Search Results (1,968)

Chardonnay (Vitis vinifera L.) is one of the most widely cultivated white grape varieties in Chile, yet integrated studies addressing phenolic composition, polysaccharides, and color in commercial wines remain limited. This study characterized 30 commercial Chardonnay wines from major Chilean regions through a comprehensive analysis of phenolic composition, polysaccharide fractions, and CIELab color parameters, considering multiple sources of variability including vintage (2023–2024), closure type, geographic location, and valley of origin. Basic oenological parameters showed low variability, confirming their strong technological regulation in commercial wines. In contrast, total tannins, selected chromatic coordinates (particularly a* and hue angle), polysaccharide fractions, and several low-molecular-mass phenolics exhibited significant differences mainly associated with geographic origin and closure type. Among phenolic families, hydroxycinnamates, phenolic alcohols, and flavonols emerged as the most discriminant compositional domains. Multivariate analysis revealed that wine differentiation was structured by overlapping compositional gradients involving phenolic evolution, color expression, and polysaccharide composition rather than by vintage alone. Overall, the results highlight the multifactorial nature of Chardonnay wine composition and the combined contribution of grape origin, closure-associated bottle evolution, and winemaking factors. Nevertheless, because wines were commercially sourced and bottle age and storage conditions were not standardized, closure-associated differences should be interpreted cautiously as associations rather than causal effects. Full article

This study addresses the challenge of detecting white grape bunches (Vitis vinifera L.) in high-density vineyard canopies, a critical task for precision viticulture and yield estimation. Traditional statistical and image-processing methods have struggled to cope with occlusion issues. In this work, more than 200 field RGB images were collected at La Bergonza (Toledo, Spain) and expanded through data augmentation. Several preprocessing strategies were evaluated to enhance bunch visibility. Different convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures were compared, with YOLOv8 outperforming Mask R-CNN in terms of both accuracy and efficiency. YOLOv8, trained for up to 100 epochs on equalized and augmented datasets, achieved outstanding performance, with 84.9% precision, 72.6% recall, and an mAP@0.5 of 83%, far surpassing Mask R-CNN (17% precision and 26% recall). The model successfully detected partially occluded grape bunches, including some that were not visible to human experts, and outperformed previous studies that relied on controlled backgrounds or artificial lighting. The results demonstrate that combining RGB equalization with data augmentation significantly improves detection performance. These findings highlight the potential of deep learning and low-cost RGB imaging systems to enable automated and scalable solutions for yield estimation and canopy analysis. In conclusion, YOLOv8 emerges as a promising tool for accurate grape bunch detection under real field conditions, effectively overcoming previous technological limitations. Full article

This study evaluates the impact of the complete early leaf removal on the fruit zone for consecutive growing seasons (2023–2024) on the agronomic performance and oenological potential of the indigenous Greek red cultivar Avgoustiatis (Vitis vinifera L.), which is cultivated in Zakynthos, Greece. The defoliated treatment significantly reconfigured vine productivity, inducing a 33–34% reduction in yield during both years of the study and a contraction in berry mass, which consequently increased the skin-to-berry ratio by 30% and 60% for the 2023 and 2024 vintages, respectively. In the must, defoliation facilitated a desirable decoupling of sugar and acidity, achieving higher soluble solids while maintaining a robust acid core. Furthermore, defoliation enhanced phenolic maturity, in both vintages, increasing total anthocyanins and improving their extractability. Although extreme thermal conditions in 2024 led to lower color intensity and total phenolics in the treated wines compared to the control, the volatile profile revealed a significant reduction in herbaceous C₆ alcohols and an increase in floral terpenes like nerol. Sensory analysis confirmed that defoliated wines were characterized by lower astringency and superior aromatic typicity, with distinct notes of violet and vanilla. These findings suggest that early defoliation is a potent tool for optimizing the structural and aromatic integrity of Avgoustiatis, though its application must be adapted against Mediterranean thermal stress. Full article

Drought is one of the main stress factors significantly affecting the growth, development and yield of agricultural crops. This study investigated the impact of drought stress on the grapevine. The 30 cultivars were classified as drought-tolerant, intermediately tolerant or sensitive. The phenotypic characteristics the number of new leaves, the number of second-order roots and the length of second-order roots (NL, NR2 and LR2 respectively) were identified as the most sensitive biometric characteristics. These parameters can be used to determine the optimal level of stress exposure for plants. Using transcriptomic data from five cultivars with different levels of tolerance, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in control plants and in plants under stress, as well as DEGs between different varieties when exposed to 2% mannitol. General patterns of gene expression under drought stress were subsequently identified, including the activation of antioxidant defense systems and changes in the metabolism and biosynthesis of glucan, cellulose, polysaccharides, monocarboxylic acids, fatty acids and metal transport and splicing processes. It is hypothesized that drought tolerance is determined by the increased expression of genes associated with glutathione metabolism and methylation processes. Full article

Soil salinization is one of the major abiotic stresses limiting agricultural production. As an economically important fruit tree worldwide, grapevine generally exhibits weak salt tolerance. Therefore, identifying key stress-tolerance genes is of great significance for improving stress resistance in grapevines. In this study, the transcription factor gene VvWRKY57, which is induced by salt stress, was cloned from the grape cultivar Vitis vinifera ‘Shine Muscat’. Its function under salt stress was systematically evaluated via heterologous overexpression in Arabidopsis thaliana. The full-length CDS of the VvWRKY57 gene is 915 bp, encoding a protein of 305 amino acids. The protein contains a typical WRKY conserved domain, belongs to group II of the WRKY family, and is localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm. Expression pattern analysis showed that VvWRKY57 was expressed in roots, stems, and leaves of grapevine. Based on this expression profile, transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants overexpressing VvWRKY57 were generated to further investigate its role in salt tolerance. Subsequent salt tolerance assays revealed that, compared with wild-type plants, the overexpression lines exhibited stronger resistance phenotypes under salt stress. This study demonstrates for the first time that grape-derived VvWRKY57 functions in enhancing salt tolerance in model plants, providing a novel genetic resource and theoretical basis for crop salt-tolerance molecular breeding using this gene. Full article

Grape pomace extract (GPE) from Vitis vinifera L. cv. Aglianico is rich in polyphenols with recognized cardioprotective properties, yet its direct electrophysiological effects on spontaneous cardiac activity have not been previously investigated. Here, we examined the chronotropic effects of GPE using two complementary models: HL-1 cardiomyocytes, assessed by whole-cell patch-clamp and intracellular Ca²⁺ imaging, and the Drosophila melanogaster larval heart tube, evaluated by optical recording. In HL-1 cells, chronic treatment with 25 µg/mL GPE for 48 h significantly reduced potential spontaneous action frequency and selectively prolonged the diastolic depolarization phase without altering action potential morphology, depolarization-activated currents, or cytosolic Ca²⁺ homeostasis. GPE reduced the hyperpolarization-activated funny current (I_f) density without shifting its voltage dependence. GPE-treated cells retained cAMP sensitivity, as both isoproterenol and intracellular 8-Br-cAMP significantly increased I_f amplitude, while ELISA quantification confirmed that global cAMP levels were unaffected by GPE. In Drosophila larvae, a cAMP-independent myogenic preparation, GPE administered in the diet significantly reduced heart rate. These findings demonstrate that Aglianico GPE exerts a negative chronotropic effect through a mechanism that reduces functional I_f density without altering cAMP availability or HCN channel voltage dependence, and reveal a cAMP-independent component of action conserved across phylogenetically distant species. Full article

An isolate of Peniophora lycii was obtained from grapevine, and its interactions with several grapevine-associated fungi and the plant host were examined. The fungus was not able to infect intact leaves, but necrotized the margins of foliar disks and caused necrosis and white rot in woody tissues. In dual cultures, P. lycii and Aureobasidium pullulans showed mutual antagonism. Mycoparsitism of P. lycii was observed on epiphytic Botrytis cinerea, Alternaria sp., and endophytic Botryosphaeria dothidea interaction partners. In contrast, P. lycii showed trophic growth towards endophytic Phaeomoniella chlamydospora without any signs of harmful interactions. Dual inoculations of foliar disks with epiphytic fungi revealed no effects of fungal interactions on necrosis development by pathogens and verified mycoparasitic interactions in planta. Co-infection assays of cuttings with endophytic pathogen fungi showed cumulative effects of fungal interactions on wood symptom expression, with the exclusive contribution of P. lycii to white rot development. In addition to providing the first isolation of P. lycii from grapevine and the description of its mycoparasitic behavior, the present study suggests that the fungus may act as an opportunistic grapevine pathogen, probably as a secondary colonizer in trunk diseases. The observed dual host preference may allow trunk disease pathogens to initially feed on fungi, followed by damage to the grapevine. This may be in connection with the exceptionally long latency of these syndromes. Full article

Plant genetic resources are increasingly viewed as a key tool to address the multiple challenges faced by modern viticulture. In this context, local grape cultivars are proposed as a strategy to enhance resilience to climate change and to diversify wine styles. However, while genetic identification has been widely reported, field-based phenotyping information for local cultivars under current climate conditions remains limited. In this context, phenotyping results are presented for six local Andalusian cultivars (Castellano, Beba, Cañocazo, Mantúo de Pilas, Perruno and Vigiriega). All cultivars were grown in a vineyard plot in the Marco de Jerez and evaluated over three consecutive seasons (2023–2025). Morphology was assessed using 46 descriptors, allowing cultivars to be grouped into two main clusters. Phenological monitoring showed a measurable year effect while preserving a consistent relative ranking among cultivars, most clearly during veraison and ripening, with Castellano reaching these stages earlier and Mantúo de Pilas later. Grape must composition highlighted contrasting ripening dynamics, with Palomino Fino and Castellano generally reaching higher sugar levels, whereas Vigiriega and Mantúo de Pilas showed the most acidic profiles. These results provide growers with performance-based comparative information to support cultivar selection for new plantings and to explore the potential of local cultivars for developing new wine styles under warm climate conditions. Full article

Glass bottles remain ideal for wine marketing and long-term storage, but they also represent a major contributor to the overall carbon footprint of wine production. Although aluminum and plastic are emerging as alternative packaging, these materials can influence wine quality. The impact of wine packaging on the composition, color, and total phenolics of red wine and white wine was evaluated at 0, 6, and 12 months of storage at 15 °C in 2022 and 2023. Chambourcin and Vignoles (Vitis hybrids) grapes were harvested, produced into wine, then bottled in different packaging. Eight wine packaging treatments were evaluated for the 2022 wines, including three glass treatments (250 mL, 375 mL, and 750 mL) and five 250 mL containers of aluminum (AL), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and polypropylene (PP). Ten wine packaging treatments were evaluated for the 2023 wines, including three glass treatments (250 mL, 375 mL, and 750 mL), three aluminum treatments (250 mL, 375 mL, and 500 mL), three PET treatments (two 250 mL and 750 mL), and one 750 mL flexible pouch. In both years, the packaging treatment significantly impacted dissolved oxygen, free sulfur dioxide, L*, Delta E, and chroma at 6- and 12 months of storage in the red and white wines. As expected, the wine in glass packaging (375 and 750 mL) had the best color and phenolic stability during storage. Regardless of packaging treatment, Delta E (where values >5 indicate noticeably different color compared to wines in Glass 750 at bottling) for these wines increased during storage. For alternative packaging, aluminum and PET had potential for wine stored up to 6 months but less at 12 months of storage. Alternative packaging can lower the wine industry’s carbon footprint but does not provide the extended shelf-life of wine offered by glass packaging. However, alternative packaging remains a promising option for wines intended to be consumed within six months of bottling. Full article

Background: Soccer kicking biomechanics has traditionally focused on lower limbs, overlooking whole-body integration. Three-dimensional motion analyses have demonstrated that upper limbs contribute substantially through tension arc formation, counterbalancing, and kinetic chain coordination. The hand–wrist complex may influence performance through proprioceptive pathways, yet this remains untested. Methods: Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus (inception—February 2026). Peer-reviewed studies examining kicking mechanics, kinetic chains, and joint proprioception were included. Two reviewers independently screened records and extracted data. Narrative synthesis was used to organize findings across four thematic categories: upper limb biomechanics, kinetic chain principles, wrist–hand stability, and proprioceptive enhancement. Results: From 3847 records, 51 studies (1988–2025) were included. Upper limbs are essential for kicking through tension arc formation, energy transfer, and balance maintenance. Kinetic chains operate bidirectionally; available evidence suggests that proximal segment deficits are associated with substantially increased compensatory demands at distal segments. External joint support has been shown to enhance proprioception and force perception. Conclusions: This scoping review identifies a theoretical rationale and a critical research gap: no direct empirical evidence exists that hand–wrist bandaging affects kicking performance. Evidence from adjacent domains (upper limb kicking biomechanics, kinetic chain theory and proprioceptive enhancement with external supports) provides indirect, translational support for the plausibility of a hypothesis that remains entirely untested. Future research should employ within-subject crossover designs in elite soccer players to determine whether this intervention produces any measurable effect. Practical recommendations to athletes or practitioners are premature and are not supported by the current evidence base. Full article

Background/Objectives: Percutaneous cryoneurolysis (CNL) has emerged as a minimally invasive neuromodulatory technique for focal spasticity management, with growing international clinical adoption since 2018. Its application to upper limb motor nerve targets—including branches of the musculocutaneous, radial, median, ulnar, pectoral, and thoracodorsal nerves—is of direct relevance to clinicians involved in the surgical and non-surgical management of hand and upper extremity spasticity. The existing literature lacks a comprehensive systematic appraisal of its evidence base. This systematic scoping review aimed to map all published evidence on CNL for spasticity across all aetiological groups and anatomical regions, with particular attention to upper limb and hand-relevant targets; appraise methodological quality using design-appropriate tools; characterise the safety profile; apply the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework to key outcome domains; and identify critical evidence gaps. Methods: A systematic scoping review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines (search through February 2026). PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase (via Ovid), Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were searched. Methodological quality was assessed using JBI Critical Appraisal Checklists, Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I), and A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews-2 (AMSTAR-2). Certainty of evidence was evaluated using GRADE. Results: Twenty-five studies met inclusion criteria; no randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were identified. In the largest prospective observational cohort (n = 59, 12-month follow-up), CNL produced statistically significant improvements in passive range of motion (ROM), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) scores, and pain in patients with upper limb spasticity refractory to botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A). A prospective safety study (n = 113 patients; 277 nerves) documented that 96.75% of nerve treatments produced no post-procedural sensory disturbance; the risk was approximately 10-fold higher for mixed sensorimotor than purely motor nerve targets (7.1% vs. 1.1%). Certainty of evidence was Very Low (⊕◯◯◯) for all efficacy outcomes and Low (⊕⊕◯◯) for safety. Conclusions: CNL represents a mechanistically sound second-line or complementary intervention for refractory focal spasticity. In the upper extremity context, it may additionally serve as a reversible functional evaluation tool before irreversible surgical decisions—including selective neurotomy—are made. The evidence base is critically constrained by the absence of RCTs, confirmed cohort overlap between the two largest primary studies, financial conflicts of interest with the primary device manufacturer identified in ≥48% of included studies (≥12/25), and single-institution concentration of primary evidence (≥69% of primary clinical studies from one research group). Multiple ongoing controlled trials are expected to provide higher-quality evidence to inform guideline development. Full article

Pre-harvest bagging protects table grapes from environmental stress, yet its interannual impact on the plant fatty acid profile remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the fatty acid profile and Atherogenicity Index (AI) and Thrombogenicity Index (TI) as health indices of three traditional cultivars (“Doña María”, “Dominga”, “Aledo”). Grapes were cultivated under bagged and unbagged conditions over two consecutive seasons characterized by contrasting thermal stress, and their lipid extracts were evaluated using gas chromatography and multivariate statistical tools. The analytical results revealed a profile predominantly composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids, primarily linoleic acid. Both genotype and protective bagging significantly modulated lipid accumulation. Uniquely, the extreme heatwave of the second season triggered a profound lipid remodeling, increasing the total polyunsaturated fraction by over 40% in “Doña María” as a putative adaptive response to maintain membrane fluidity. Nutritionally, all cultivars demonstrated exceptional cardioprotective potential, recording atherogenicity indices below 0.11. These findings provide novel insights into the resilience of table grapes, validating them as a robust source of functional lipids. Furthermore, tracking this lipid remodeling offers the agricultural industry a sensitive biochemical tool to optimize protective strategies and ensure crop quality under increasing climate volatility. Full article

This study investigates the feasibility of viticultural photovoltaics (Viti-PV) in Malta—a small European island state in the Mediterranean—through a mixed-methods approach, combining a standardised questionnaire (n= 13 viticulturists) with expert interviews involving stakeholders from viticulture, energy and policy. Results show that while Viti-PV offers tangible benefits such as shading, reduced irrigation needs and income diversification to this sunny, warm and relatively dry island, adoption is constrained by high investment costs, regulatory prohibitions and concerns over landscape impacts. For policy and practice, the findings highlight the necessity of tailored financing models, regulatory adaptation and participatory pilot projects to build evidence and stakeholder confidence. Viti-PV can contribute simultaneously to renewable energy targets and viticultural climate resilience, but its implementation depends on coordinated support across technical, economic and institutional dimensions. Full article

Dry-farmed vineyards of Vitis vinifera L. cv. País in central–southern Chile represent one of the oldest viticultural systems in the Americas; however, objective compositional evidence supporting valley-scale typicity remains limited. This single-vintage study evaluated whether dry-farmed País wines from the Maule and Itata valleys exhibit compositional and sensory differences under standardized winemaking conditions. Ten monovarietal wines (2018 vintage; n = 5 per valley) were produced by controlled microvinification and analysed for general chemistry, phenolic composition, polysaccharides, chromatic attributes (CIELAB), and volatile compounds (SPME–GC–MS), together with descriptive sensory analysis by a trained panel. Total phenols (~1.2 g GAE L⁻¹), anthocyanins (~130 mg malvidin-3-glucoside equivalents L⁻¹), and tannins were low and comparable between valleys. However, differences were observed in specific compositional domains: Maule wines showed higher flavanols, polysaccharides, and aldehydes, whereas Itata wines exhibited higher ester levels. Sensory evaluation revealed differences in colour intensity, floral aroma, retronasal red-fruit notes, and astringency. Multivariate analysis (PCoA) revealed a structured but partial separation between valleys; however, this pattern was not supported by PERMANOVA, indicating limited statistical evidence for multivariate differentiation. These findings, based on a single vintage, suggest subtle compositional and sensory differences rather than strong valley-level typicity. Full article