Impact of Conditions of Water Supply on the Germination of Tomato and Pepper Seeds

The influence of the cold radiofrequency air plasma treatment on the imbibition and germination of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and pepper (Capsicum annuum) seeds, exerted to conditions appearing in natural seedbeds, was investigated. Various conditions of water supply (from nonrestricted water supply to water drought stress) to the germinating seeds were studied. Plasma treatment markedly increased the water imbibition in the case of tomato seeds under limited water availability conditions. Cold radiofrequency plasma treatment had no noticeable impact on the germination of tomato and pepper seeds under the conditions of nonrestricted water supply. In the case of drought stress for both studied cultivars, the cold plasma treatment essentially influenced the germination rate and the kinetics of germination (the median of the Richards’ curve was changed essentially under conditions of water drought)

The Effect of Irrigation-Initiation Timing on the Phenolic Composition and Overall Quality of Cabernet Sauvignon Wines Grown in a Semi-Arid Climate

In semi-arid areas, vineyards grown for winemaking are usually mildly irrigated by drip irrigation systems in a manner maintaining drought stress. This practice ensures the proper development of vegetative and reproductive organs on the one hand, and on the other, the development of high-quality grapes which can be hampered by overly abundant water application. In previous work, we have developed and demonstrated an irrigation model suitable for high-quality grape production in semi-arid areas. Here, we tackle the question of proper irrigation initiation dates—should one wait for vines to develop drought stress before the initiation of irrigation, or rather commence irrigation earlier? Our results show that vines which undergo initial irrigation late in the growing season tend to develop a lower midday stem water potential even after irrigation initiation. In addition, these vines tend to produce a lower number of bunches per vine and smaller berry size, leading to lower yields. The wine produced from the late-irrigated treatments had a higher phenolic content, primarily due to higher levels of catechin and epicatechin. Their levels increased as irrigation initiation dates were delayed, while caffeic acid levels showed an opposite trend. Late irrigation also led to higher color intensities compared to those of irrigation at earlier stages, due to higher levels of most anthocyanins. Finally, we show that the overall wine sensory score, representing its overall quality, was approximately five points higher for wines made from delayed irrigation treatments compared to wines made from early season irrigation treatments

The Potential of Grapevine Leaf Extract in Treating Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation, characterized by the excessive accumulation of melanin in the skin, is a common dermatological concern triggered by various factors, including UV radiation exposure. This study investigates the potential of grapevine leaf extracts in treating hyperpigmentation induced by UV radiation, focusing on 11 European and 12 Israeli grapevine varieties. Our research explores the correlations between total polyphenol content (TPC), tyrosinase inhibition, sun protection factor (SPF), and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of these extracts. Our findings reveal substantial variation in TPC among grapevine varieties’ leaves, with the Israeli varieties showing higher TPC levels than the European ones. Correlation analysis demonstrates a robust link between TPC and SPF, indicating that increased TPC contributes to enhanced sun protection properties. However, TPC alone does not strongly correlate with tyrosinase inhibition, suggesting the importance of specific polyphenols in tyrosinase inhibition. Furthermore, the study identifies specific peaks in the HPLC analysis that correlate with desired activities. In summary, our research highlights the potential of grapevine leaf extracts, especially those from Israeli indigenous varieties, in addressing hyperpigmentation. It emphasizes the importance of specific polyphenols rather than TPC alone in achieving the desired effects. These findings open doors for further investigation into identifying and isolating active compounds from grapevine leaves for skincare applications

Anti-diabetic activity of aerial parts of Sarcopoterium spinosum

Abstract Background Sarcopoterium spinosum (S. spinosum) is used by Bedouin medicinal practitioners for the treatment of diabetes. While the anti-diabetic activity of S. spinosum root extract was validated in previous studies, the activity of aerial parts of the same plants has not been elucidated yet. The aim of this study was to clarify the glucose lowering properties of the aerial parts of the shrub. Methods Anti-diabetic properties were evaluated by measuring the activity of carbohydrate digesting enzymes, glucose uptake into 3 T3-L1 adipocytes, and insulin secretion. Insulin signaling cascade was followed in L6 myotubes using Western blot and PathScan analysis. Results Activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase was inhibited by extracts of all S. spinosum organs. Basal and glucose-induced insulin secretion was measured in Min6 cells and found to be enhanced as well. Glucose uptake was induced by all S. spinosum extracts, with roots found to be the most effective and fruits the least. The effect of S. spinosum on Akt phosphorylation was minor compared to insulin effect. However, GSK3β and PRAS40, which are downstream elements of the insulin cascade, were found to be highly phosphorylated by S. spinosum extracts. Inhibition of PI3K and Akt, but not AMPK and ERK, abrogated the induction of glucose uptake by the aerial parts of the shrub. Conclusion The aerial organs of S. spinosum have anti-diabetic properties and may be used as a basis for the development of dietary supplements or to identify new agents for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Wild Grapevine (<i>Vitis vinifera</i> L. subsp. <i>sylvestris</i> (C.C. Gmelin) Hegi)—Novel Species to the Israeli Flora

The wild grapevine, Vitis vinifera subsp. sylvestris, grows naturally throughout the northern hemisphere, including the Mediterranean region. Wild grapevines have also been observed sporadically across the southern Levant and are considered a non-native feral plant. Nevertheless, no formal characterization has been conducted for wild grapevines in this region; thus, its taxonomical assignment remains elusive. Previously, we have shown that the wild grapevine populations growing in northern Israel are genetically separated from the feral domesticated forms. This work aimed to comprehensively describe the morphological, anatomical, and ecological traits of wild grapevines naturally thriving in two distinct habitats in Israel. The dioicous nature of the wild grapevine, the flower and pollen morphology, and the characteristic Sylvestris fruit and seed morphology, in addition to the occurrence of the natural germination of seeds in close vicinity of the mother plant, have all led to the conclusion that these plants belong to Vitis vinifera subsp. sylvestris and should be included in the Flora Palaestina. These findings, combined with the recently published genetic evidence for these populations, significantly advance our understanding of the species’ ecology and the importance of its preservation

A Field Collection of Indigenous Grapevines as a Valuable Repository for Applied Research.

The grapevine is an economically important plant, with a historical connection to the development of human culture. Currently, over 6000 accessions are known as individual grapevine varieties, some of which are important to national heritage, valuable for current viticultural practices, and as genetic resources to maintain plasticity under changing climatic conditions, environmental sustainability, and market demands. Recently, the diversity of cultivated grapevines has declined significantly, due to the increased focus of global wine industries on a few major cultivars. Moreover, due to biotic and abiotic stresses, the wild V. vinifera germplasm's genetic diversity has declined, with some varieties on the verge of extinction. Vitis germplasm conservation can be achieved via either in situ (e.g., protected areas) or Ex situ (e.g., field collections, seed banks, and tissue culture collections) methods. This study aims to highlight the importance of Vitis field bank collections. We demonstrate the research done in the Israeli indigenous Vitis vinifera collection. The multi-layer analysis of the varieties enabled the identification of drought stress-resistant varieties, and suggested a mechanism for this resistance through noting the dramatic phenological differences in foliage development between resistant and sensitive varieties. In addition, we show a general characterization of the varieties via major grape characteristics, including bunch and berry shape, as well as their possible utilization based on their aromatic and phenolic profiles

Improved berry and wine quality of <i>Vitis vinifera</i> L. cv. Gewürztraminer grown in an arid climate using a Y-shaped training system

Recent global climatic changes have highlighted viticulture in arid/semiarid regions as an increasingly relevant study model. Grapes in arid regions face excessive solar irradiance, leading to more than 50 °C berry surface temperatures in exposed berries. The resultant oxidative stress, sunburn necrosis, and browning consistently reduce berry quality. Adapting an adequate training system to the climate and cultivar is a simple and inexpensive method to control the radiation regime. This study compares the berry and wine characteristics and compositional components of desert-grown Vitis vinifera L. cv. Gewürztraminer, trained on either a Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP) system or a Y-shaped training system (SAYM, Sistema di Allevamendo ad Ypsilon Integralmente Meccanizzabile), a method with a higher canopy light interception. The SAYM training reduced direct radiation and concomitant heat in the cluster zone and significantly alleviated oxidative stress in berries in the 2016/17 season. In addition, SAYM-grown berries were preferable in terms of quality and productivity. Correspondingly, a sensorial analysis rated SAYM wines higher than VSP wines in all categories. Photosynthetic pigment content in the berries' skin showed similarities between VSP and SAYM, and a volatile compound analysis of the wines by GC-MS revealed a higher ester content in the wines derived from SAYM vines, along with a higher content of compounds linked to Gewürztraminer wine typicity (varietal characteristics such as esters, terpenoids, and alcohols)