Effect of vine nitrogen status, grapevine variety and rootstock on the levels of berry S-glutathionylated and S-cysteinylated precursors of 3-sulfanylhexan-1-ol

Abstract

Aim: To determine the effect of vine nitrogen status in interaction with grapevine variety and rootstock on vine development and on the synthesis of 3-sulfanylhexan-1-ol precursors (Glut-3SH and Cys-3SH) in grape berries produced in controlled conditions. Methods and results: Potted Sauvignon blanc (SB) and Cabernet-Sauvignon (CS) vines, grafted on two different rootstocks (110R and RGM), were irrigated with two nutritive solutions varying only by their nitrogen content (N(-) and N(+)). Vine nitrogen status of N(-) treatment was significantly different from that of N(+) treatment. Secondary leaf area was higher in N(+) treatment and ripening was delayed because of increased vigor. High N status increased Glut-3SH content in berries, while it did not impact Cys-3SH level. Moreover, the concentrations of 3SH precursors were higher in SB berries compared to CS and their synthesis was enhanced in berries produced by vines grafted onto RGM under N(+) treatment. Conclusion: Glut-3SH content was mainly determined by plant N status. Grapevine variety and rootstock/N treatment interaction also had a significant, although more limited, impact. Cys-3SH level was dependent on berry developmental stage and grapevine variety, but not on vine N status. Significance and impact of the study: A better understanding of the effect of terroir components on the biosynthesis of the precursors of volatile thiols is gained.

Keywords

• 3-sulfanylhexan-1-ol
• S-glutathionylated precursor
• S-cysteinylated precursor
• nitrogen
• Vitis vinifera
• grape berry
• variety
• rootstock