Physiological Events that Underlie Cell Death and Shrinkage in the Grape Berry
Date
2023
Authors
Cai, Lishi
Editors
Advisors
Tyerman, Stephen
Pagay, Vinay
Pagay, Vinay
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Thesis
Citation
Statement of Responsibility
Conference Name
Abstract
Late-ripening berry shrinkage and mesocarp cell death of some Vitis vinifera L. varieties have caused increasing concerns in many wine regions worldwide due to the significantly decreased yield and deterioration of quality of both grape and wine. This can result in excess sugar accumulation, lower anthocyanins, poor flavour development (e.g., lower terpenoids) in grapes, and in wines, higher ethanol and more dead/stewed fruit characters. This phenomenon is variety-dependent, very typical in Shiraz, while it rarely occurs in Grenache. The underlying reason for this phenomenon remains elusive, with factors such as heat stress and berry hypoxia being suggested as potential contributors. The main aims of my research were to determine the physiological cause of cell death and berry shrinkage and to explore models to predict their occurrences. To examine in detail the berry microstructure (porosity) and oxygen concentrations in berries for Shiraz and compared to other varieties, based on the hypothesis that hypoxia in the grape berry is a contributing factor to cell death. To explore ways to ameliorate cell death and berry shrinkage in Shiraz, the effect of rootstock, bunch exposure and antitranspirants were trialled in my research.
School/Discipline
School of Agriculture, Food and Wine
Dissertation Note
Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, 2024
Provenance
This electronic version is made publicly available by the University of Adelaide in accordance with its open access policy for student theses. Copyright in this thesis remains with the author. This thesis may incorporate third party material which has been used by the author pursuant to Fair Dealing exceptions. If you are the owner of any included third party copyright material you wish to be removed from this electronic version, please complete the take down form located at: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/legals