Papers by Alonso G Pérez-Donoso

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Grapevine development and ripening are complex processes that involve several biochemical pathway... more Grapevine development and ripening are complex processes that involve several biochemical pathways, including fatty acid and lipid metabolism. Fatty acids are essential components of lipids, which play crucial roles in fruit maturation and flavor development. However, the dynamics of fatty acid metabolism in grape flowers and berries are poorly understood. In this study, we present those dynamics and investigate the mechanisms of fatty acid homeostasis on ‘Thompson Seedless’ berries using metabolomic and proteomic analyses. Low-polar metabolite profiling indicated a higher abundance of fatty acids at the pre-flowering and pre-veraison stages. Proteomic analyses revealed that grape flowers and berries display unique profiles of proteins involved in fatty acid biosynthesis, triacylglycerol assembly, fatty acid β-oxidation, and lipid signaling. These findings show, for the first time, that fatty acid metabolism also plays an important role in the development of non-oil-rich tissues, op...

C. Fassio, R. Cautin, A. G. Perez-Donoso, M. Castro, and C. Bonomelli. Comparative branching orde... more C. Fassio, R. Cautin, A. G. Perez-Donoso, M. Castro, and C. Bonomelli. Comparative branching order and root anatomy of clonal and seed-grown avocado trees (Persea americana Mill.). Int. J. Agric. Nat. Resour. 134-144. Characterizing roots according to their branching order and anatomy is a useful approach for identifying functional differences within and among root systems. In this study, the root branching order and the anatomy of each root order (stele and cortex area) were examined in two-year-old "Duke 7" avocado (Persea americana Mill.) trees propagated by seed and by clonal techniques. The root systems were found to have three different root orders that exhibited differences in the occurrence of secondary xylem. Fine roots (first-and second-order roots) presented only primary growth, whereas the main roots (third-order roots) exhibited secondary growth. Transverse sections of roots from the different orders showed pentarch, hexarch or heptarch tracheal element distributions. Newly emerged, long, unbranched pioneer roots were observed only in the clonal trees and showed particular anatomical features, such as a larger diameter and a proportionally greater cortex area than other roots, as well as primary growth. Additionally, significant differences were found between clonal and seedling trees in the stele area of third-order roots; clonal propagation resulted in larger stele areas in this type of root. Our results suggest that propagation methods influence the presence of new pioneer roots and the anatomy of third-order roots; clonal root systems branch more extensively than seed-grown root systems and develop a vascular system with a larger transport capacity.
Table Grape
CRC Press eBooks, Jan 15, 2019

Ciencia e investigación agraria, 2012
and B.G. Defilippi. 2012. Cold storage effects on oxidative stress of Red Globe table grape rachi... more and B.G. Defilippi. 2012. Cold storage effects on oxidative stress of Red Globe table grape rachises. Cien. Inv. Agr. 39(1): 91-104. Table grape (Vitis vinifera L.) quality includes the condition of both the berries and the rachis. In the present report, physiological parameters of Red Globe rachises from fully elongated inflorescences (RFEI) and from mature clusters were studied after storage at 0 or 20 °C for different durations. To understand changes in rachis physiology as a result of changes in temperature conditions and storage time, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were measured. In addition, hydrogen peroxide content, membrane lipoperoxidation (TBARS), total phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity (FRAP) were assayed. TBARS was higher in mature rachises than in RFEI. This parameter remained constant throughout storage, indicating a change presumably associated with ontogeny or senescence processes. Short-term storage (0-96 h) increased SOD, CAT and APX activities in RFEI, while in mature rachises, no changes were observed in enzyme activities or in hydrogen peroxide content. Longer cold storage (25 or 53 days at 0 ºC) of mature rachises reduced CAT activity, but SOD and APX activities did not change under these conditions. At 0 h, the FRAP and total phenolic contents of mature rachises were three and 20 times higher than in immature rachises, respectively.

Rachis browning and water loss description during postharvest storage of ‘Krissy’ and ‘Thompson Seedless’ table grapes
Postharvest Biology and Technology, 2022
Abstract Rachis browning is a serious symptom of water loss affecting the quality of table grapes... more Abstract Rachis browning is a serious symptom of water loss affecting the quality of table grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) during storage. It has been evaluated subjectively based on a color scale or by image analysis, while water loss, which is considered as the main factor behind this problem, is mostly measured on basis of whole-cluster weight loss, with only few studies focusing on the rachis exclusively. Our main objective was to compare the sensitivity to water loss and rachis browning of ‘Krissy’ and ‘Thompson Seedless’ cultivars under different storage conditions and using different methods of evaluation (NIR spectrometry, image analysis, colorimeter, weight loss from initial weight and relative water content). The rachises were evaluated during 3 d subjected to a combination of temperatures (0 °C or 20 °C), relative humidity (Saturated or reduced RH), and previous storage at 0 °C for 0 (HT, Harvest Time) and 30 days (ST, Storage Time). NIR spectra (896−2500 nm) were collected, and Partial Least Squares regression (PLS) models were calculated to test the correlation between the spectra and the measurements from other evaluation techniques. Results showed that ‘Krissy’ is more sensitive to dehydration symptoms than ‘Thompson Seedless’. Saturated RH combined with low temperature (0 °C) are the most suitable to reduce rachis browning and water loss during the 3 d of storage at both HT and ST. The decrease in RWC (Relative Water Content) coincided with an increase in rachis browning throughout storage. Additionally, results provided six NIRS-based prediction models for browning severity (R2 = 0.82 and 0.84), hue color (R2 = 0.68 and 0.72) and water loss (R2 = 0.63 and 0.90) in rachises of ‘Krissy’ and ‘Thompson Seedless’, respectively. These results demonstrate that the NIRS can be a suitable non-destructive method to quantify a range of rachis browning severity produced under different storage conditions.
Proteomic and metabolomic integration reveals the effects of pre-flowering cytokinin applications on central carbon metabolism in table grape berries
Food Chemistry

Color and other quality parameters of "Redglobe" grape (Vitis vinifera L.) berries were evaluated... more Color and other quality parameters of "Redglobe" grape (Vitis vinifera L.) berries were evaluated after treatment with brassinosteroid (BR) analogs. Three BRs analogs (24epibrassinolide, Triol, or Lactone) were applied at three concentrations (0.0, 0.4, or 0.8 mg•L −1), at the onset of veraison. A commercial formulation (B-2000 R) was also applied, at a recommended rate of 0.06 mg•L −1. The tested BR analogs were effective improving berry color (evaluated as color index for red grapes, CIRG), increasing the levels of soluble solids and anthocyanins, and changing the types of anthocyanins present without altering other quality and yield parameters. The effects of BR analogs on color enhancement could be explained by an increase in soluble solids content and/or anthocyanin content. Treatment with 24-epibrassinolide (at 0.4 mg•L −1) or the commercial formulation tended to favor the production of dihydroxylated anthocyanins, which are responsible for the red and pink colors of grape berries. Results indicate that the use of BRs constitutes a potential tool in the production of table grapes. This is the first report of this enhancement effect in a productive context.

Color and other quality parameters of "Redglobe" grape (Vitis vinifera L.) berries were evaluated... more Color and other quality parameters of "Redglobe" grape (Vitis vinifera L.) berries were evaluated after treatment with brassinosteroid (BR) analogs. Three BRs analogs (24epibrassinolide, Triol, or Lactone) were applied at three concentrations (0.0, 0.4, or 0.8 mg•L −1), at the onset of veraison. A commercial formulation (B-2000 R) was also applied, at a recommended rate of 0.06 mg•L −1. The tested BR analogs were effective improving berry color (evaluated as color index for red grapes, CIRG), increasing the levels of soluble solids and anthocyanins, and changing the types of anthocyanins present without altering other quality and yield parameters. The effects of BR analogs on color enhancement could be explained by an increase in soluble solids content and/or anthocyanin content. Treatment with 24-epibrassinolide (at 0.4 mg•L −1) or the commercial formulation tended to favor the production of dihydroxylated anthocyanins, which are responsible for the red and pink colors of grape berries. Results indicate that the use of BRs constitutes a potential tool in the production of table grapes. This is the first report of this enhancement effect in a productive context.

Horticulture Research, 2020
Grapevine rupestris stem pitting associated virus (GRSPaV) is one of the most widely distributed ... more Grapevine rupestris stem pitting associated virus (GRSPaV) is one of the most widely distributed viruses; even so, little is known about its effect on Vitis vinifera. To provide new insights, the effects of single and mixed GRSPaV infections on the V. vinifera cultivar “Cabernet Sauvignon” were studied by evaluating growth parameters, such as measurements of the total plant length, the number and distance of internodes and the number of leaves per shoot. In addition, parameters relating to gas exchange, i.e., the stomatal conductance, net photosynthetic rate, internal CO2 concentration and leaf transpiration, were also assessed. All the measurements were performed in one- and two-year-old plants with a single GRSPaV infection or mixed infections of GRSPaV and Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV). The results show that the plant phytosanitary status did not significantly alter the growth and gas exchange parameters in one-year-old plants. However, in two-year-old plants, single GRSPaV infe...

HortTechnology, 2016
Root morphological traits and biomass allocation were studied in 2-year-old ‘Duke 7’ avocado (Per... more Root morphological traits and biomass allocation were studied in 2-year-old ‘Duke 7’ avocado (Persea americana) trees propagated using seedling and clonal techniques. The plants either were or were not grafted with the scion ‘Hass’. Whole tree excavation 1 year after planting revealed that the propagation technique affected the root growth angle of the main roots (third order roots), the root length density (defined as the total length of roots per volume of soil), and the number of first and second order roots present. The root system of clonal trees showed a typical morphology of rooted cuttings, with a crown of roots originating from a relatively short stem, resulting in a shallow root system. Clonal trees, compared with seedlings, produced main framework roots with shallower angles and more fine roots (first and second order roots) that increased the root length density (defined as the total length of roots per volume of soil). Nongrafted seedlings exhibited a main taproot and l...

South African Journal of Enology and Viticulture, 2019
In the near future, stomatal behaviour will be crucial to counteract conditions arising from clim... more In the near future, stomatal behaviour will be crucial to counteract conditions arising from climate change. Grapevine varieties are classified as either isohydric or anisohydric, depending on the sensitivity of stomata to water deficit and on their water potential homeostasis. However, the great variability observed in different studies indicates that a continuum exists in the range of stomatal sensitivity to water stress. Thus, more knowledge about the hydric behaviour and the gas exchange of isohydric and anisohydric grapevine varieties under different water conditions could lead to the development of irrigation strategies oriented at improving water-use efficiency, yield and berry composition. In this study, research was conducted in order to characterise the stomatal regulation of four different Vitis vinifera L. varieties, namely Pinot noir, Sauvignon blanc, Chardonnay and Merlot, according to soil water status. Measurements of leaf gas exchange, together with measurements of stem water potential (Ψs) and leaf water potential (Ψl), were taken during two seasons. Under conditions of water stress, Chardonnay and Merlot reached a minimum Ψs of-1.67 and-1.68 MPa respectively, and higher levels of water-use efficiency (A N/ g s), of 62.3 and 69.7 μmol CO 2/ mol H 2 O respectively. In Sauvignon blanc and Pinot noir, the minimum Ψs was-1.26 and-1.40 MPa respectively, with lower levels of A N/ g s (53.1 and 50.5 μmol CO 2/ mol H 2 O, respectively). Under conditions of water stress (Ψl <-0.9 MPa and Ψs <-0.6 MPa), all varieties had a significantly increased A N/ g s 1 , despite a significant reduction in gas exchange. Therefore, the hydric behaviour and gas exchange observed in this study suggest that Chardonnay and Merlot could be characterised as anisohydric varieties, as they present less sensitive stomatal control, while Pinot noir can be classified as a near-anisohydric variety and Sauvignon blanc as an isohydric variety. New investigations should consider other characteristics of the varieties to classify them better.

Horticulture Research, 2020
Grapevine rupestris stem pitting associated virus (GRSPaV) is one of the most widely distributed ... more Grapevine rupestris stem pitting associated virus (GRSPaV) is one of the most widely distributed viruses; even so, little is known about its effect on Vitis vinifera. To provide new insights, the effects of single and mixed GRSPaV infections on the V. vinifera cultivar “Cabernet Sauvignon” were studied by evaluating growth parameters, such as measurements of the total plant length, the number and distance of internodes and the number of leaves per shoot. In addition, parameters relating to gas exchange, i.e., the stomatal conductance, net photosynthetic rate, internal CO2 concentration and leaf transpiration, were also assessed. All the measurements were performed in one- and two-year-old plants with a single GRSPaV infection or mixed infections of GRSPaV and Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV). The results show that the plant phytosanitary status did not significantly alter the growth and gas exchange parameters in one-year-old plants. However, in two-year-old plants, single GRSPaV infe...

Frontiers in plant science, 2018
Color and other quality parameters of "Redglobe" grape ( L.) berries were evaluated aft... more Color and other quality parameters of "Redglobe" grape ( L.) berries were evaluated after treatment with brassinosteroid (BR) analogs. Three BRs analogs (24-epibrassinolide, Triol, or Lactone) were applied at three concentrations (0.0, 0.4, or 0.8 mg⋅L), at the onset of veraison. A commercial formulation (B-2000) was also applied, at a recommended rate of 0.06 mg⋅L. The tested BR analogs were effective improving berry color (evaluated as color index for red grapes, CIRG), increasing the levels of soluble solids and anthocyanins, and changing the types of anthocyanins present without altering other quality and yield parameters. The effects of BR analogs on color enhancement could be explained by an increase in soluble solids content and/or anthocyanin content. Treatment with 24-epibrassinolide (at 0.4 mg⋅L) or the commercial formulation tended to favor the production of dihydroxylated anthocyanins, which are responsible for the red and pink colors of grape berries. Results ...

HortTechnology, 2016
Root morphological traits and biomass allocation were studied in 2-year-old ‘Duke 7’ avocado (Per... more Root morphological traits and biomass allocation were studied in 2-year-old ‘Duke 7’ avocado (Persea americana) trees propagated using seedling and clonal techniques. The plants either were or were not grafted with the scion ‘Hass’. Whole tree excavation 1 year after planting revealed that the propagation technique affected the root growth angle of the main roots (third order roots), the root length density (defined as the total length of roots per volume of soil), and the number of first and second order roots present. The root system of clonal trees showed a typical morphology of rooted cuttings, with a crown of roots originating from a relatively short stem, resulting in a shallow root system. Clonal trees, compared with seedlings, produced main framework roots with shallower angles and more fine roots (first and second order roots) that increased the root length density (defined as the total length of roots per volume of soil). Nongrafted seedlings exhibited a main taproot and l...

South African Journal of Enology and Viticulture, 2019
In the near future, stomatal behaviour will be crucial to counteract conditions arising from clim... more In the near future, stomatal behaviour will be crucial to counteract conditions arising from climate change. Grapevine varieties are classified as either isohydric or anisohydric, depending on the sensitivity of stomata to water deficit and on their water potential homeostasis. However, the great variability observed in different studies indicates that a continuum exists in the range of stomatal sensitivity to water stress. Thus, more knowledge about the hydric behaviour and the gas exchange of isohydric and anisohydric grapevine varieties under different water conditions could lead to the development of irrigation strategies oriented at improving water-use efficiency, yield and berry composition. In this study, research was conducted in order to characterise the stomatal regulation of four different Vitis vinifera L. varieties, namely Pinot noir, Sauvignon blanc, Chardonnay and Merlot, according to soil water status. Measurements of leaf gas exchange, together with measurements of stem water potential (Ψs) and leaf water potential (Ψl), were taken during two seasons. Under conditions of water stress, Chardonnay and Merlot reached a minimum Ψs of-1.67 and-1.68 MPa respectively, and higher levels of water-use efficiency (A N/ g s), of 62.3 and 69.7 μmol CO 2/ mol H 2 O respectively. In Sauvignon blanc and Pinot noir, the minimum Ψs was-1.26 and-1.40 MPa respectively, with lower levels of A N/ g s (53.1 and 50.5 μmol CO 2/ mol H 2 O, respectively). Under conditions of water stress (Ψl <-0.9 MPa and Ψs <-0.6 MPa), all varieties had a significantly increased A N/ g s 1 , despite a significant reduction in gas exchange. Therefore, the hydric behaviour and gas exchange observed in this study suggest that Chardonnay and Merlot could be characterised as anisohydric varieties, as they present less sensitive stomatal control, while Pinot noir can be classified as a near-anisohydric variety and Sauvignon blanc as an isohydric variety. New investigations should consider other characteristics of the varieties to classify them better.

Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research, 2015
Background and Aims: Tyloses and embolisms have been reported to impair water transport during th... more Background and Aims: Tyloses and embolisms have been reported to impair water transport during the development of Pierce's disease (PD), caused by the xylem-dwelling pathogen Xylella fastidiosa. This work investigates the relative importance of these xylem conduit obstructions in stems of inoculated Vitis vinifera plants. Methods and Results: After 18 weeks in a greenhouse, internodes from control and needle-inoculated Chardonnay vines were assessed for embolisms using non-destructive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Tyloses were identified by subsequent destructive histology and light microscopy examination. Embolism of individual or small sectors of vessels was detected by MRI analysis of a control shoot, usually in the proximity of the pith; virtually no tyloses were observed in the corresponding histological sections. From a symptomatic (inoculated) shoot, MRIs revealed large areas of embolised vessels extending radially towards the epidermis in most of the internodes; several individual or groups of two to three vessels appeared to be occluded with tyloses. Conclusions: In all assessed internodes, MRI-detected embolisms were found more frequently than tyloses, suggesting that over the course of PD embolism formation precedes tylose development. Significance of the Study: Embolisms appear to be the first and predominant type of occlusion in stems during early PD progression; nevertheless, their importance for explaining water transport impairment has been overlooked in most studies.

Frontiers in plant science, 2018
Color and other quality parameters of "Redglobe" grape ( L.) berries were evaluated aft... more Color and other quality parameters of "Redglobe" grape ( L.) berries were evaluated after treatment with brassinosteroid (BR) analogs. Three BRs analogs (24-epibrassinolide, Triol, or Lactone) were applied at three concentrations (0.0, 0.4, or 0.8 mg⋅L), at the onset of veraison. A commercial formulation (B-2000) was also applied, at a recommended rate of 0.06 mg⋅L. The tested BR analogs were effective improving berry color (evaluated as color index for red grapes, CIRG), increasing the levels of soluble solids and anthocyanins, and changing the types of anthocyanins present without altering other quality and yield parameters. The effects of BR analogs on color enhancement could be explained by an increase in soluble solids content and/or anthocyanin content. Treatment with 24-epibrassinolide (at 0.4 mg⋅L) or the commercial formulation tended to favor the production of dihydroxylated anthocyanins, which are responsible for the red and pink colors of grape berries. Results ...

Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research, 2015
Background and Aims: Tyloses and embolisms have been reported to impair water transport during th... more Background and Aims: Tyloses and embolisms have been reported to impair water transport during the development of Pierce's disease (PD), caused by the xylem-dwelling pathogen Xylella fastidiosa. This work investigates the relative importance of these xylem conduit obstructions in stems of inoculated Vitis vinifera plants. Methods and Results: After 18 weeks in a greenhouse, internodes from control and needle-inoculated Chardonnay vines were assessed for embolisms using non-destructive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Tyloses were identified by subsequent destructive histology and light microscopy examination. Embolism of individual or small sectors of vessels was detected by MRI analysis of a control shoot, usually in the proximity of the pith; virtually no tyloses were observed in the corresponding histological sections. From a symptomatic (inoculated) shoot, MRIs revealed large areas of embolised vessels extending radially towards the epidermis in most of the internodes; several individual or groups of two to three vessels appeared to be occluded with tyloses. Conclusions: In all assessed internodes, MRI-detected embolisms were found more frequently than tyloses, suggesting that over the course of PD embolism formation precedes tylose development. Significance of the Study: Embolisms appear to be the first and predominant type of occlusion in stems during early PD progression; nevertheless, their importance for explaining water transport impairment has been overlooked in most studies.
Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, 2017
Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, 2017
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Papers by Alonso G Pérez-Donoso