Ultraviolet-B radiation, water deficit and abscisic acid: a review of independent and interactive effects on grapevines.

ALONSO RODRIGO; FEDERICO J. BERLI; RUBEN BOTTINI; PICCOLI PATRICIA.

BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY

Springer

Año: 2016

1677-0420

Viticulture is present around the word in a large diversity of climates. The water availability in the soil and the quality of sunlight are two environ- mental factors that affect the fruit characteristics for winemaking. Ultraviolet (UV)-B radiation comprises a small fraction of sunlight that reaches the Earth?s surface, but has enough energy to cause large photo- biological effects on higher plants. High UV-B increases metabolites with antioxidant properties as phenolic and volatile organic compounds in berries that improve oenological quality although affecting growth and fruit yield. Water restriction is a common cultural practice used in many wine regions to increase berry quality for winemaking and it is well docu- mented that main effects are mediated by abscisic acid (ABA). Generally, ABA is a phytohormone that, besides to control stomatal aperture, regulates many physiological and biochemical processes of acclima- tion to adverse environmental conditions; and also controls grape berry maturation. Stress conditions and/or environmental signals generally increase ABA, and a promotive effect by UV-B has been found in grapevines. This review provides an overview of existing literature on the effects of UV-B radiation, moderate water deficit practices and sprayed ABA on grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.). The focus is on the physiological and biochemical aspects affecting growth, yield and quality for winemaking.