Anthocyanins accumulation and genes-related expression in berries of cv. Tannat (Vitis vinifera L.)

Abstract: Anthocyanins accumulation and gene expression in berries of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Tannat trained in Lyre system was investigated. Expression of genes involved in anthocyanins biosynthetic pathway as chalcone synthase (CHS), flavonoid 3-hydroxylase (F3H), dihydroflavonol 4- reductase (DFR), and UDP-glucose flavonoid-3-O- glucosyl transferase (UFGT) was examined. On the other hand, the influence of plant architecture, Lyre and vertical shoot positioned (VSP) trellis systems, on anthocyanins accumulation and gene expression was also analyzed. Final contents of total anthocyanins were not affected by trellis systems but varied in two years with different water deficit imposition period. However, the individual profile of the genes and anthocyanidins modified according to the moment of water deficit imposition (veraison or harvest) and by the trellis systems (Lyre or VSP). Analysis of gene expression in Lyre along the berry development period showed that low leaf water potentials after veraison cause an earlier and greater induction compared with expression in a year with low leaf water potential at harvest. At harvest, the hydric deficit induced an increase in the expression of CHS, F3H and DFR genes and a higher total anthocyanins content. The study revealed that plant architecture affect the expression of anthocyanins related gene in berries possibly by modifying the canopy microclimate.