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Horticulturae
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Novel Insights into Sustainable Viticulture
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Novel Insights into Sustainable Viticulture

A special issue of Horticulturae (ISSN 2311-7524). This special issue belongs to the section "Viticulture".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 August 2025 | Viewed by 5538

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Xiangyu Sun

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Guest Editor
College of Enology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
Interests: grape; fruit; wine; color; aroma
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Yu Wang

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Guest Editor
School of Tea and Food Science & Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
Interests: grape; viticulture; fruit wine; flavor; omics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Xiangyi Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Plant Science, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
Interests: grapes aroma; transcriptional regulation for monoterpene
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As the global demand for high-quality, sustainably produced wine grows, innovative approaches in viticulture are paramount. This Special Issue, titled "Novel Insights into Sustainable Viticulture", invites researchers and practitioners to contribute their latest findings and methodologies in the propagation and cultivation of grapevines.

This Special Issue aims to highlight advancements in grapevine propagation that enhance sustainability, focusing on both traditional and cutting-edge techniques that ensure genetic integrity, disease resistance, and environmental adaptability. We encourage submissions that explore a range of topics, including but not limited to clonal selection, hybridization, the use of rootstocks, biotechnological innovations, and organic practices.

Moreover, contributions may cover improvements in water and nutrient management, pest and disease control strategies that minimize chemical inputs, and the integration of biodiversity to bolster ecosystem resilience. Furthermore, we are interested in research that applies precision agriculture technologies to optimize vineyard management and ensure the sustainability of viticulture practices.

This Special Issue will serve as a comprehensive resource for horticulturists, agronomists, researchers, and industry stakeholders who are at the forefront of transforming grape cultivation to meet modern challenges while maintaining the highest quality of grape production. Through collaborative research, we aim to foster viticultural practices that are productive, sustainable, and adaptable to changing climatic conditions.

Submissions of original research articles, review papers, and case studies are welcome. We look forward to your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Xiangyu Sun
Dr. Yu Wang
Dr. Xiangyi Li
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Horticulturae is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • grape quality
  • aroma
  • colour
  • cultivation

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 10218 KiB  
Article
Integrative Analysis of Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Profiles Identifies Distinct Dynamic Changes in Primary and Secondary Metabolites in Grape Berries Under Fruit-Specific Light Exposure
by Xuan Luo, Jiahao Wu, Hongjuan Li, Xintong Wang, Wendi Wang, Hui Li, Kunfeng Li and Songling Bai
Horticulturae 2025, 11(5), 481; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11050481 - 30 Apr 2025
Viewed by 139
Abstract
Light influences fruit development and quality through two primary pathways: its effect on vegetative organs, which subsequently impacts the fruit, and its direct effect on the fruit itself. While the mechanism of the former pathway is well-documented, the direct impact of light on [...] Read more.
Light influences fruit development and quality through two primary pathways: its effect on vegetative organs, which subsequently impacts the fruit, and its direct effect on the fruit itself. While the mechanism of the former pathway is well-documented, the direct impact of light on fruit has been less studied due to limitations in applying controlled light exposure to preharvest fruit. This study addresses this gap by developing a novel device that delivers fruit-specific light treatment, enabling precise light exposure without altering the light conditions of vegetative tissues. The integration of metabolomics and transcriptomics reveals that light can directly affect the growth and development of fruits and the formation of quality, independent of the vegetative organs. Our findings reveal distinct regulatory patterns for primary and secondary metabolites during maturation. Direct light exposure activates primary metabolites and photosynthetic gene expression, though this effect diminishes as the fruit matures. Conversely, light enhances secondary metabolites, such as flavonoids, and their associated gene expressions, maintaining consistent activation throughout development and leading to higher accumulation during maturation. This study provides the first transcriptomic and metabolomic characterization of grape berries exposed to fruit-specific light treatment, advancing our understanding of light-dependent fruit development and quality formation mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Insights into Sustainable Viticulture)
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16 pages, 1868 KiB  
Article
Alternative Effects Yeast-Based Biostimulants Against Downy Mildew in Vitis vinifera cv Cabernet Sauvignon
by Sergio Puccioni, Chiara Biselli, Rita Perria, Gianmaria Zanella and Mauro Eugenio Maria D’Arcangelo
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 203; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020203 - 14 Feb 2025
Viewed by 582
Abstract
Grapevine downy mildew, caused by Plasmopara viticola, is one of the most destructive vineyard diseases worldwide, with the potential to devastate up to 90% of harvests under adverse conditions. Traditional chemical-based control strategies are increasingly restricted due to environmental concerns and the [...] Read more.
Grapevine downy mildew, caused by Plasmopara viticola, is one of the most destructive vineyard diseases worldwide, with the potential to devastate up to 90% of harvests under adverse conditions. Traditional chemical-based control strategies are increasingly restricted due to environmental concerns and the development of resistant pathogen strains, prompting the search for sustainable alternatives. This study evaluated the efficacy of two yeast-based biostimulants (YE1, an experimental formulation, and YE2, Romeo, a commercial preparation containing Cerevisane®) in mitigating P. viticola infections in Vitis vinifera cv Cabernet Sauvignon under open field conditions. Field trials were designed to monitor the effects of these bioproducts on grapevine metabolism, with a focus on the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds linked to plant defense responses. Both biostimulants demonstrated significant efficacy against downy mildew, achieving protection levels above 93% during critical growth stages. Metabolic analyses of leaves revealed distinct impacts of YE1 and YE2 on secondary metabolite dynamics. YE1 primarily promoted the accumulation of flavonols, such as quercetin glycosides and kaempferol glucosides, which are known to contribute to pathogen resistance through antimicrobial activity and ROS detoxification. Compared to the untreated sample, quercetin glycosides levels in YE1 leaves were approximately 700 µg/g higher (+9.6%), in comparison to control conditions, on a dry weight basis after the first treatment in 2019 and about 900 µg/g higher (+13.7%) after the final treatment in 2020. A similar trend was observed for kaempferol concentrations, which were 70 µg/g (+98.7%) and 100 µg/g higher (+24.6%) on the same dates. In contrast, YE2 enhanced the biosynthesis of caftaric and coutaric acids, known for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. These compounds were induced by YE2 over time and, after the last treatment, in 2019 caftaric acid levels were approximately 345 µg/g higher (+25.9%), than control condition, while coutaric acid levels were 30 µg/g higher (+33.8%). The stilbene piceid was also induced at early stages by treatments, indicating its role in enhancing plant defenses. In 2019, after the first treatment, both YE1 and YE2 applications induced an increase in piceid concentration, compared to the control, of approximately 2.5 µg/g (+104.8%) for YE1 and 1.3 µg/g for Y2 (+55.0%). In contrast, in 2020, the effect was more pronounced for YE2, with concentrations exceeding the control by 2 µg/g (+46.2%). The results suggest that these yeast-based bioproducts act as elicitors, effectively enhancing grapevine immunity and reducing reliance on synthetic inputs. This study provides novel insights into the metabolic mechanisms underlying the efficacy of yeast-based biostimulants against downy mildew and offers practical guidance for their strategic application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Insights into Sustainable Viticulture)
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14 pages, 7781 KiB  
Communication
Millerandage—One of the Grapevine Cultivation Challenges in the Climate Change Context
by Maria Doinița Muntean, Liliana Lucia Tomoiagă, Horia Silviu Răcoare, Alexandra Doina Sîrbu, Ioana Sorina Giurcă, Veronica Sanda Chedea, Alin Cristian Teușdea and Maria Comșa
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020165 - 4 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 818
Abstract
This study investigates millerandage, a physiological disorder affecting grapes during their development. In the climate change context, millerandage can become a viticultural hazard problem causing yield drops and posing challenges regarding wine quality due to uneven ripening in grape clusters. Using the 2023 [...] Read more.
This study investigates millerandage, a physiological disorder affecting grapes during their development. In the climate change context, millerandage can become a viticultural hazard problem causing yield drops and posing challenges regarding wine quality due to uneven ripening in grape clusters. Using the 2023 vintage data from the Research Station for Viticulture and Enology Blaj (SCDVV Blaj), Târnave wine region, Romania, we assessed the climate conditions of 2023, focusing on the adverse climatic conditions from the flowering phenophase and the observed millerandage grade that occurred as a consequence. A total of 26 grapevine cultivars were monitored, assessing millerandage grade by field observations carried out in two grapevine plantations (S1 and S2) in July (BBCH 79) and September (BBCH 87). The results show statistically significant differences, with cultivars like Ezerfurtu (Ez), Napoca (Na), and Rhin Riesling (RR) exhibiting a millerandage grade higher than 35%, while cultivars like Pinot noir (PN) and Pinot gris (PG) showed resilience, with millerandage grades below 1%. These findings highlight cultivar-specific vulnerabilities and provides insights into millerandage’s role as a climate change challenge in viticulture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Insights into Sustainable Viticulture)
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13 pages, 3688 KiB  
Article
Identification of the LH2 Locus for Prostrate Hair Density in Grapevine
by Bohan Yang, Jiaqi Liu, Qinqin Gu, Zhizhuo Xu, Xiukun Yao, Jianxiang Liang, Menghao Xu, Jiang Lu and Peining Fu
Horticulturae 2024, 10(12), 1309; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10121309 - 9 Dec 2024
Viewed by 852
Abstract
Prostrate hairs are one of the anatomic barriers for grapevine resistance to pests and diseases, as well as in environmental adaptability, making them valuable for breeding programs. This study investigates the genetic determinants underlying prostrate hair density in grapevine, a key trait associated [...] Read more.
Prostrate hairs are one of the anatomic barriers for grapevine resistance to pests and diseases, as well as in environmental adaptability, making them valuable for breeding programs. This study investigates the genetic determinants underlying prostrate hair density in grapevine, a key trait associated with resistance to pests and pathogens. Using an F1 hybrid population derived from Vitis vinifera L. ‘Cabernet Sauvignon cv.’ and V. pseudoreticulata W.T.Wang ‘Huadong1058’, we performed a combination of quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping and genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify the genomic regions influencing the density of prostrate hair. We identified a major locus on 9.56–10.54 Mbp of chromosome 17, designated as ‘LH2’, which accounts for 43% of the phenotypic variation. This locus was delineated with high precision, and 92 candidate genes were identified within the region. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that these genes are potentially involved in binding, catalytic activity, and various cellular processes. In particular, the SNP markers ‘chr17_10130288’ and ‘chr17_10428273’ were significantly associated with prostrate hair density, providing valuable information for marker-assisted selection. These findings offer a reliable target for analyzing the hair development mechanism of grapevine leaves and breeding new cultivars rich in prostrate hair on the back of the leaves. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Insights into Sustainable Viticulture)
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8 pages, 269 KiB  
Communication
First Experience of Late Pruning on Kékfrankos Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) in Eger Wine Region (Hungary)
by Szabolcs Villangó, András Szekeres, György Végvári, Gitta Ficzek, Gergely Simon and Zsolt Zsófi
Horticulturae 2024, 10(11), 1223; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10111223 - 19 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1122
Abstract
Traditional winter pruning in dormancy (BBCH-00) as control (C) and three late pruning treatments, LP1 (wool stage—BBCH-05), LP2 (two leaves folded—BBCH-12), and LP3 (four leaves folded—BBCH-14), were applied on Kékfrankos grapevines. The evolution of the phenological growth stages, grape juice, wine analytical parameters, [...] Read more.
Traditional winter pruning in dormancy (BBCH-00) as control (C) and three late pruning treatments, LP1 (wool stage—BBCH-05), LP2 (two leaves folded—BBCH-12), and LP3 (four leaves folded—BBCH-14), were applied on Kékfrankos grapevines. The evolution of the phenological growth stages, grape juice, wine analytical parameters, and phenolic composition were evaluated. The quantitative aspects of the grape berry, bunch, yield, and cane were also assessed. Our goal was to reach a decrease in sugar content and an increase in acidity. Delaying or postponing the phenological phases to bring technological and phenolic ripening closer together was also one of our objectives. These were accomplished, but the negative aspects of late pruning, which resulted in a reduction in the diameter and weight of the canes, should also be taken into account. We also found that, the later the late pruning, the more the yield was reduced. By postponing pruning, the phenological phases were also extended. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Insights into Sustainable Viticulture)
18 pages, 7449 KiB  
Article
Norisoprenoid Accumulation under Genotype and Vintage Effects in Vitis vinifera L. Wine Varieties
by Xiangyi Li, Naveed Ahmad, Yuan Gao, Yachen Wang, Xiao Meng, Changqing Duan, Jiang Lu and Qiuhong Pan
Horticulturae 2024, 10(9), 970; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10090970 - 12 Sep 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1275
Abstract
Norisoprenoids are important chemical compounds to grape and wine aroma, and their content in the grape berries can be greatly affected by varietal, terroir, and environmental factors. In this study, we investigate how major factors, such as genotype and climate conditions, influence the [...] Read more.
Norisoprenoids are important chemical compounds to grape and wine aroma, and their content in the grape berries can be greatly affected by varietal, terroir, and environmental factors. In this study, we investigate how major factors, such as genotype and climate conditions, influence the physicochemical properties of grape juice, volatile C13-norisoprenoid compounds, and gene expression profiles of three Vitis vinifera grape varieties: Muscat blanc à Petit grain, Muscat à petits grains rouges, and Gewürztraminer during the production period in 2010 and 2011. The total soluble solids (TSS) of both Muscat varieties were significantly higher in 2011 compared to 2010, reflecting interannual climatic variations, while Gewürztraminer showed no significant differences. At full maturity, total acid of all three cultivars was consistent between the years, indicating genetic determination. Thirteen norisoprenoids were identified, with Muscat varieties showing consistently higher levels than Gewürztraminer, irrespective of the production year. Varietal differences were significant for 13 out of 14 volatile compounds, and vintage effects were notable for 11 compounds, including key aroma contributors β-damascenone and β-ionone. OPLS-DA analysis highlighted distinct volatile profiles for each variety and vintage, influenced by climatic factors such as precipitation and sunlight hours. Gene expression analysis revealed strong correlations between VvCCD1, VvCCD4a, and VvCCD4b genes and C13-norisoprenoid accumulation, with these genes also implicated in the ABA biosynthesis pathway. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in VvCCD1, VvCCD4a, and VvCCD4b were linked to variations in norisoprenoid content among the cultivars. Altogether, these findings revealed the interaction of genetic and environmental factors in shaping the physicochemical properties for the grape, volatile profiles, and gene expression patterns of grape berries, with significant implications for viticulture and the winemaking process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Insights into Sustainable Viticulture)
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