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Pre-Anthesis Cytokinin Applications Increase Table Grape Berry Firmness by Modulating Cell Wall Polysaccharides
Bárbara Rojas1,2, Felipe Suárez-Vega3, Susana Saez-Aguayo2
1Centro de Estudios Postcosecha, Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8831314, Chile.
Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 28, 2021
Summary
Plant growth regulators like CPPU enhance table grape quality. This study reveals CPPU application improves berry firmness by modifying cell walls and increasing calcium content in
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Plant Biology
- Horticulture
Background:
- Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are widely used in commercial table grape production.
- The synthetic cytokinin CPPU is employed to improve grape quality, but its effect on berry firmness remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of pre-anthesis CPPU application on 'Thompson Seedless' berry firmness.
- To elucidate the cytological, morphological, and biochemical mechanisms underlying CPPU's effect on berry firmness.
Main Methods:
- Application of CPPU at BBCH15 and BBCH55 stages.
- Cytological, morphological, and biochemical analyses of grape ovaries and berries.
- Immunofluorescence assays using antibodies against pectin and xyloglucan.
Main Results:
- CPPU treatment induced morphological changes in ovaries related to cell division and cell wall modification at anthesis (BBCH65).
- Immunofluorescence confirmed CPPU-induced cell wall modifications involving pectin and xyloglucan at anthesis.
- These early changes correlated with altered hemicellulose and pectin composition, increased calcium content, and enhanced berry firmness at harvest.
Conclusions:
- Pre-anthesis CPPU application significantly improves 'Thompson Seedless' berry firmness.
- CPPU influences berry firmness through early-stage cell wall modifications and calcium accumulation.
- Understanding these mechanisms can optimize PGR use for superior table grape quality.
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