Breeding Rootstocks Resistant to Aggressive Root-knot Nematodes

AVF Proj. ID: 269 / /Cat.: ,
Primary Investigator(s): Peter Cousins, Ph.D.by

The objectives for this study are to breed, evaluate, and introduce rootstocks that are resistant to aggressive root-knot nematodes, resulting in improved varieties with adaptation to California viticulture. To achieve this objective, our goal was to evaluate the root-knot nematode resistance of 12,000 grape rootstock seedlings and select resistant seedlings for advancement to the field. We will make crosses specifically for the breeding of rootstocks resistant to aggressive root-knot nematodes.

The USDA grape rootstock improvement program, based at the Plant Genetic Resources Unit, is breeding grape rootstocks resistant to aggressive root-knot nematodes. We define aggressive root-knot nematodes as those which feed on and damage the rootstocks Freedom and Harmony. In 2004 we screened 5124 candidate grape rootstock seedlings for resistance to aggressive root-knot nematodes. We select only those seedlings which completely suppress nematode reproduction and show zero nematode egg masses. These
selected seedlings are propagated and then planted into the vineyard. We have 81 nematode resistant selections that will be ready for vineyard planting in spring 2004. In 2004 we planted 89 nematode resistant rootstock selections in the vineyard. These selections were identified in nematode resistance screening in 2003 and 2002. In 2004 we pollinated 1500 clusters of crosses specifically aimed at the breeding of improved rootstocks with resistance to aggressive root-knot nematodes.

Developing a Functional Genomics Approach to Berry Ripening and Defense

AVF Proj. ID: 176 / /Cat.: ,
Primary Investigator(s): Douglas Adamsby

Our work with fruit ripening and defense related genes is now complete with regard to collecting EST sequences. With the ones we have already collected and the many thousands that are now planned in efforts on this campus and internationally we feel that it will be possible to clone nearly any grape gene we are interested in by application of sequence information and PCR methods. This means that studies where information about gene expression in grape is needed can be undertaken with confidence that most of the genes of interest can be easily cloned. Nevertheless, the picture that has emerged from our work with the veraison stage library is very informative and is a major research accomplishment and result.

We divided the EST sequences we obtained into three classes. Class one are genes for which the role in fruit development or ripening is already known in other systems (e.g. tomato). An example of class-one genes would be polygalacturonase. The second class includes those genes whose function can be known with a high degree of certainty but where its role in fruit development or ripening is unknown. An example of class-two genes would be a tonoplast intrinsic protein. The third class contains those genes that are unknown (a match was found in the data base but no function has been assigned to the protein) hypothetical proteins (e.g. an open reading frame from Arabidopsis) or no match (i.e. no match at all was found in the data base). In our total EST collection 34%of the genes were assigned to class 1; 44%to class 2; and 22%to class 3.

In order to provide a functional classification for the genes in class 1 and class 2 above, we assigned each gene to a functional category. The major group in the functional category contained genes related to stress responses; either oxidative, osmotic or water stress. We found that 22%of the genes were stress related and 20%were related to protein synthesis, processing and degradation. We found that 18%of the genes to which we could assign a function are related to disease resistance, and 8%involved with signal transduction. There were 9%related to RNA processing or were known transcription factors. Other groups with about 5%each were cell wall chemistry, secondary metabolism and photosynthesis.

The view of grape berry ripening that has emerged from our work is much different than we expected when we began to sequence ESTs from veraison berries. The large number of stress induced genes and disease related genes we found was surprising and unexpected. Nevertheless, this result has drawn our attention to the function of stress responses and plant defense gene expression in fruit ripening and berry composition.

PDF: Developing a Functional Genomics Approach to Berry Ripening and Defense

Enhancement of Stress Tolerance in Vitis vinifera

AVF Proj. ID: 178 / /Cat.: ,
Primary Investigator(s): Grant R. Cramerby

Abiotic stresses affect important aroma, flavor and color components by altering metabolite composition, improving wine quality and human health benefits. Regulated deficit irrigation has been used successfully to grow grapes with less water, an important feature in arid regions such as Nevada. As a first step toward understanding how growth is affected and wine quality improvements might arise following abiotic stress exposure, we have initiated an expressed sequence tag (EST)-based gene discovery program focused solely on stressed plants. We constructed cDNA libraries from mRNA isolated from leaf and berry tissues of Vitis vinifera cv. Chardonnay, exposed to various abiotic stress conditions. To date, we have sequenced over 3000 leaf ESTs and anticipate completing another 5000 berry sequences over the next few months before funds run out this year. Raw sequence data were processed through an automated EST analysis pipeline (ESTAP) developed at the Virginia Bioinformatics Institute (VBI; Blacksburg, VA) in collaboration with UNR and S.R. Noble Foundation (Ardmore, OK). Initial sequence analysis reveals 36%novel genes and a low redundancy of transcripts. All 1878 unique EST data generated to date have been deposited in GenBank and is freely available to the public.

In the context of genetic engineering more cold tolerant grapes, we have successfully transformed and regenerated V. vinifera in our laboratory. Embryo culture was successfully initiated using 0.5 to 1 mm immature anthers that were excised from flowers of Chardonnay plants. The excised anthers were placed on one of the following callus-initiation mediums: NB, PT or PIV medium. Tissues were subcultured to fresh plates every 6-8 weeks. Embryogenic calli suitable for transformation formed on some cultures. Single cell somatic embryos were transformed with CBF1 and CBF3 constructs including the CAMV35S promoter. The CBF/DRE transcriptional activators, CBF1 (DREB1B), CBF2 (DREB1C) and CBF3 (DREB1A) are some of the master switches for drought, salinity and cold tolerance. Eleven transgenic plants have been regenerated after selection on Kanamycin media. Three plants have been positively identified by PCR for transformation with CBF3. Confirmation of transformation by PCR and Southern analysis for the rest of the plants is underway. A second batch of transformed somatic embryos is currently going through the regeneration process. Degenerate primers designed to motifs of the CBF gene family have produced 8 distinct PCR products. These products represent putative grape CBF orthologs. Additional CBF orthologs are expected to be obtained from our on going EST sequencing program.
Must samples were obtained from well-watered and drought-stressed Chardonnay grapes. Standards were developed for gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy in preparation for must analysis.

PDF: Enhancement of Stress Tolerance in Vitis vinifera

Evaluation of Selected Mediterranean Wine Grape Cultivars and Clones in Lake and Mendocino Counties

AVF Proj. ID: 143 / /Cat.: ,
Primary Investigator(s): Glenn McGourtyby

During the year 2000, phenological and harvest data were taken from three Mediterranean Winegrape Cultivar Test Plots in Lake and Mendocino Counties. Results indicate that there are tremendous differences in budbreak, yield and harvest dates between the cultivars and locations.

In Lake County, all cultivars reached ripeness (23.5 brix) in the Red Hills plot, whereas only the earliest cultivars reached ripeness in the Highland Springs plot. This can be explained partially by the warmer climate of Red Hills, but also by the smaller crop size and lighter soils in that plot compared to larger crops and heavier, cooler soils found in Highland Springs. In general, the ripening sequence is as follows: Pinotage, Barbera, Dolcetto, Grenache, Nebbiolo, Cabernet sauvignon, Sangiovese, Cinsault, Syrah,. Harvest occurred from Sept.15, to Oct. 27th, 2000. At Highland Springs, only Pinotage fully ripened during the 2000 harvest.

At the UC Hopland Research and Extension Center, there is a greater number of cultivars being tested. Ripening sequence this year was Pinot gris, Viognier, Tempranillo, Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, Sangiovese, Dolcetto, Viognier (?Bonny Doon? clone), Fiano, Freisa, Mourvedre, Nebbiolo, Corvina, and Aglianico. Canailo nero, Montepulciano and Marsanne failed to adequately ripen, and were lost due to rain damage. A research progress report of the UC HREC data is being prepared for a California Agriculture magazine issue featuring the 50th anniversary of the UC Hopland Research and Extension Center.

In nearly all cases, quality of the fruit was quite high, showing adequate sugar (23.5 brix), good acidity, and very little rot. For the combined trials, 22 lots of wine are being fermented. It is clear that there are many cultivar options for quality winemaking in Lake and Mendocino Counties.

We were not able to plant a clonal trial of Syrah during this season. Vines will be planted in 2001. Evaluations of 5 Syrah clones were made from commercial plantings at McDowell Valley Vineyards. Clones include Syrah noir (?Hermitage? clone), Shiraz (UC clone #1), McDowell clone, CTPS #877, and CTPS #174. Significant differences in cluster size, shape and yield per vines were noted, as well as must chemistry. Separate lots of wine were vinified, and there are definite organoleptic differences between the clones. While not statistically valid, these observations are still helpful in assessing differences between the Syrah clones. Information from this survey will be presented at the ASEV Syrah Symposium in San Diego in June, 2001.

PDF: Evaluation of Selected Mediterranean Wine Grape Cultivars and Clones in Lake and Mendocino Counties

Evaluation of Wine Grape Cultivars and Selections for a Cool Maritime Climate

AVF Proj. ID: 146 / /Cat.: ,
Primary Investigator(s): Gary Moultonby

The primary trial was established in 2000 at two vineyard plots, one located at Mount Vernon research station and one located with Louis Dailly at his vineyard near Concrete. A randomized block of 3 replications, with 5 plants per replication has been established. At the station site, plot size is 10′ rows with 6′ between plants, total area of the planting approximately 0.5 acre. The upriver plot is planted at 8′ rows with 6′ between plants. In addition, a preliminary evaluation, consisting of three plants per variety in two rows at each location, has been established to test certain other varieties/selections which can be added to the primary trial later if their performance warrants inclusion. A rootstock trial of Pinot Noir 2A has been planted in both locations, consisting of seven rootstocks plus self rooted plants, to test for earlier ripening potential. This trial includes five plants of Pinot Noir 2A on each rootstock, replicated three times, established at each plot location. Plants rooted in 1999 were planted in spring 2000. Irrigation lines, posts and wires have been installed and training vines will begin in spring 2001.

PDF: Evaluation of Wine Grape Cultivars and Selections for a Cool Maritime Climate

Evaluation of Winegrape Clones

AVF Proj. ID: 162 / /Cat.: ,
Primary Investigator(s): Jim Wolpertby

This project evaluates 20 Pinot noir and 13 Chardonnay clones for their viticultural and enological attributes in production of base wines for sparkling wine production and five Merlot and three Malbec clones for their viticultural and enological attributes for production of red wine. Replicated plots of Pinot noir and Chardonnay clones have been established at Gloria Ferrer in Sonoma and of Merlot and Malbec at the Department?s Oakville Experimental Vineyard.

Chardonnay mean harvest °Brix was 21.6 in 2000 and did not vary by more than 0.6 °Brix from the mean with the exception of the Wente clone that was harvested 1.2 °Brix above the mean. This compares with the three-year average that shows a mean harvest Brix of 20.8. The yield range was approximately 2x for the three-year data and in 2000. In 2000 clone 4 had a yield of 8.2 kg vine-1 and the Wente clone yield was 4.0 kg vine-1. For the majority of Chardonnay clones harvest date was correlated to vine yield with two notable exceptions. While clone 4 has the largest crop and latest harvest date, the harvest date appears to be delayed more than the yield would warrant when compared to the other clones. Likewise, the Wente clone with the lowest yield also has a much later harvest date than we would predict. These observations hold for both the 2000 and three-year data.

Mean Pinot noir harvest °Brix for 2000 was 19.9. Harvest was completed over a 21-day period in 2000 and the two-year data shows a 19-day span. In both instances clone 4 was the first harvested and clone 780 the last. Yield ranged from 5.7 (clone 870) to 9.4 (clone 666) kg vine-1 in 2000.

As in preceding years, Merlot clone FPMS 8 had the lowest yield (6.3 tons/acre) in the 2000 growing season compared to the other clones (9.2 to 10.3 tons/acre). The primary contributing yield component was berries per cluster (103 for clone FPMS 8 versus 151 to 164 for clones 1, 3, 6, 9) this was also consistent with past data. In 2000 clone FPMS 8 produced the smallest berries and second lowest number of clusters per shoot. Averaged over six years, clone FPMS 8 has produced approximately two thirds the yield of the other four clones due to smaller clusters caused by reductions in both number of berries per cluster and berry size.

Mean yield for all Malbec clones was 4.9 tons/acre for the 2000 crop and was 40%above the average of the preceding 4 years (3.5 tons/acre). Clonal differences were evident in all components of yield except berry weight. In 2000, clone FPMS 08 was again the most fruitful in all components and produced 9.7 tons per acre compared to 4.1 and 2.2 tons per acre for FPMS 04 and 06. In each of the last four years, FPMS 08 has consistently produced the greatest crop and FPMS 06 has produced the least. Averaged over five years, yields were 3.0, 2.2, and 6.2 tons per acre for FPMS 04, 06, and 08 respectively.

PDF: Evaluation of Winegrape Clones

Clonal Testing of Wine Grapes in the San Joaquin Valley

AVF Proj. ID: 165 / /Cat.: ,
Primary Investigator(s): Peter Christensenby

This is an ongoing study to evaluate promising, virus disease-free FPMS clonal material for the San Joaquin Valley. Completion dates for past trials were: French Colombard and Chenin blanc (1994), Barbera (1995), and Muscat of Alexandria (1997), Grenache (1998), and Muscat blanc (1998). The Sangiovese trial was completed in 1999 with crop level comparisons. Data collection continued (2nd fruiting year in 2000) with the Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Zinfandel/Primitivo trials. These trials were planted with 6 clones each in 1997 in order to evaluate clonal differences in a warm climate region. A new Barbera trial was planted in 2000.

Cabernet Sauvignon. Clones 2 and 24 again produced smaller berries and clusters than the others, as in 1999. This corresponded with lower yields and earlier fruit maturation. These characteristics tend to be more prevalent in Clone 2. The other clones ? 8, 10 ,21 and 22 ? were all similar.

Merlot. The Merlot clones showed significant differences in fruitfulness, berry weight, total vine yields, and fruit composition. Mostly, the differences were small. Some noteworthy responses included: heavier berries of lower pH in Clone 11; and lower vine yields from Clone 14 due to fewer clusters and smaller berries than some of the others. In contrast, Clone 10 produced 40%more yield than Clone 14 and with similar berry weight and fruit composition. Overall, Clone 10 performed very well, similar to Clones 3 and 9, except that it also produced smaller berries.

Zinfandel/Primitivo. Clonal differences were not as distinct as they were in 1999 when the Primitivo clones had smaller berries, fewer berries/cluster and clusters of lower mass and earlier ripening and less rot as compared to the Zinfandel clones. The Primitivo clone vine yields also tended to lower than those of Zinfandel in 1999. In contrast, the Primitivo clones tended to produced higher harvestable yields than those of Zinfandel in 2000, possibly due to less rot per cluster. Fruit soluble solids were higher in P3 and P6 as compared to 1A and 3. This is similar to the 1999 data showing earlier fruit maturation in the Primitivo clones as compared to Zinfandel. Titratable acidity was also higher in several of the Primitivo clones (P5 and P6) as compared to Zinfandel 2 and 3. Overall, clonal differences within the Zinfandel and Primitivo clone groups were small; they were greater between the two groups.

Chardonnay. Significant clonal differences were again measured in 2000, but the data is too preliminary to demonstrate important or consistent effects. For example, Clone 4 of outstanding performance in 1999, was of lower yield in 2000, the result of fewer clusters per vine. Vine yields were highest with Clones 15, 18, and 20 and lowest with Clones 4, 6, and 37. Yield differences could be largely attributed to differences in clusters/vine and/or cluster weight. Fruit maturation was largely influenced by total fruit weight. Clone 20 again produced the heaviest berries while Clone 6 produced the lightest clusters. The 2000 results of these trials are preliminary. They represent two years of data collection, the first of which was the 3rd leaf vine data in 1999.

PDF: Clonal Testing of Wine Grapes in the San Joaquin Valley

Evaluation of Selected Mediterranean Wine Grape Cultivars and Clones in Lake and

AVF Proj. ID: 20 / /Cat.: ,
Primary Investigator(s): Glenn T. McGourtyby

During the year 2000, phenological and harvest data were taken from three Mediterranean Winegrape Cultivar Test Plots in Lake and Mendocino Counties. Results indicate that there are tremendous differences in budbreak, yield and harvest dates between the cultivars and locations. In Lake County, all cultivars reached ripeness (23.5 brix) in the Red Hills plot, whereas only the earliest cultivars reached ripeness in the Highland Springs plot. This can be explained partially by the warmer climate of Red Hills, but also by the smaller crop size and lighter soils in that plot compared to larger crops and heavier, cooler soils found in Highland Springs. In general, the ripening sequence is as follows: Pinotage, Barbera, Dolcetto, Grenache, Nebbiolo, Cabernet sauvignon, Sangiovese, Cinsault, Syrah,. Harvest occurred from Sept. 15, to Oct. 27th, 2000. At Highland Springs, only Pinotage fully ripened during the 2000 harvest. At the UC Hopland Research and Extension Center, there is a greater number of cultivars being tested. Ripening sequence this year was Pinot gris, Viognier, Tempranillo, Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, Sangiovese, Dolcetto, Viognier (“Bonny Doon” clone), Fiano, Freisa, Mourvedre, Nebbiolo, Corvina, and Aglianico. Canailo nero, Montepulciano and Marsanne failed to adequately ripen, and were lost due to rain damage. A research progress report of the UC HREC data is being prepared for a California Agriculture magazine issue featuring the 50th anniversary of the UC Hopland Research and Extension Center. In nearly all cases, quality of the fruit was quite high, showing adequate sugar (23.5 brix), good acidity, and very little rot. For the combined trials, 22 lots of wine are being fermented. It is clear that there are many cultivar options for quality winemaking in Lake and Mendocino Counties. We were not able to plant a clonal trial of Syrah during this season. Vines will be planted in 2001. Evaluations of 5 Syrah clones were made from commercial plantings at McDowell Valley Vineyards. Clones include Syrah noir (“Hermitage” clone), Shiraz (UC clone #1), McDowell clone, CTPS #877, and CTPS #174. Significant differences in cluster size, shape and yield per vines were noted, as well as must chemistry. Separate lots of wine were vinified, and there are definite organoleptic differences between the clones. While not statistically valid, these observations are still helpful in assessing differences between the Syrah clones. Information from this survey will be presented at the ASEV Syrah Symposium in San Diego in June, 2001.

Evaluation of Wine Grape Cultivars and Selections for a Cool Maritime Climate

AVF Proj. ID: 22 / /Cat.: ,
Primary Investigator(s): Gary Moultonby

The primary trial was established in 2000 at two vineyard plots, one located at Mount Vernon research station and one located with Louis Dailly at his vineyard near Concrete. A randomized block of 3 replications, with 5 plants per replication has been established. At the station site, plot size is 10′ rows with 6′ between plants, total area of the planting approximately 0.5 acre. The upriver plot is planted at 8′ rows with 6′ between plants. In addition, a preliminary evaluation, consisting of three plants per variety in two rows at each location, has been established to test certain other varieties/selections which can be added to the primary trial later if their performance warrants inclusion. A rootstock trial of Pinot Noir 2A has been planted in both locations, consisting of seven rootstocks plus self rooted plants, to test for earlier ripening potential. This trial includes five plants of Pinot Noir 2A on each rootstock, replicated three times, established at each plot location. Plants rooted in 1999 were planted in spring 2000. Irrigation lines, posts and wires have been installed and training vines will begin in spring 2001.

Evaluation of Winegrape Clones

AVF Proj. ID: 23 / /Cat.: ,
Primary Investigator(s): James Wolpertby

This project evaluates 20 Pinot noir and 13 Chardonnay clones for their viticultural and enological attributes in production of base wines for sparkling wine production and five Merlot and three Malbec clones for their viticultural and enological attributes for production of red wine. Replicated plots of Pinot noir and Chardonnay clones have been established at Gloria Ferrer in Sonoma and of Merlot and Malbec at the Department’s Oakville Experimental Vineyard. Chardonnay mean harvest °Brix was 21.6 in 2000 and did not vary by more than 0.6 °Brix from the mean with the exception of the Wente clone that was harvested 1.2 °Brix above the mean. This compares with the three-year average that shows a mean harvest Brix of 20.8. The yield range was approximately 2x for the three-year data and in 2000. In 2000 clone 4 had a yield of 8.2 kg vine”1 and the Wente clone yield was 4.0 kg vine”l. For the majority of Chardonnay clones harvest date was correlated to vine yield with two notable exceptions. While clone 4 has the largest crop and latest harvest date, the harvest date appears to be delayed more than the yield would warrant when compared to the other clones. Likewise, the Wente clone with the lowest yield also has a much later harvest date than we would predict. These observations hold for both the 2000 and three-year data. Mean Pinot noir harvest °Brix for 2000 was 19.9. Harvest was completed over a 21-day period in 2000 and the two-year data shows a 19-day span. In both instances clone 4 was the first harvested and clone 780 the last. Yield ranged from 5.7 (clone 870) to 9.4 (clone 666) kg vine”1 in 2000. As in preceding years, Merlot clone FPMS 8 had the lowest yield (6.3 tons/acre) in the 2000 growing season compared to the other clones (9.2 to 10.3 tons/acre). The primary contributing yield component was berries per cluster (103 for clone FPMS 8 versus 151 to 164 for clones 1, 3, 6, 9) this was also consistent with past data. In 2000 clone FPMS 8 produced the smallest berries and second lowest number of clusters per shoot. Averaged over six years, clone FPMS 8 has produced approximately two thirds the yield of the other four clones due to smaller clusters caused by reductions in both number of berries per cluster and berry size. Mean yield for all Malbec clones was 4.9 tons/acre for the 2000 crop and was 40%above the average of the preceding 4 years (3.5 tons/acre). Clonal differences were evident in all components of yield except berry weight. In 2000, clone FPMS 08 was again the most fruitful in all components and produced 9.7 tons per acre compared to 4.1 and 2.2 tons per acre for FPMS 04 and 06. In each of the last four years, FPMS 08 has consistently produced the greatest crop and FPMS 06 has produced the least. Averaged over five years, yields were 3.0, 2.2, and 6.2 tons per acre for FPMS 04, 06, and 08 respectively.