Assessing the identity of the variety "Pedro Giménez" grown in Argentina through the use of microsatellite markers.

'Pedro Giménez' es una variedad criolla blanca cultivada en Argentina, principalmente en las provincias de Mendoza y San Juan, siendo la variedad con la mayor superficie entre las uvas blancas de vinificación. Su origen es desconocido, como también su relación con la variedad española 'Pedro Ximénez', cultivada especialmente en la región de Jerez, España. En trabajos previos se ha probado que la mayoría de las variedades criollas existentes en América se habrían originado del cruzamiento de 'Moscatel de Alejandría' x 'Criolla Chica'. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivos comparar las variedades 'Pedro Giménez' y 'Pedro Ximénez', y establecer relaciones de parentesco con 'Moscatel de Alejandría' y 'Criolla Chica'. Se utilizaron 18 loci microsatélites nucleares y 3 loci microsatélites de cloroplasto. 'Pedro Giménez' compartió sólo el 38% de los alelos con 'Pedro Ximénez', por lo que se pudo inferir que se trata de variedades diferentes. En todos los loci polimórficos nucleares analizados 'Pedro Giménez' compartió uno de los alelos con 'Moscatel de Alejandría' y el otro con 'Criolla Chica'. Estos datos, junto con el resultado del análisis de SSR de cloroplastos, avalan la hipótesis que, como muchas de las variedades criollas, 'Pedro Giménez' sería fruto del cruzamiento entre estos dos progenitores, siendo 'Criolla Chica' probablemente el progenitor materno.´Pedro Giménez´ is a white criolla variety cropped in Argentina, mainly in Mendoza and San Juan, being the most planted white variety destined for wine making in the country. Its origin remains unknown, as well as its relationship with Spanish variety ´Pedro Ximénez´, mostly grown in Jerez, Spain. Previous works have probed that most of Criollas varieties existing in America at the moment, are the offspring of ´Muscat of Alexandria´ x ´Criolla Chica´. The aim of the present work was to compare ´Pedro Giménez´ with the Spanish variety ´Pedro Ximénez´, and to establish its degree of relatedness to ´Muscat of Alexandria´ and ´Criolla Chica´. Therefore we used a set of 18 nuclear SSR loci and 3 chloroplast SSR loci. ´Pedro Giménez´ shared only 38% of the alleles under analysis with ´Pedro Ximénez´, indicating that they are indeed two different varieties. In all 18 polymorphic nuclear SSR loci ´Pedro Giménez´ shared 50% of its alleles with ´Muscat of Alexandria´, while the other 50% of the alleles present in ´Pedro Giménez´ were also present in ´Criolla Chica´. This data, along with those from the chloroplast SSR analysis, strongly suggest that ´Pedro Giménez´ is the progeny of ´Muscat of Alexandria´ x ´Criolla Chica´, being the latest one the most likely female progenitor.Fil: Duran, Martin Francisco. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Biología Agrícola de Mendoza. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias. Instituto de Biología Agrícola de Mendoza; ArgentinaFil: Agüero, Cecilia B.. University of California at Davis; Estados UnidosFil: Martínez, Liliana Estela. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias. Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas. Cátedra de Fisiología Vegetal; Argentin

Effect of irrigation and soil texture on grape phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae Fitch) population and grapevine damage

It is believed that phylloxera grows better in clay soils and/or under drip irrigation than in sandy soils and/or flooding. To test these hypotheses, phylloxera damage and population growth were evaluated in potted V. vinifera cv. Malbec under two irrigation methods and soil textures in growth chambers at 16 h of photoperiod and 28ºC + 3ºC. In a first experiment, phylloxera damage and population were analyzed in infested (P) and uninfested (C) plants, drip (D) or flood (F) irrigated. A second experiment consisted in infested (P) and uninfested (C) plants in clay (CL) or sandy (S) soil. D x P reduced leaf number, while P x C increased photosynthesis rate. In the irrigation experiment, P reduced leaf area, shoot length and root dry weight and increased stomatal conductance. Irrigation methods did not influence variables related to root damage or phylloxera population. In the texture experiment CL x C showed a greater leaf area. P also reduced shoot length and root dry weight while CL had a higher number of leaves and less root dry weight. Despite CL developed more phylloxera root symptoms, texture did not affect the number of insects found on roots. Possibly, neither irrigation methods nor soil texture per se are limiting factors for phylloxera performance, but their influence on the vigor of the plants could affect the plant-insect interactions. This is one of the first reports about the influence of soil conditions on phylloxera in a controlled environment and provides a foundation for further studies. Highlights The effects of two irrigation methods and soil textures were studied on phylloxerated V. vinifera cv. Malbec, in pots, under controlled conditions. Soil texture had no influence on the infestation success of the plants. Irrigation methods did not affect variables related to root damage or phylloxera population. More phylloxera root symptoms were found in plants in clay soil; however, texture did not affect the number of insects. It is believed that phylloxera grows better in clay soils and/or under drip irrigation than in sandy soils and/or flooding. To test these hypotheses, phylloxera damage and population growth were evaluated in potted V. vinifera cv. Malbec under two irrigation methods and soil textures in growth chambers at 16 h of photoperiod and 28ºC + 3ºC. In a first experiment, phylloxera damage and population were analyzed in infested (P) and uninfested (C) plants, drip (D) or flood (F) irrigated. A second experiment consisted in infested (P) and uninfested (C) plants in clay (CL) or sandy (S) soil. D x P reduced leaf number, while P x C increased photosynthesis rate. In the irrigation experiment, P reduced leaf area, shoot length and root dry weight and increased stomatal conductance. Irrigation methods did not influence variables related to root damage or phylloxera population. In the texture experiment CL x C showed a greater leaf area. P also reduced shoot length and root dry weight while CL had a higher number of leaves and less root dry weight. Despite CL developed more phylloxera root symptoms, texture did not affect the number of insects found on roots. Possibly, neither irrigation methods nor soil texture per se are limiting factors for phylloxera performance, but their influence on the vigor of the plants could affect the plant-insect interactions. This is one of the first reports about the influence of soil conditions on phylloxera in a controlled environment and provides a foundation for further studies. Highlights The effects of two irrigation methods and soil textures were studied on phylloxerated V. vinifera cv. Malbec, in pots, under controlled conditions. Soil texture had no influence on the infestation success of the plants. Irrigation methods did not affect variables related to root damage or phylloxera population. More phylloxera root symptoms were found in plants in clay soil; however, texture did not affect the number of insects.&nbsp

Studying Growth and Vigor as Quantitative Traits in Grapevine Populations

Vigor is considered as a propensity to assimilate, store, and/or use nonstructural carbohydrates for producing large canopies, and it is associated with high metabolism and fast growth. Growth involves cell expansion and cell division. Cell division depends on hormonal and metabolic processes. Cell expansion occurs because cell walls are extensible, meaning they deform under the action of tensile forces, generally caused by turgor. There is increasing interest in understanding the genetic basis of vigor and biomass production. It is well established that growth and vigor are quantitative traits and their genetic architecture consists of a big number of genes with small individual effects. The search for groups of genes with small individual effects, which control a specific quantitative trait, is performed by QTL analysis and genetic mapping. Today, several linkage maps are available, like “Syrah” × “grenache,” “Riesling” × “Cabernet Sauvignon,” and “Ramsey” × Vitis riparia. This last progeny segregates for vigor and constituted an interesting tool for our genetic studies on growth

Modeling vegetative vigour in grapevine: unraveling underlying mechanisms

Mechanistic modeling constitutes a powerful tool to unravel complex biological phenomena. This study describes the construction of a mechanistic, dynamic model for grapevine plant growth and canopy biomass (vigor). To parametrize and validate the model, the progeny from a cross of Ramsey (Vitis champinii) × Riparia Gloire (V. riparia) was evaluated. Plants with different vigor were grown in a greenhouse during the summer of 2014 and 2015. One set of plants was grafted with Cabernet Sauvignon. Shoot growth rate (b), leaf area (LA), dry biomass, whole plant and root specific hydraulic conductance (kH and Lpr), stomatal conductance (gs), and water potential (Ψ) were measured. Partitioning indices and specific leaf area (SLA) were calculated. The model includes an empirical fit of a purported seasonal pattern of bioactive GAs based on published seasonal evolutionary levels and reference values. The model provided a good fit of the experimental data, with R = 0.85. Simulation of single trait variations defined the individual effect of each variable on vigor determination. The model predicts, with acceptable accuracy, the vigor of a young plant through the measurement of Lpr and SLA. The model also permits further understanding of the functional traits that govern vigor, and, ultimately, could be considered useful for growers, breeders and those studying climate change.EEA MendozaFil: Hugalde, Ines Pilar. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Mendoza; Argentina. University of California at Davis. Department of Viticulture and Enology; Estados UnidosFil: Agüero, Cecilia B. University of California at Davis. Department of Viticulture and Enology; Estados UnidosFil: Barrios-Masias, Felipe H. University of California at Davis. Department of Viticulture and Enology; Estados Unidos. University of Nevada. Department of Agriculture, Veterinary and Rangeland Sciences; Estados UnidosFil: Romero, Nina. University of California at Davis. Department of Viticulture and Enology; Estados UnidosFil: Nguyen, Andy Viet. University of California at Davis. Department of Viticulture and Enology; Estados UnidosFil: Riaz, Summaira. University of California at Davis. Department of Viticulture and Enology; Estados UnidosFil: Piccoli, Patricia Noemí. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Biología Agrícola de Mendoza. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias. Instituto de Biología Agrícola de Mendoza; ArgentinaFil: McElrone, Andrew J. University of California at Davis. Department of Viticulture and Enology; Estados Unidos. US Department of Agriculture. ARS; Estados UnidosFil: Walker, M. Andrew. University of California at Davis. Department of Viticulture and Enology; Estados UnidosFil: Vila, Hernan Felix. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Mendoza; Argentin

Trans-Graft Protection Against Pierce’s Disease Mediated by Transgenic Grapevine Rootstocks

A field study showed that transgenic grapevine rootstocks can provide trans-graft-mediated protection to a wild type scion against Pierce’s disease (PD) development. We individually field-tested two distinct strategies. The first expressed a chimeric antimicrobial protein (CAP) that targeted the functionality of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) surface of Xylella fastidiosa (Xf), the causative agent of PD. The second expressed a plant polygalacturonase inhibitory protein (PGIP) that prevents PD by inhibiting breakdown of pectin present in primary cell walls. Both proteins are secreted to the apoplast and then into the xylem, where they migrate past the graft union, transiting into the xylem of the grafted scion. Transgenic Vitis vinifera cv. Thompson Seedless (TS) expressing ether CAP or PGIP were tested in the greenhouse and those lines that showed resistance to PD were grafted with wild type TS scions. Grafted grapevines were introduced into the field and tested over 7 years. Here we present data on the field evaluation of trans-graft protection using four CAP and four PGIP independent rootstock lines, compared to an untransformed rootstock. There was 30 to 95% reduction in vine mortality among CAP- and PGIP-expressing lines after three successive yearly infections with virulent Xf. Shoot tissues grafted to either CAP or PGIP transgenic rootstocks supported lower pathogen titers and showed fewer disease symptoms. Grafted plants on transgenic rootstocks also had more spring bud break following infection, more shoots, and more vigorous growth compared to those grafted to wild type rootstocks. No yield penalty was observed in the transgenic lines and some PGIP-expressing vines had enhanced yield potential. Trans-graft protection is an efficient way to protect grape scions against PD while preserving their valuable varietal genotypes and clonal properties

Dietary Supplementation with Probiotics Improves Hematopoiesis in Malnourished Mice

BACKGROUND: Lactobacillus rhamnosus CRL1505 (Lr) administered during the repletion of immunocompromised-malnourished mice improves the resistance against intestinal and respiratory infections. This effect is associated with an increase in the number and functionality of immune cells, indicating that Lr could have some influence on myeloid and lymphoid cell production and maturation. OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed the extent of the damage caused by malnutrition on myeloid and lymphoid cell development in the spleen and bone marrow (BM). We also evaluated the impact of immunobiotics on the recovery of hematopoiesis affected in malnourished mice. METHODS: Protein malnourished mice were fed on a balanced conventional diet for 7 or 14 consecutive d with or without supplemental Lr or fermented goat's milk (FGM). Malnourished mice and well-nourished mice were used as controls. Histological and flow cytometry studies were carried out in BM and spleen to study myeloid and lymphoid cells. RESULTS: Malnutrition induced quantitative alterations in spleen B and T cells; however, no alteration was observed in the ability of splenic B cells to produce immunoglobulins after challenge with LPS or CpG. The analysis of BM B cell subsets based on B220, CD24, IgM and IgD expression showed that malnutrition affected B cell development. In addition, BM myeloid cells decreased in malnourished mice. On the contrary, protein deprivation increased BM T cell number. These alterations were reverted with Lr or FGM repletion treatments since normal numbers of BM myeloid, T and B cells were observed in these groups. CONCLUSIONS: Protein malnutrition significantly alters B cell development in BM. The treatment of malnourished mice with L. rhamnosus CRL1505 was able to induce a recovery of B cells that would explain its ability to increase immunity against infections. This work highlights the possibility of using immunobiotics to accelerate the recovery of lymphopoyesis in immunocompromised-malnourished hosts

Prioritization of vigor QTL-associated genes for future genome-directed Vitis breeding

Vigor control in grapevine may become especially important under climate change. A better understanding of gene-phenotype relationships is required in order to exploit plant genomics for breeding purposes. This research aims to use quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for vigor identified in the progeny from a cross of Ramsey (Vitis champinii) × Riparia Gloire (V. riparia). Genes located 700 kb up and downstream from each QTL position were interrogated for functional enrichment through ShinyGO online tool, based on the gene ontology annotation of Vitis vinifera PN40024. Key biological processes like phloem and xylem development, cell cycle, response to hormones, amino acid transport, tissue development, sugar metabolism, nitrogen transport, and stress/immune responses, showed functional enrichment. Integral response to light and auxin might be required for fine molecular tuning of vegetative growth in Vitis. Fifty out of 1318 candidate genes were prioritized, reducing their amount to a manageable number of candidates for further directed breeding strategies

Prioritization of vigor QTL-associated genes for future genome-directed Vitis breeding: Priorización de genes relacionados a vigor en Vitis

Vigor control in grapevine may become especially important under climate change. A better understanding of gene-phenotype relationships is required in order to exploit plant genomics for breeding purposes. This research aims to use quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for vigor identified in the progeny from a cross of Ramsey (Vitis champinii) × Riparia Gloire (V. riparia). Genes located 700 kb up and downstream from each QTL position were interrogated for functional enrichment through ShinyGO online tool, based on the gene ontology annotation of Vitis vinifera PN40024. Key biological processes like phloem and xylem development, cell cycle, response to hormones, amino acid transport, tissue development, sugar metabolism, nitrogen transport, and stress/immune responses, showed functional enrichment. Integral response to light and auxin might be required for fine molecular tuning of vegetative growth in Vitis. Fifty out of 1318 candidate genes were prioritized, reducing their amount to a manageable number of candidates for further directed breeding strategies. Highlights Plant vigor control may become especially important under climate change. Genes from various vigor-related QTLs were interrogated for functional enrichment. The analysis reduced candidate gene number based on marker proximity and functional enrichment, constituting a suitable shortcut for target-directed genome-guided breeding strategies. Three TFs are strong candidates for targeted breeding: TIF - HY5, TIF - SUS1, TIF - VOZ1 potentially enhance growth by relating light response to hormone activation, and then to photosynthesis and morphogenesis.  Vigor control in grapevine may become especially important under climate change. A better understanding of gene-phenotype relationships is required in order to exploit plant genomics for breeding purposes. This research aims to use quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for vigor identified in the progeny from a cross of Ramsey (Vitis champinii) × Riparia Gloire (V. riparia). Genes located 700 kb up and downstream from each QTL position were interrogated for functional enrichment through ShinyGO online tool, based on the gene ontology annotation of Vitis vinifera PN40024. Key biological processes like phloem and xylem development, cell cycle, response to hormones, amino acid transport, tissue development, sugar metabolism, nitrogen transport, and stress/immune responses, showed functional enrichment. Integral response to light and auxin might be required for fine molecular tuning of vegetative growth in Vitis. Fifty out of 1318 candidate genes were prioritized, reducing their amount to a manageable number of candidates for further directed breeding strategies. Highlights Plant vigor control may become especially important under climate change. Genes from various vigor-related QTLs were interrogated for functional enrichment. The analysis reduced candidate gene number based on marker proximity and functional enrichment, constituting a suitable shortcut for target-directed genome-guided breeding strategies. Three TFs are strong candidates for targeted breeding: TIF - HY5, TIF - SUS1, TIF - VOZ1 potentially enhance growth by relating light response to hormone activation, and then to photosynthesis and morphogenesis

Overexpression of 9-cis-Epoxycarotenoid Dioxygenase Cisgene in Grapevine Increases Drought Tolerance and Results in Pleiotropic Effects

9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED) is a key enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of abscisic acid (ABA), which is associated with drought tolerance in plants. An osmotic-inducible VaNCED1 gene was isolated from a drought-resistant cultivar of Vitis amurensis and constitutively overexpressed in a drought-sensitive cultivar of Vitis vinifera. Transgenic plants showed significantly improved drought tolerance, including a higher growth rate and better drought resistant under drought conditions, compared to those of wild-type (WT) plants. After water was withheld for 50 days, the upper leaves of transgenic plants remained green, whereas most leaves of WT plants turned yellow and fell. Besides the increase in ABA content, overexpression of VaNCED1 induced the production of jasmonic acid (JA) and accumulation of JA biosynthesis-related genes, including allene oxide cyclase (AOC) and 12-oxophytodienoate reductase (OPR3). Moreover, transgenic plants possessed advantageous physiological indices, including lower leaf stomatal density, lower photosynthesis rate, and lower accumulation of proline and superoxide dismutase (SOD), compared to those of WT plants, indicating increased resistance to drought stress. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis revealed that overexpression of VaNCED1 enhanced the expression of drought-responsive genes, such as ABA-responsive element1 (ABRE1), ABRE binding factors 2 (ABF2), plasma membrane intrinsic proteins 2 (PIP2), C-repeat/DRE-Binding Factor 4 (VvCBF4) and ABA-insensitive 5 (ABI5). Although the development of transgenic plants was delayed by 4 months than WT plants, because of seed dormancy and abnormal seedlings, the surviving transgenic plants provided a solid method for protection of woody plants from drought stress