advantages of increasing the ratio of seedless progenies and shortening the breeding cycle. However, the large number of deformed seedlings produced during embryo rescue and the lack of fast, efficient, and low-cost markers severely inhibit the process of seedless grape breeding. In this study, a total of eighty-three grape cultivars (51 seedless and 32 seeded) with diverse genetic backgrounds and two populations derived from embryo rescue, including 113 F1 hybrid individuals (60 seedless and 53 seeded), were utilized. We screened suitable media for converting malformed seedlings into normal seedlings, analyzed the association between the SNP in VviAGL11 and seeded/seedless phenotype, and developed a KASP marker related to stenospermocarpic seedlessness. Our results indicated that the transformation rate of 37.8% was obtained with MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg·L-1 of 6-BA and 0.5 mg·L-1 of IBA. The presence of an A nucleotide allele at position chr18:26889437 was further confirmed to be fully associated with the stenospermocarpic seedlessness phenotype. The developed KASP marker, based on the verified SNP locus in VviAGL11, successfully distinguished the seedless and seeded genotypes with high precision and throughput. The results will contribute to enhancing the efficiency of embryo rescue and facilitate parent selection and early selection of seedless offspring with molecular markers, thereby accelerating the breeding process in seedless table grapes.

Pesticide Residues and Berry Microbiome after Ozonated Water Washing in Table Grape Storage.

Nowadays, different systems for reducing pesticides in table grapes are being tested at different production stages either in the field or in postharvest. The present study tested ozonated water treatments at the beginning of the cold storage of the Princess® seedless table grape variety to reduce the residue contents of some pesticides and to evaluate their effect on gray mold and the berry microbiome. An ozone generator capable of producing an ozone concentration ranging from 18 to 65 Nm3 was utilized for obtaining three ozone concentration levels in water: 3, 5 and 10 mg/L. Ozonated water was placed in a 70 L plastic box where 500 g grape samples closed in perforated plastic clamshell containers were immersed utilizing two washing times (5 and 10 min). Overall, six ozonated water treatments were tested. After the ozonated water treatments, all samples were stored for 30 days at 2 °C and 95% relative humidity to simulate commercial practices. The pesticide residue contents were determined before the ozonated water treatments (T0) and 30 days after the cold storage (T1). The treatments with ozonated water washing reduced the pesticide residues up to 100%, while the SO2 control treatment reduced the pesticide residues ranging from 20.7 to 60.7%. Using 3 mg/L ozonated water to wash grapes for 5 min represented the optimal degradation conditions for all of the analyzed pesticides, except for fludioxonil, which degraded better with a washing time of 10 min. The ozone treatments did not significantly reduce the gray mold and the fungal and bacterial microbiome, while a relevant reduction was observed in the yeast population.

Phenolic, Polysaccharides Composition, and Texture Properties during Ripening and Storage Time of New Table Grape Cultivars in Chile.

The aim of this study is to determine the phenolic and polysaccharidic composition, texture properties, and gene expression of new seedless table grape cultivars Timco™ and Krissy™ and compare them to the traditional table grape variety Crimson Seedless (Vitis vinifera L.), during ripening and in commercial postharvest conditions. According to the results, phenolic compounds were present in very different proportions. The total anthocyanins responsible for skin color increased during maturation and the majority anthocyanin in the three cultivars was peonidin-3-glucoside, followed by malvidin-3-glucoside. The phenolic compounds presented a different behavior (decreasing or increasing) during postharvest. The total skin soluble polysaccharides decreased during ripening and postharvest in Crimson Seedless and Krissy™ and remained constant from technological maturity to postharvest storage in Timco™. In all cultivars, the majority soluble polysaccharide fraction was that with a molecular mass between 500 and 35 KDa. The skin mechanical properties of table grapes were good parameters for differentiating varieties, with better results for the new cultivars, compared to the traditional Crimson Seedless, especially in postharvest. Genes involved in the flavonoid pathway and cell wall metabolism in skins exhibited an increase in expression from veraison to remaining constant at the end of the berry ripening.

Multitrait selection in seedless grape hybrids in semiarid regions of Brazil

AbstractThe absence of seeds has been one of the most valued traits in grapes (Vitis spp.) for fresh consumption. However, the simultaneous selection of superior genotypes for multiple traits is complex. The objective of this study was to select genotypes of superior seedless table grapes in semiarid regions of Brazil. Multiple traits were considered by using the factor analysis and genotype–ideotype best linear unbiased prediction (FAI‐BLUP) selection index. A total of 110 grape progenies from 24 crosses were evaluated for traits of agronomic interest. Each hybrid was represented by a single vine plant, without experimental design or repetition. The mixed‐model methodology was used to predict the breeding values. The FAI‐BLUP index was used to select superior genotypes based on factor analysis and the genotype–ideotype distance. Four factors explained the 11 characteristics studied, with a variability of 81.84%. Desirable gains were observed for 10 of the 11 traits evaluated. The FAI‐BLUP index allowed the selection of superior seedless table grape hybrids, which can be used in the genetic improvement of grapevines. In conclusion, we report the selection of seedless table grape hybrids for our study to advance in the table grape breeding program in Brazilian semiarid regions.

KNOX transcription factor VvHB63 affects grape seed development by interacting with protein VvHB06

The fast-growing demand for seedless table grapes has attracted the attention of scientists for the development of new seedless cultivars. Various genes and pathways have been identified which affect seedlessness. However, the detail of the mechanism(s) regulating seedless traits in grape is still unclear, and genes related to seedlessness in grape require further study. Transcriptomic and genomic analyses of Homeobox (HB) transcription factors have suggested the involvement of HB genes, especially of HB-KNOX members, in grape seed development. Here, we functionally characterize VvHB63 gene in grape and report its role in fruit and seed development. VvHB63 showed higher expressions levels in the chalaza and integument of ovules in seedless grapes, than in seeded ones. However, no differences were observed in the sequences of seedless and seeded grape cultivars. In situ hybridization (ISH) analysis showed that VvHB63 gene was expressed in the episperm cells and ovules of 'Thompson Seedless'. Conserved domains KNOX1 and KNOX2 were important for the interaction of VvHB63 with VvHB06. Heterologous over-expression of VvHB63 (35 S::VvHB63-OE) in tomato induced smaller fruits and seeds than in wild type or SlTkn1-KO. The synergistic cooperation between VvHB63 and related proteins play an important role in ovule development.

Modeling and optimizing the effects of Trichoderma on quality, decay extension rate and phytochemical compounds of Thompson seedless table grapes by the use of response surface methodology

Due to high susceptibility to different phytopathogenic fungi the table grapes are considered as of highly perishable crops. For many years the synthetic fungicides have been used for the control of phytopathogens, but because of their harmful effects on human health and environmental safety the use of these chemicals has been restricted. Biological control is one of promising means for controlling some phytopathogens, and Trichoderma harzianum is a candidate for this purpose. In this study we examined the inhibitory effects of different strains of Trichoderma on Botrytis cinerea, and T118 was selected as the most effective strain. Afterwards, the effects of T118 on decay extension rate, quality parameters and phytochemical compounds of table grapes during storage at ambient temperature were studied. Furthermore, response surface methodology was used for establishing a predictive model for the effects of different concentrations of T118 and different storage times on quality indices, decay extension rate and phytochemicals of table grapes. T118 significantly decreased decay extension rate and enhanced fruit shelf life. Treated fruit showed higher flavonoids, and ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant activities. Satisfactory R2 and Adj.R2 was recorded for RS model, and the models had non-significant lack of fit (P > 0.05). The RS model parameters showed a good predictive performance and can be considered validated. In the case of storage at ambient temperature treatment of table grapes with T118 at 6 × 108 CFU mL−1 and storage for 10 days was found to be the optimized condition.

Overall quality, phenolic compounds, and volatile profile of ‘BRS Isis’ seedless table grapes after long-term storage: Effect of ethanol and high CO2

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different ethanol and CO2 concentrations on the quality maintenance of ‘BRS Isis’ table grapes, as alternatives to sulfur dioxide during storage. The following storage conditions were evaluated: [1] control; [2] sulfur dioxide (SO2); [3] 1,125 ppm ethanol; [4] 2,250 ppm ethanol; [5] 10 kPa CO2 and; [6] 15 kPa CO2. ‘BRS Isis’ grapes were stored in vented polyethylene clamshells, allocated inside experimental chambers during 60 and 90 days, at 0.5°C, followed by four days shelf life at 20°C. Then, physicochemical quality, phenolic, and volatile profile were determined. Storage with 2,250 ppm ethanol and 15 kPa CO2 showed similar effectiveness to SO2 in controlling berry shattering and decay. SO2 prevented the rachis browning but caused berries bleaching. Both high CO2 concentrations and the treatment with 2,250 ppm ethanol resulted in higher berry firmness, however, ethanol increased cracking incidence. Ethanol increased alcohols, aldehydes, and especially esters concentration, however, resulted in acetaldehyde and ethyl acetate accumulation, which may be related to unpleasant aromas in the grapes. The high CO2 was efficient on the quality maintenance of the stored grapes, resulting in higher phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and anthocyanins concentrations, in addition to the volatile compounds hexanal and (E)-2-hexenal, which are related to grapes freshness. Therefore, ethanol, and especially high CO2, are promising alternatives to SO2 in maintaining the ‘BRS Isis’ table grape quality during prolonged storage.

Correlation between antioxidant and anticancer activity and phenolic profile of new Apulian table grape genotypes (V. Vinifera L.).

Grapes represent a significant source of phenolic compounds known for their health-promoting properties, such as antioxidant capacity on normal cells and prooxidant activity on tumor cells. The genotype highly affects the polyphenolic composition in grapes and, consequently, the nutritional quality of berries. This work aimed to characterize the phenolic composition, the antioxidant, and anticancer activity of grape skin extracts (GSEs) of nine new table grape genotypes selected from a breeding program to obtain new cultivars of seedless table grapes, well adapted to the climatic change and with higher nutraceutical properties. The grape polyphenolic profile was characterized by Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography/Quadrupole-Time of Flight mass spectrometry analysis. GSE antioxidant activity was determined by the ABTS, DPPH, and ORAC assays; GSE cell growth inhibition test was carried out in the Caco2 human cancer cell line. The nine GSEs showed different flavonoid and non-flavonoid profiles, and all possessed antioxidant activity, with the 'Aika N.', 'Turese N.', and 'Egnatia N.' the most active. As anticancer activity against the tested cancer cell line, 'Daunia N.' and 'Apenestae N.' showed the EC50 after 24 h of 35.60 µg/mL and 150.91 µg/mL, respectively. The relationship between polyphenolic profile and the antioxidant and anticancer activity of GSE was also investigated. Interestingly, among the different classes of polyphenolics, flavan-3-ols e proanthocyanidins showed the highest positive correlation with the anticancer activity of extracts. These findings can be helpful for the preparation of new extracts for the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industry and geneticists working in vine breeding programs.

Diversity Analysis of Culturable Epiphytic Microbial Consortia of Table Grape Berry Surface

ABSTRACT The health and yield of grapes are affected by the microorganisms associated with the grapevine. The diversity of microorganisms present on the wine grape varieties is well defined whereas, the information associated with the microorganisms of table grape varieties remains scarce. In the present study, culture-dependent method was used to isolate the microbes present on the surface of the commercial white seedless table grape cultivar, Thompson Seedless at different stages of berry development. The microbial load of the grape berry surface increased as the berry progressed toward the ripening stage resulting in the identification of core bacteria (29), filamentous fungi (19) and yeast (3). A diversity analysis study also revealed that Cladosporium cladosporioides, was found in the vineyard on grapes from the early berry development stages, as an emerging pre-harvest pathogen. The study would help in understanding and exploiting the microbiota of table grape berry in agronomic and biotechnological applications.

Residual pesticides reduction on table grapes in post-harvest using ozonated water washing

Nowadays, different systems for reducing pesticides in table grapes are being tested at different production stages either in the field or in post-harvest. The present study tested ozonated water treatments at the beginning of the cold storage on Melissa seedless table grape variety to reduce residue contents of some pesticides. An ozone generator capable of producing ozone concentrations ranging from 18 to 65 Nm3 was utilized for obtaining three ozone concentration levels in water: 3, 5 and 10 mg/L. Ozonated water was placed into a 70 L plastic box where 500 g grape samples closed in perforated plastic clamshell containers were immersed utilizing two washing times (5 and 10 min). Overall, six ozonated water treatments were tested. After ozonated water treatments, all samples were stored for 30 days at 2 °C and 95% relative humidity to simulate commercial practice. Pesticide residue contents were determined before ozonated water treatments (T0) and 30 days after the cold storage (T1). The comparison highlighted the different degradation rates as regards Fludioxonil and Fluxapyroxad. The best results were reached among the non-systemic pesticide such as Fludioxonil. Using 3 mg/L ozonated water to wash grapes for 10 min represented the optimal degradation conditions for the analyzed pesticides.