An Overview of Geophysical Techniques and Their Potential Suitability for Archaeological Studies

The need to study, protect, and conserve archaeological heritage has enhanced the application of geophysical techniques as non-invasive and reliable tools to investigate fragile and valuable assets. This review presents the most popular geophysical techniques suitable for archaeogeophysical investigations, namely, magnetometry, ground penetrating radar, and electrical resistivity tomography, together with a series of multiparametric measures taken from aerial platforms (UAS). For each method, we recall the basic physical principles, illustrate the operative procedures for field investigation, and provide indications about data processing and modeling. We propose a flowchart to address relia…

Soil – plant system: a case study of Vitis berlandieri x Vitis rupestris rootstock varieties

Lanthanides are part of rare earth elements. Nowadays studies focused on these elements are increasing to assess the possibility to their use in the traceability to effectively determining the geographical wine origin. In the traceability project we start studying the soil plant system. The aim of the research was to verify if different varieties of rootstock on identical soil have similar lanthanides uptake behavior and if the same rootstock could reproduce different lanthanides distribution for different soil typologies. Three different varieties of rootstock V. berlandieri X V. rupestris (1103 Paulsen, 779 Paulsen and 140 Ruggeri), planted on different soils (carbonatic, clayey and volca…

L’anulazione del capo a frutto: tecnica innovativa nella viticoltura da vino per il miglioramento della qualità

Table-Grape Cultivation in Soil-Less Systems: A Review

Table grape (Vitis vinifera L.) is considered to be one of the most popular fruit crops in the world. Italy is the leading table-grape producer in the EU and is the main European exporting country. However, to stay competitive, new solutions and perspectives, including varietal renovation, are now needed in addition to the already well-established Italian table-grape production lines consisting of conventional open-field cultivation and greenhouse cultivation. One of these new perspectives is represented by the development of table-grape soil-less cultivation systems (TGSC) under greenhouse. In fact, TGSC systems are alleged to offer many advantages in terms of the advancement of berry matu…

Effetti della dimensione degli acini sui parametri qualitativi nella cv Cabernet Sauvignon

Effetti di intensità ed epoche di defogliazione sui parametri vegeto-produttivi e sulla qualità dell'uva della cv Nero d'Avola

The trial was carried out over the seasons 2012-2013. A defoliation in prebloom, fruitset and veraison phenological stages was performed and several vegetative, productive and qualitative parameters were assessed. Prebloom and fruitset defoliation resulted in a strong vegetative regrowth and in a reduction of cluster compactness and berry weight. Sugar content at harvest showed significant differences depending on the meteorological condition of the season. Anthocyanins and flavonoids synthesis was favored by leaf removal practice in the coldest season; vice versa in the hottest season the highest bunch exposure in defoliated treatments determined extreme berry temperature and an intense de…

Role of Harvesting Time/Optimal Ripeness in Zone/Terroir Expression

RELATION BETWEEN ROW AND LEAF ORIENTATION OF SYRAH/101-14 MGT

Effetti degli interventi in verde sul comportamento vegeto-produttivo della cv Malvasia delle Lipari

Grapevine row orientation mediated temporal and cumulative microclimatic effects on grape berry temperature and composition

Abstract Ambient radiation and temperature are global drivers of grapevine growth, grape yield and composition, and wine quality. Knowledge of the implications of vineyard row orientation/microclimate is required for decision-making in current and future macro- and mesoclimates. Temporal and cumulative microclimatic changes, induced by vine row orientation (NS; EW; NE-SW; NW-SE) of vertically trellised Shiraz grapevines, on berry pulp temperature and composition at different ripeness levels were investigated. Berries dynamically gained heat energy relative to: ambient climate/weather; direct canopy wall/bunch irradiance; and berry skin colour development. Berries exposed to direct solar rad…

Vegetative and reproductive parameters evaluation of alternative plant material

Dead vines are often a problem in many vineyards and are due to physiological or pathological causes whereby the vines need to be replaced. The replacement operation is a real cost for the direct costs of the plant material, for its planting and for their different management during the current year or in the two years after the replacement, determining also vineyard variability. When replacement is performed in the first years after vineyard establishment it is quite easy, whereas many issues occur when replacement is later, particularly issues considering roots competition. To reduce replacement problems, the use of “alternative plant material” has been evaluated. The “alternative vines” …

Defoliation of two-wire vertical trellis: effect on grape quality

ABSTRACTBasal leaves were removed from Cabernet Sauvignon vines trained to a two-wire vertical trellis at fruit set and at veraison. Leaf removal did not modify total soluble solids and titratable acidity at harvest. Defoliation at fruit set of lower cordon recovered the grape anthocyanin composition gap between upper and lower cordons and that produced a positive effect on anthocyanin synthesis. Hence, control of the upper cordon and defoliation of fruit set of the lower cordon treatments showed comparable values of anthocyanins. Defoliation at veraison did not produce any appreciable effect. This study shows that skin anthocyanin composition in a two-wire vertical trellis can be modified …

Nero d’Avola. Nota I - Effetti del tipo di potatura sull’attività vegetativa e produttiva

Identification of key genes and its chromosome regions linked to drought responses in leaves across different crops through meta-analysis of RNA-Seq data

Background Our study is the first to provide RNA-Seq data analysis related to transcriptomic responses towards drought across different crops. The aim was to identify and map which genes play a key role in drought response on leaves across different crops. Forty-two RNA-seq samples were analyzed from 9 published studies in 7 plant species (Arabidopsis thaliana, Solanum lycopersicum, Zea mays, Vitis vinifera, Malus X domestica, Solanum tuberosum, Triticum aestivum). Results Twenty-seven (16 up-regulated and 11 down-regulated) drought-regulated genes were commonly present in at least 7 of 9 studies, while 351 (147 up-regulated and 204 down-regulated) were commonly drought-regulated in 6 of 9 …

Influence of row orientation on the canopy temperature of Sicilian vineyards

Row orientation can have significant effects on grape quality as it directly affects the exposure of the fruits with indirect consequences on wine quality. In this study, a Flir i7 thermal camera was used to measure the temperature of both canopy sides of a ‘Sauvignon blanc’ vineyard trained to vertical shoot position and with north-south (NS) and east-west (EW) row orientations. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) measurements using a 0.8-m sensor bar were taken along with the thermal imaging camera measurements. Considering both row orientations, south and east canopy sides were those that intercepted the greatest radiant energy during the day, 57.7 and 47.5%, respectively. The EW r…

Vegetative and Reproductive Behaviour of Vitis vinifera L. (cv. ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’) Vines Growing Under Non-Irrigated Conditions and Moderate Water Stress Induced by Different Irrigation Systems

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of different levels of water stress and different irrigation systems to the vegetative and reproductive behaviour of Cabernet Sauvignon ines/140Ru, vertically trained, during the growing season 2003-2004. The vineyard was located in Sicily (in the south of Italy); the soil was loamy-sand and the climate semi-arid. Were compared five treatments: four treatments irrigated, maintaining a moderate water stress level, by drip irrigation (T1) and sub-irrigation (T2, T3 and T4) and one treatment non-irrigated (T5). The sub-irrigation treatments were different by the number and the distance of the water tubes by the rows of vines. The results sho…

MANUAL AND MECHANICAL LEAF REMOVAL IN THE BUNCH ZONE (VITIS VINIFERA L. 'NERO D'AVOLA'): EFFECTS ON PLANT PHYSIOLOGY, VEGETATIVE PARAMETERS, YIELD AND GRAPE QUALITY IN A WARM AREA

Mechanical and manual leaf removal of Nero d Avola vines were carried out in a commercial vineyard in Sclafani Bagni area, Sicily (South Italy), in the 2007 growing season. Rows were North East-South West oriented and vines were spur pruned and non-irrigated. The aim was to investigate the effects of two different ways of defoliation on plant physiology, vegetative parameters, yield and grape quality in a warm temperature area. Fruit zone defoliation consisted of mechanical (MLR) and hand leaf removal (HLR), applied either to both sides of the canopy (Northweast and Southeast). These treatments were applied when the berries had reached pea size and compared to a non-defoliated treatment (co…

Transcriptional responses to pre-flowering leaf defoliation in grapevine berry from different growing sites, years, and genotypes

Leaf removal is a grapevine canopy management technique widely used to modify the source–sink balance and/or microclimate around berry clusters to optimize fruit composition. In general, the removal of basal leaves before flowering reduces fruit set, hence achieving looser clusters, and improves grape composition since yield is generally curtailed more than proportionally to leaf area itself. Albeit responses to this practice seem quite consistent, overall vine performance is affected by genotype, environmental conditions, and severity of treatment. The physiological responses of grape varieties to defoliation practices have been widely investigated, and just recently a whole genome trans…

Application of anti-transpirant to control sugar accumulation in grape berries and alcohol degree in wines obtained from thinned and unthinned vines of cv. Falanghina (Vitis vinifera L.)

In the last few decades, the accumulation of sugar in grape berries and hence the alcohol degree of wines has been affected by increasing global temperatures. In order to limit plant photosynthetic activity, it is possible to apply anti-transpirant on field, reducing sugar accumulation in berries. In this contest, our aim was to evaluate the efficiency of the application of a di-1-p-menthene-based natural anti-transpirant (Vapor Gard&reg

Shoot Positioning: Effect on Physiological, Vegetative and Reproductive Parameters

Precision Management of Fruit Trees

The aim of the Special Issue “Precision Management of Fruit Trees” was to collect new insights to support the adoption of advanced, efficient, and sustainable management techniques in the fruit production sector. Indeed, this is an opportunity offered by the technological innovations adopted using new-generation sensors and implemented through precise management operations. This Special Issue contains 11 scientific articles contributing to our knowledge on the precision management of fruit trees, indicating the high activity of this sector and possibly leading to the application of new techniques/protocols to overcome global and rapidly changing environmental issues. Scalisi et al. [1], in …

Comportamento vegeto-produttivo di viti gestite in asciutto e con strategia di deficit idrico controllato realizzato mediante diversi metodi irrigui

CABERNET SUVIGNON, MERLOT. EFFETTI DEL TIPO DI POTATURA SULL’ATTIVITÀ VEGETATIVA E PRODUTTIVA

The Pattern of Rare Earth Elements Like a Possible Helpful Tool in Traceability and Geographical Characterization of the Soil-Olive System (Olea europaea L.)

The identification of a product, with its geographical origin, is a guaranty of the value of the foodstuff and protection from potential fraud. Extra virgin olive oil is produced or marketed as a single variety or a blend of two or more cultivars, often of different geographic origins. Therefore, to study a possible link between the soil and olive oil, we accounted crucial to analyse the behaviour of olive of different cultivars. We studied Rare Earth Elements (REE) amounts and their relationship to trace their distribution from soil to the olive pulp (Olea europea L.). The results obtained pointed out that the different cultivars of Olea did not drive significant differences in reciprocal …

Sampling strategy and minimum sample size to judge correct determination of grape maturity

The key to a good estimate of fruit maturity is to collect a sample that is truly representative of the entire harvested unit (i.e., block of one variety, plot). It is important to recognize the high level of variability in fruit composition that exists within a vineyard and even within a single fruit cluster. The target of this research was to determine grape quality selecting a correct sampling strategy (part of cluster, bunch and whole vine) and minimum sample size according to vineyard variability. The results show less variability on part of bunches than whole vine and single bunch samples. Less amount of grape samples, over estimated primary and secondary metabolite levels. Finally th…

Autotetraploid Emergence via Somatic Embryogenesis in Vitis vinifera Induces Marked Morphological Changes in Shoots, Mature Leaves, and Stomata

Polyploidy plays an important role in plant adaptation to biotic and abiotic stresses. Alterations of the ploidy in grapevine plants regenerated via somatic embryogenesis (SE) may provide a source of genetic variability useful for the improvement of agronomic characteristics of crops. In the grapevine, the SE induction process may cause ploidy changes without alterations in DNA profile. In the present research, tetraploid plants were observed for 9.3% of ‘Frappato’ grapevine somatic embryos regenerated in medium supplemented with the growth regulators β-naphthoxyacetic acid (10 µM) and N6-benzylaminopurine (4.4 µM). Autotetraploid plants regenerated via SE without detectable changes in the …

Distribution of YLOID in soil-grapevine system (Vitis vinifera L.) as tool for geographical characterization of agro-food products. A two years case study on different grafting combinations.

The knowledge of a chemistry relationship between the soil and the agricultural products is an important tool for the quality assessment of food. We studied YLOID (Y, La and lanthanoids), recognized as very useful tracers due their coherent and predictable behavior, to trace and evaluate their distribution from soil to the grape in Vitis vinifera L. Because much of the world’s viticulture is based on grafting, and rootstocks have proved affect vine growth, yield, fruit and wine quality, we carried out experimental trials to analyse the YLOID distribution of two different red cultivars, grafted onto six different rootstocks, on the same soil. The YLOID amounts, the relationship Heavy vs Ligh…

Impact of vine water status on berry mass and berry tissue development of Cabernet franc (Vitis vinifera L.), assessed at berry level

Background Berry size is considered an important quality factor in red wine production. The objective of this work was to study the effect of vine water status on berry mass in field conditions, with a specific focus on berry tissue masses. Results The study was carried out over 2 years in a plot located in Sicily (Italy). Two irrigation treatments were established. Dynamic evolution of berry mass and berry tissue masses at harvest were recorded. Berries produced under water deficit conditions were smaller and characterized by a higher skin-to-flesh ratio. However, this ratio did not change when berry mass varied independently from vine water status, showing coordinated growth of flesh and …

Quality of grapes grown inside paper bags in Mediterranean area

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of paper bagging of grape bunches on the morphological, mechanical, and chemical characteristics of berries of three table grapes varieties as an environmentally-friendly technique for protecting clusters from biotic and abiotic agents. Clusters of Italia, Autumn Royal, and Regal Seedless grape cultivars were bagged and compared to a not-bagged control. Air temperature inside and outside the bags was monitored. Bunch weight and length, number of berries per bunch, berry longitudinal and transversal diameter, berry mass, number of seeds per berry (normal in size and aborted), soluble solid content, titratable acidity, and skin color by CIEL…

From soil to soil-less in horticulture: quality and typicity

In this review, the technique of soil-less cultivation of horticultural crops is analysed, the main differences between this and traditional cultivation techniques are described, and the advantages and disadvantages of each method in relation to the others are identified. Soilless cultivation has revolutionised various sectors of vegetable and floriculture production, and recent years have also seen interest being shown by Italian fruit crop producers, particularly those involved in table grape viticulture. The various issues related to the use of this technique are described in relation to the needs of the substrate, water management, and mineral nutrition of the different species, and to …

EFFECT OF TIPPING AND TOPPING ON SHOOT UNIFORMITY: PRELIMINARY RESULTS ON SINGLE CORDON TRAINED CABERNET SAUVIGNON AND MERLOT

The study was carried out in a two year old Merlot/140 Ru and Cabernet Sauvignon/140 Ru vineyards during the 2004 growth season. Vines were spaced 2.4 m x 0.9 m in North-South orientated rows. Each vine had five to six shoots. The vineyards were drip irrigated (800 m3/Ha/season). Shoots more than 100 cm were tipped or topped at pea berry size development stage. Tipping of Merlot vines reduced shoot growth and variability of all vegetative parameters. Topping of Cabernet Sauvignon reduced variability of shoot Diameter and increased lateral shoot growth.

DETERMINATION OF YLOID IN SOIL AND GRAPEVINE SYSTEM (VITIS VINIFERA L.) BY ICP-MS TECHNIQUE: A HOPEFUL PROXY FOR THE GEOGRAPHICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF FOOD PRODUCTS? A VALIDATION STUDY WITH DIFFERENT VARIETIES AND ROOTSTOCKS

The rising importance given from legislators and consumers to provenance of food purchased and/or eaten, in last years motivated several researches to identification of the geographical origin of food. The knowledge of a chemistry relationship between the soil and the agricultural products is an important tool for the quality assessment of food. YLOID (Y, La and Lanthanides) have recognized as very useful tracers because of their generally coherent and predictable behavior. This behavior can also be applied to explain the mechanisms of element intake by plants. Current knowledge suggests no preferential sorption of any element in overall root samples as well as in epigeal samples of several…

Anthocyanin variation in individual 'Shiraz' berries as affected by exposure and position on the rachis

This study was done on 'Shiraz'/Richter 99 grapes with the intention to define the variation of skin anthocyanin content in a single berry. The effects of berry position (on the rachis), berry exposure, berry weight category, part of the skin of a single berry, and their interactions, were analysed. The anthocyanin concentration of externally facing berries decreased and that of the internally facing berries increased from the apical part to the basal part of the bunch. Highest values were recorded in internally facing berries and lowest values in the externally facing (exposed) berries, of the basal rachis area. Anthocyanin values of small berries seemed to decrease from the apical part of…

Vite, outlook sul diserbo e gestione delle infestanti

La gestione del vigneto siciliano per la produzione di uva di qualità e la riduzione dei costi.

Il livello qualitativo dell’uva è di fondamentale importanza per l’ottenimento di un prodotto enologico di qualità. La produttività della vite, sia in termini qualitativi che quantitativi, è determinata dall’interazione tra il genotipo, l’ambiente e le tecniche colturali Sin dall’impianto, il viticoltore dovrebbe essere impegnato ad effettuare scelte colturali finalizzate a ridurre la variabilità tra le piante. La gestione del sistema vigneto deve essere indirizzata alla riduzione dei costi di produzione ed al miglioramento della qualità. In tal senso, il cambiamento che sta subendo l’impostazione e la gestione della spalliera in Sicilia è un aspetto positivo. Attraverso le diverse tecniche…

Moscato Cerletti, a rediscovered aromatic cultivar with oenological potential in warm and dry areas

Baron Antonio Mendola was devoted to the study of grapevine, applying ampelography and dabbling in crosses between cultivars in order to select new ones, of which Moscato Cerletti, obtained in 1869, was the most interesting. Grillo, one of the most important white cultivars in Sicily, was ascertained to be an offspring of Catarratto Comune and Zibibbo, the same parents which Mendola claimed he used to obtain Moscato Cerletti. Thus the hypothesis of synonymy between Moscato Cerletti and Grillo or the same parentage for both sets of parents needs to be verified.In the present study, historical documents were consulted and genetic analyses and ampelographic, agronomic and qualitative character…

ULTERIORI APPROFONDIMENTI DEGLI EFFETTI DELLA DIMENSIONE DEGLI ACINI SULLA QUALITA’ DELL’UVA NELLA CV CABERNET SAUVIGNON

In this study we reported the results of a second year of study conducted during 2008 season on irrigated Cabernet Sauvignon\ 1103 P vineyard. We addressed the study of whether differences in berry size (within a population of berries from different bunches) would lead to differences in qualitative parameters and whether flowering process can influence berries variability and qualitative parameters. Berries were classified at pea size into two categories according to their equatorial diameter: ≤ 7 mm as small and ≥ 9 mm as large berries. Development of the two berry categories was evaluated from “pea size” (12th June) to harvest (16th September) in terms of berry mass, equatorial berry diam…

Pre dawn, stem and leaf water potential evolution in Vitis vinifera L. cv Nero d’Avola/1103 P. under different water regime

Pre dawn, stem and leaf water potential evolution under different water regime were investigated in Nero d’Avola cultivar grafted onto 1103 Paulsen. The study was carried out in Rapitalà winery located in Alcamo DOC area in western Sicily. The vines were 2.4 m x 0.95 m spaced, for a density of 4385 vines/ha. Vines were trained to a vertical trellis system, spur pruned. The vineyard was drip irrigated (4 l/h). Three treatments were applied: 1. vines grown without irrigation water: dry condition; 2. vines irrigated until véraison with 560 m3 : late stress; 3. vines irrigated until ripeness with 1120 m3 : no stress. The aim of the study was to find the different behaviors of Ψp, Ψl e Ψs during…

Phototropic and Geotropic Shoot Orientation: Effect on Physiological, Vegetative and Reproductive Parameters

Vite, outlook sul diserbo

Determination of YLOID in soil and grapevine systems (Vitis vinifera L.) by ICP-MS technique: a hopeful proxy for the geographical characterization of food products?

Chemical behavior of YLOID (Y and Lanthanoid) into soil was extensively studied both to evaluate geochemical process. Metal cations can be immobilized onto particle surface of soil due to the formation of stable complexes with organic matter. If environmental conditions change metals can be mobilized and therefore to became bioavailable [1]. In recent years identification of the geographical origin of food has acquired very importance because consumers are more and more interested in knowing the provenance of the food purchased and/or eaten [2]. Then the knowledge of a relationship between the chemistry of the substrates and the food could be an important tool for the quality guarantee of t…

Geochemical behaviour of rare earths in Vitis vinifera grafted onto different rootstocks and growing on several soils.

The geochemical behaviour of lanthanides and yttrium (Rare Earth Elements, REEs) has been investigated mainly in geological systems where these elements represent the best proxies of processes involving the occurrence of an interface between different media. This behaviour is assessed according to features recorded in sequences of REE concentrations along the REE series normalised with respect to a reference material. In this study, the geochemical behaviour of REE was investigated in different parts of Vitis vinifera specimens grown off-soil, on soils of different nature and grafted onto several rootstocks in order to evaluate effects induced by these changes. The results indicated that ro…

Orientamento dei filari e sfogliatura: effetti sulla qualità dell’uva nella cv Cabernet Sauvignon

La prova è stata svolta, nelle stagioni vegeto-produttive 2006 e 2007. Un trattamento di defogliazione precoce (DP) è stato, eseguito nel periodo compreso tra l’allegagione e la fase acino pisello (ø = 5 mm), mentre un trattamento tardivo (DT) è stato effettuato all’invaiatura (ø = 10,5 mm). Nel 2006, gli acini provenienti dalle piante defogliate precocemente hanno raggiunto il massimo contenuto di antociani per acino con circa 15 giorni di anticipo e con un valore superiore rispetto a quelli della tesi controllo, mentre nel 2007 l’ondata di calore verificatasi in agosto ha annullato gli effetti del trattamento. Il trattamento DT, esponendo gli acini a intensi flussi radiativi, ha causato, …

Important varieties of Sicily

Sicily is an island to the south and west of Italy that is close to the “toe of the boot”, in the Mediterranean Sea. Its physical characteristics are representative of the Mediterranean region with its mountainous terrain and volcanoes, rugged coast, numerous beaches and blue water, scenic villages, and a diverse agriculture including wine grapes, citrus, olives, herbs, grains and seasonal vegetables. The climate is warm to hot, and the growing season is long. Located at the 36-38 degree latitude, Sicily is only about 160 kilometers (100 miles) from the north coast of Africa near Tunisia. It is also the midpoint east and west in the Mediterranean Sea. Through history the region was controll…

Effect of irrigation and soil type on root growth and distribution of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Nero d'Avola grown in Sicily

CABERNET SAUVIGNON - MERLOT. Effetti del tipo di potatura sull’attività vegetativa e produttiva – Nota I

L'obiettivo della ricerca è di studiare l'effetto del tipo di potatura sul comportamento vegetativo e produttivo di viti delle cultivar Cabernet Sauvignon e Merlot, varietà ad uva nera internazionali diffuse in Sicilia. Il tipo di potatura ha modificato l'attività vegetativa e produttiva delle viti delle 2 cultivar. Il Merlot, cv a vigore contenuto tra le cv saggiate, ha presentato una buona capacità di adattamento alle diverse tipologie di potatura. Per questa cv quindi , in termini vegetativi e produttivi, risulta essere indifferente la scelta del tipo do potatura che dovrà essere fatta prendendo in considerazione altri fattori (esigenze aziendali e colturali, meccanizzazione delle operaz…

Berries variability: causes and effects on the quality of ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’

In this study the objective was to investigate if differences in berry size (within a population of berries from different bunches) and flowering process would lead to differences in qualitative parameters and berries variability. The trial was conducted during the 2009 vegetative season at an irrigated ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’/1103 P vineyard. At the beginning of flowering, for 100 inflorescences, all open flowers were marked by red ink while 5 days later, closed flowers were marked by black ink. Open and closed flower distribution was investigated along the rachis. At pea size, 20 marked bunches were sampled. The diameter and weight of all berries was measured and Gaussian distribution was pe…

The use of vineyard spectral signatures to identify table grape cultivars

Vineyards have characteristic responses to sunlight. The reflectance values at the different wavelengths are typical of vegetation and define its spectral signature. The aim of this work was to determine the spectral signatures of table grape vineyards located in the production area of Robinvale (Victoria, Australia) in order to identify cultivars in the vineyard. Spectral signatures were detected from images in eight bands from the Worldview 3 platform. Spectral signatures for a representative number of plots were extracted using satellite reflectance images for each cultivar. Spectral signatures were also collected in the field, from the same cultivars, with a FieldSpec® HandHeld 2 portab…

CURRENT ROOTSTOCK USE AND ROOTSTOCK NEEDS FOR THE FUTURE: SOUTHERN ITALY, SICILY AND ARID MEDITERRANEAN AREAS

Grapevine rootstocks have been an essential component of grape growing for over 150 years as rootstocks can impart desirable characteristics for grapevine growth. This review examined Italian and Sicilian literature on rootstocks, focusing on key issues including updates on needs for the future. Other related issues include the performance of major selection traits associated with salinity, drought, potassium uptake, vegetative growth, grape and wine quality and the propagation of grafted vines. Research on rootstocks started in Italy, and of course in other European Countries, once phylloxera was imported. In Italy, phylloxera was detected in Agrate (north Italy) in August 1879, but it may…

VERIFICA DELL’ATTECCHIMENTO DEGLI INNESTI-TALEA DI VITE DOPO LA FORZATURA MEDIANTE TECNICHE TERMOGRAFICHE E MECCANICHE

Grafting is an important technique for getting good yields in plant multiplication. Understanding the success of the graft after the incubation room is important to the evaluation of the suitable grafting for the open field (nursery). Successful grafting in vines requires the development of a functional vascular system between the scion and the rootstock. The graft compatibility and its augmentation depend upon various natural factors like environment, weather, soil conditions and protective measures etc. The present study examines the capability of thermography, mechanical and electrical techniques to assess the graft quality and successful of Vitis vinifera after the incubation room. Afte…

Combined influence of bud load and bud position along the cane on vegetative and reproductive parameters of grape cv. Grillo

Cultivar Grillo vines are characterized by problems with flower biology (the fertility of basal buds) and fructification (millerandage). In this study, to manage the variability in bunch weight with winter pruning and to program others canopy management practices (i.e. early defoliation), three different treatments of bud load were set up by leaving the cane with 3, 6 or 10 buds. The effects of bud load and cane length were studies regarding bud fertility, shoot leaf area, and the number of flowers and berries, as well as the relationship between leaf area and percentage of fruit set, leaf area/flower and percentage of fruit set, and the number of hens and chicks berries. Shoots in the dist…

Effetti del regime colturale e della sfogliatura sull'attività vegetativa e produttiva della cultivar 'Nero d'Avola'

In Sicilia, caratterizzata da estati calde e poco piovose l’irrigazione e gli interventi in verde rivestono una grande importanza nella definizione del risultato produttivo e qualitativo del vigneto. È stato perciò condotto uno studio, confrontando in due differenti suoli argillosi, piante defogliate all’allegagione con piante non defogliate, in condizioni di regime asciutto e di regime irriguo, gestito, quest’ultimo, col potenziale fogliare pre-dawn. Da un’analisi dell’attività vegeto-produttiva delle piante e qualitativa delle uve sono emerse differenze significative tra i trattamenti, tra i regimi irrigui e in alcuni casi è emerso anche un effetto interazione. La defogliazione precoce ha…

Cover Crop and Pruning Residue Management to Reduce Nitrogen Mineral Fertilization in Mediterranean Vineyards

This paper aimed to study the effect of temporary cover crop and vine pruning residue burial as alternative practices to conventional tillage on soil nitrate (NO3-N) availability and grapevine performance in the short term. The trial was carried out in a rain-fed vineyard (Vitis vinifera L., cv Grecanico dorato/140 Ruggeri) located in a traditional Mediterranean viticultural area (37&deg

Effect of artificial shading on the tannin accumulation and aromatic composition of the Grillo cultivar (Vitis vinifera L.)

Abstract Background White wine quality, especially in warm climates, is affected by sunlight and heat stress. These factors increase the probability that ambering processes will occur and reduce the potential flavour compounds. This study aimed to investigate the effect of sunlight reduction on the accumulation of polyphenolic and aromatic compounds. Results This study was conducted in a commercial vineyard containing V. vinifera L. cv Grillo. Opaque polypropylene boxes (100% shading) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) net bags (50% shading) were applied at fruit set. The effect of the shaded treatments was compared to the exposed fruit treatment. The shaded treatments resulted in heavier…

ESTIMATION OF LEAF AREA BY MEANS OF LINEAR REGRESSION EQUATION IN VITIS VINIFERA L.: LIMITS AND ADVANTAGES

The aim of the study was to calculate regression model between leaf area and shoot length to obtain leaf area evaluation by indirect method and the factors influencing this relathionship. This research was carried out for 4 years in a vineyard located in Trapani area on three red cultivars grafted onto 1103 p, trained to simple cordon system and pruned with different methods. The vines were drip irrigated. High correlation existed between leaf area and shoot length and no influence played numerousness of samples. b1 of linear regression showed an increment of values at veraison than at berry set, because of b1 increment in lateral shoots in manual pruning and in the main lateral shoots for …

LA GESTIONE DEL VIGNETO SICILIANO

The impact of soil erosion on soil fertility and vine vigor. A multidisciplinary approach based on field, laboratory and remote sensing approaches

Soil erosion processes in vineyards, beyond surface runoff and sediment transport, have a strong effect on soil organic carbon (SOC) loss and redistribution along the slope. Variation in SOC across the landscape can determine differences in soil fertility and vine vigor. The goal of this research was to analyze the interactions among vines vigor, sediment delivery and SOC in a sloping vineyard located in Sicily. Six pedons were studied along the slope by digging 6 pits up to 60 cm depth. Soil was sampled every 10 cm and SOC, water extractable organic carbon (WEOC) and specific ultraviolet absorbance (SUVA) were analyzed. Erosion rates, detachment and deposition areas were measured by the po…

Soil and Regulated Deficit Irrigation Affect Growth, Yield and Quality of ‘Nero d’Avola’ Grapes in a Semi-Arid Environment

The present work studied the effect of two consecutive years of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) compared to rain fed management on the vegetative growth, yield, and quality of ‘Nero d’Avola’ grapes. The trial was conducted separately in two soils (vertisol and entisol) located at the top and bottom hillside of the same vineyard. Vertisol was characterized by greater depth, organic matter, exchangeable K20, and total N than entisol. RDI was based on an irrigation volume at 25% of estimated crop evapotranspiration (ETc) up to end of veraison and 10% of estimated ETc up to 15 days before harvest. Predawn water potential (PDWP) was used as indicator of plant water status and irrigation timin…

Effetti del regime colturale e della defogliazione sull'attività vegetativa e produttiva della cultivar Nero d'Avola.

Berry characterisation of cv shiraz according to position on the rachis

In this study, characterisation of the physical and compositional parameters of berries located in different positions on the rachis of Shiraz/R99 bunches was done. Berries were divided according to position on the rachis (apical, median and basal) and berry weight, resulting in four berry weight classes, averaging 0.86 g, 1.29 g, 1.74 g and 2.26 g and 0.74, 1.18, 1.59 and 2.09 cm3, respectively. The berries were analysed individually. The fresh weight of the berries comprised approximately 4% seeds, 20% skin and 76% flesh. Different percentage distributions were found for each class of berry weight and according to position on the rachis. From the top to the bottom rachis position, an incr…

22. VEGETATIVE AND PRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOUR IN VITIS VINIFERA L.(CV. CABERNET SAUVIGNON) UNDER NON IRRIGATED VINES AND MODERATE WATER STRESS LEVEL IN DIFFERENT IRRIGATION SYSTEMS

Andamento del contenuto idrico del suolo e del potenziale idrico di base in diversi regimi idrici e tipi pedologici in Vitis Vinifera L.

Deciphering transcriptional regulation mechanisms underlining fruit development and ripening in Vitis vinifera

BACKGROUND: Grapes (Vitis vinifera ) are an important woody crop cultivated in a broad range of environmental conditions. Grapefruit development is a physiological process whose molecular regulatory networks are still not sufficiently investigated. OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of the work was to identify which key genes, molecular mechanisms and networks were involved in fruit ripening and development through a comparison of available transcriptomic data at different stages during grape development and ripening. Secondly, we aimed at identifying among these fruit-related genes, which genes play also a functional role in other developmental and physiological processes in reproductive tissues (…

Effetto dell'epoca di sfogliatura sul comportamento vegeto produttivo della cv Cabernet Sauvignon in Sicilia

Integrative effects of vine water relations and grape ripeness level of vitis vinifera L. cv. Shiraz/Richter 99. II. grape composition and wine quality

Regulation of grapevine water status is a common practice to manipulate grape composition and wine quality. In this investigation the effect of plant water status (two field water capacity-based irrigation levels, 75% and 100%, applied at single and combined vine developmental stages) and ripeness level (harvesting at different soluble solid levels) on grape composition and wine quality of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Shiraz/ Richter 99 was determined. Integrative effects of vine water relations and grape ripeness level, specifically in a Mediterranean high winter rainfall area, have not yet been investigated systematically. Source:sink mechanisms and dynamics and compositional and physical change…

La gestione dell'irrigazione in vitis vinifera L. adottando la strategia di "Deficit idrico controllato" in ambiente caldo-arido

PRE DAWN, STEM AND LEAF WATER POTENTIAL EVOLUTION IN VITIS VINIFERA L. CV NERO D’AVOLA/1103 P. UNDER DIFFERENT WATER REGIME

STUDIO DELLA VARIABILITà INTRAVARIETALE DEL NERO D'AVOLA: LA PIù IMPORTANTE CULTIVAR A BACCA NERA DELLA SICILIA

EFFECT OF ARTIFICIAL SHADING ON POLYPHENOLIC ACCUMULATION AND AROMATIC COMPOSITION OF GRILLO CV (VITIS VINIFERA L.)

Identification of aroma compounds of Vitis vinifera L. flowers by SPME GC-MS analysis

Using a gas chromatographic method (GC-MSanalysis), it was possible to determine the volatile constituent of an odorous flower from Vitis vinifera varieties growing in Sicily. More than 50 compounds were identified and the technique allowed us to determine that sesquiterpenes, as well as monoterpenes such as limonene and cymene, were the principal components. The odour-profiles allowed us to distinguish between variety groups or even single varieties.

Comportamento vegeto-produttivo della cultivar Nero d’Avola sottoposta a diversi regimi idrici in differenti profili pedologici.

Effetti del microclima sulla componente aromatica di uve della cv Grillo

Alternative nursery propagation for vineyards establishment

Dead vines are often a problem present in many vineyards and are due to physiological or pathological causes whereby the vines need to be replaced. The aim of the trial was to create in the nursery plant material of four cultivars in order to easily replace the dead vines in the vineyards but also to anticipate the first harvest and to improve the vineyard uniformity and synchronize the vineyard management practices during the first two years of plantation. During the first year in the nursery, the effect of plant density on the percentage of success and vegetative growth was evaluated. During the second year, in the open field and only for one cultivar, the vegetative and reproductive para…

Millerandage and flower abscission in ‘Grillo’, ‘Frappato’ and ‘Nero d’Avola’ grapevines: Some probable causes

Some Sicilian cultivars, in particular vintage, showed a high percentage of flower abscissions and shot berries. In this paper, to understand these phenomena, some aspects of the flower morphology of three Sicilian cultivars (two black: ‘Nero d’Avola’ and ‘Frappato’; and one white: ‘Grillo’) was studied. The number of stamens, ovule adherence to the ovary wall and pollen germination were evaluated using standard light microscopy. At harvest, seed number was counted on 30 berries per cultivar. The percentage of six stamens was lowest in ‘Frappato’ and highest in ‘Grillo’. The ovule adherence to the ovary wall was highest in ‘Frappato’ and lowest in ‘Nero d’Avola’. The percentage of pollen ge…

Identification of aroma compaunds of Vitis Vinifera L. flowers by SPME GC-MS analysis

Using a gas chromatographic method (GC-MS-analysis), it was possible to determine the volatile constituent of an odorous flower from Vitis vinifera varieties growing in Sicily. More than 50 compounds were identified and the technique allowed us to determine that sesquiterpenes, as well as monoterpenes such as limonene and cymene, were the principal components. The odour-profiles allowed us to distinguish between variety groups or even single varieties.

Comportamento vegeto-produttivo di piante di vite (vitis vinifera l., cv. cabernet sauvignon) sottoposte ad assenza di irrigazione e a stress idrico moderato indotto da diversi sistemi di irrigazione

Response of grapevine (Cabernet Sauvignon cv) to above ground and subsurface drip irrigation under arid conditions

Abstract The response of wine grapes to irrigation systems was investigated in a Cabernet Sauvignon/140 Ru vineyard in sandy loam soil in Sicily during a two-year study. Two different drip irrigation systems were evaluated: one surface drip and two subsurface drip irrigation systems, with the trickle line located at different distances from vine trunks. Vegetative and quantitative parameters, must quality and root distribution were compared among irrigation treatments. During the two study years, irrigation of grapevines via a subsurface drip system resulted in greater water use efficiency without affecting must composition. Establishing the trickle line near the trunk positively influenced…

Phenotypic traits of berries and seeds of Sicilian grape cultivars (Vitis vinifera L.)

Abstract Grapevine is characterized by high variability in seed and berry morphology and their phenotypic traits are usually used to describe V. vinifera varieties. The goal of this study was to investigate the phenotypic diversity of berry and seed traits and the relationships between berry and seed morphological characteristics of autochthonous accessions of Sicilian germplasm. In two seasons, twenty bunches per cultivar were harvested at technological maturity. Berry weight; berry longitudinal and transversal diameters; seed number/weight per berry; and seed length, thickness, width and beak length were determined, after which the diameter ratio was calculated. Black and white cultivars …

DETERMINATION OF YLOID IN SOIL AND GRAPEVINE SYSTEMS (Vitis vinifera L.) BY ICP-MS TECHNIQUE: A HOPEFUL PROXY FOR THE GEOGRAPHICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF FOOD PRODUCTS? – PART II.

In recent years identification of the geographical origin of food has acquired very importance because consumers are more and more interested in knowing the provenance of the food purchased and/or eaten. The knowledge of a chemistry relationship between the soil and the agricultural products is an important tool for the quality assessment of food. Metal cations onto particle surface of soil changing the environmental conditions can be mobilized and therefore to became bioavailable. In particular the chemical behavior of YLOID (Y, La and Lanthanoid) was studied to evaluate and trace the distribution from soil to roots, leaves to the grape in Vitis vinifera L. In a first study YLOID, present …

Genetic structure and molecular variability of grapevine fanleaf virus in sicily

Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) is one of the main causes of grapevine fanleaf degeneration disease (GFDD) and is present in almost all areas where grapevine is cultivated. In this work, we ascertained the presence and spread of GFLV in different commercial vineyards in four Sicilian provinces (Italy), and its genetic structure and molecular variability were studied. In detail, a total of 617 grapevine samples of 11 autochthonous grapevine cultivars were collected in 20 commercial vineyards. Preliminary screening by serological (DAS-ELISA) and molecular (RT-PCR) analyses for ArMV (arabis mosaic virus) and GFLV detection were conducted. Results obtained showed the absence of ArMV in all the s…

GRAPE RIPENESS AND WINE STYLE AS RELATED TO WATER RELATIONS AND CANOPY COMPOSITION

MORPHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF ANCIENT GRAPE SEEDS FROM A SINK IN THE MIDDLE-AGE TOWN OF PALERMO

The archaeological excavations in Piazza della Vittoria, in the Roman-Middle Age town of Palermo (Sicily) put in light a sink 3.20 m deep and 1 square m. large, partially filled by thin organic sediments. Grape seeds (grape-stones), fish scales and few vertebrate bones have been found in specific strata sealed under a stratum chronologically attributed to Islamic Middle-Age period (a post-quem limit). The finding of well preserved grape seeds is peculiar and their study opens the opportunity to improve the actual knowledge about evolution, cultivation, use and trade of Vitis L. in the Mediterranean area. This preliminary work focuses on morphologic and morphometric analysis of the ancient g…

Additional file 10: of Identification of key genes and its chromosome regions linked to drought responses in leaves across different crops through meta-analysis of RNA-Seq data

Table S4. Genes involved in the leaf developmental stage that are commonly drought-regulated were shown. Common in seedling studies and common in mature studies were given in separate sheets. GeneID, description, expression pattern and binname were indicated. (XLSX 14 kb)

Additional file 8: of Identification of key genes and its chromosome regions linked to drought responses in leaves across different crops through meta-analysis of RNA-Seq data

Figure S6. The 27 key genes that were drought-regulated in at least 7 of 9 studies were mapped in the respective chromosomes of the 7 crops. (TIF 536 kb)

Additional file 11: of Identification of key genes and its chromosome regions linked to drought responses in leaves across different crops through meta-analysis of RNA-Seq data

Table S6. Genes involved in drought response corresponding to each of the study were shown. TAIR ID, description and log2FC were indicated. (XLSX 321 kb)

Additional file 12: of Identification of key genes and its chromosome regions linked to drought responses in leaves across different crops through meta-analysis of RNA-Seq data

Table S5. Genes involved in drought response at different leaf developmental stages (unique for seedling, unique for mature and common for seedling and mature) were shown. TAIR ID, log2FC and expression pattern were indicated. (XLSX 56 kb)

Additional file 3: of Identification of key genes and its chromosome regions linked to drought responses in leaves across different crops through meta-analysis of RNA-Seq data

Figure S2. MapMan overview showing transcriptomic effects of drought in key categories selected such as secondary metabolism, cellular responses and signaling. Genes were identified as Arabidopsis orthologs of each genes of the analyzed plant species. Red means up-regulated and green means down-regulated. (TIF 226 kb)

Additional file 9: of Identification of key genes and its chromosome regions linked to drought responses in leaves across different crops through meta-analysis of RNA-Seq data

Table S3. Genes mapped in the chromosome which are involved in atleast 7 of 9 studies. Arabidopsis ortholog, description and corresponding gene IDs were indicated. (XLSX 12 kb)

Additional file 2: of Identification of key genes and its chromosome regions linked to drought responses in leaves across different crops through meta-analysis of RNA-Seq data

Figure S1. Clustering heatmap showing the hierarchical relationship among the studies selected for the analysis. Resulted log2FC values of the analysis for generating the tree was indicated. (TIF 163 kb)

Additional file 6: of Identification of key genes and its chromosome regions linked to drought responses in leaves across different crops through meta-analysis of RNA-Seq data

Figure S5. Key genes encoding transcription factors, hormone metabolism and abiotic stress responses obtained from DAVID software were mapped in the respective chromosomes of the 7 crops. (TIF 536 kb)

Additional file 5: of Identification of key genes and its chromosome regions linked to drought responses in leaves across different crops through meta-analysis of RNA-Seq data

Figure S4. Protein-protein interaction network analysis predicted for genes commonly regulated in five mature leaf studies performed in Vitis vinifera, Solanum tuberosum, Triticum aestivum, Zea mays (study1) and Zea mays (study 2)based on Arabidopsis knowledgebase. (TIF 185 kb)

Additional file 4: of Identification of key genes and its chromosome regions linked to drought responses in leaves across different crops through meta-analysis of RNA-Seq data

Figure S3. Protein-protein interaction network analysis predicted for genes commonly regulated in three seedling leaf studies performed in Arabidopsis thaliana, Malus X domestica and Solanum lycopersicum based on Arabidopsis knowledgebase. (TIF 332 kb)

Additional file 1: of Identification of key genes and its chromosome regions linked to drought responses in leaves across different crops through meta-analysis of RNA-Seq data

Table S1. The table consists of gene_ID, corresponding arabidopsis orthologs and log2 fold change values for significantly regulated genes (FDRâ

Additional file 7: of Identification of key genes and its chromosome regions linked to drought responses in leaves across different crops through meta-analysis of RNA-Seq data

Table S2. Genes mapped in the chromosome which are involved in transcription factors, abiotic stress response and hormone metabolism. Arabidopsis ortholog, description and corresponding gene IDs were indicated. (XLSX 17 kb)