Berry quality is a core objective of grapevine breeding. Most related traits are quantitative characteristics controlled by multiple genes, which are susceptible to the combined effects of genetic background and environmental factors. Deciphering the genetic basis of these traits is of great significance for molecular design breeding of grapes. This study systematically reviews the genetic characteristics of grape berry quality traits (e.g., berry size, texture, sugar and acid content, color, seedlessness, and aroma) and summarizes the research progress over the past three decades in identifying QTLs/candidate genes for quality traits using linkage analysis in bi-parental segregating populations and association analysis in natural populations. Grape berry size, shape and texture are typical polygenic quantitative traits with high broad-sense heritability; traits such as berry color, seedlessness and muscat flavor exhibit dual genetic characteristics of both qualitative and quantitative traits, which are regulated by major genes combined with minor genes. In addition, the phenotypic expression of most quality traits is significantly affected by environmental factors such as cultivation practices, light and temperature. In terms of linkage analysis, a total of approximately 386 QTLs associated with grape berry quality traits were mapped using about 60 hybrid populations dominated by F1 generations, among which the number of QTLs related to sugar and acid content was the largest. Major QTLs for seedlessness, berry size, texture and other traits were identified on linkage group 18, and a major QTL for muscat aroma was detected on linkage group 5. Meanwhile, key candidate genes such as VviAGL11, DXS and MYBA1/2 were excavated, and their core regulatory roles in seedlessness, muscat aroma and berry color were clarified. For association analysis, candidate gene association analysis confirmed that the sequence polymorphisms of gene clusters such as VvMybA and genes including DXS were significantly associated with fruit color, muscat aroma and other traits, and some genes exhibited pleiotropy. Genome-wide association analysis has identified a large number of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci and structural variations (SVs) related to berry quality traits, among which SVs contribute more to the genetic regulation of some traits than SNPs. At present, the application of molecular markers in grape quality breeding is still limited to traits controlled by major genes such as berry color, seedlessness and muscat aroma, and marker-assisted selection has not been practically applied to complex quantitative traits such as berry size and texture. Currently, the gene mapping of grape berry quality traits is still faced with challenges such as insufficient mapping accuracy, difficulties in multi-omics data integration, complexity in deciphering multi-gene interaction networks, and poor stability of molecular markers. In the future, relying on super pan-genome and high-throughput phenotyping platforms, combined with technologies such as deep learning and gene editing, it is necessary to strengthen research on gene-environment interactions, improve the accuracy of QTL mapping and the efficiency of gene function analysis, and construct an efficient molecular breeding technology system, so as to provide theoretical support and technical guarantee for the cultivation of high-quality grape varieties. This paper aims to offer a comprehensive literature reference and theoretical foundation for subsequent molecular design breeding of premium grape cultivars.
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The accumulation of anthocyanins and monoterpenes during grape berry color change at both metabolic and transcriptional levels were analyzed, to explore the spatio-temporal synthesis mechanisms of anthocyanins and monoterpenes, and provide a theoretical basis for the regulation of anthocyanin and monoterpene synthesis in table grape.
The grape berries of Ruiduhongyu were used as materials, sampling was started at 5 days before the veraison and continued until 40 days after the initial color change. The contents of total soluble solids and titratable acid in the berry samples were determined by conventional methods; The changes in monoterpene components and content in berries were determined with headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPEME-GC-MS); The content of total flavonoids and total anthocyanins were detected using a spectrophotometer; The expression changes of key genes involved in monoterpenes and anthocyanins synthesis were analyzed by transcriptome sequencing and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR.
With the advancement of the coloration process, the main components of 25 free and bound monoterpenes in the Ruiduhongyu berries fluctuated. Most of the free monoterpenes began to be synthesized in large quantities from the 20th day of coloration and reached the highest level at the 35-40 th day of coloration. The content of bound monoterpenes reached the highest level at 30 days after coloration. The content of bound monoterpenes was higher than that of free monoterpenes. Flavonoids were synthesized and accumulated in large quantities before the fruit coloration; the synthesis of anthocyanins was initiated along with the fruit coloration and reached the highest level at 20 days after coloration, followed by a slight decrease. Based on transcriptome sequencing, a total of 5 836 differentially expressed genes were identified, and the number of differentially expressed genes varied significantly among different developmental stages. The differentially expressed genes were enriched in the pathways of phenylalanine synthesis, flavonoid synthesis, and monoterpene synthesis. Among them, 14 differentially expressed genes were related to the monoterpene synthesis pathway, and 11 were related to the anthocyanin synthesis pathway. The expression patterns of these genes were consistent with the accumulation of monoterpenes and anthocyanins. Further correlation analysis screened out 24 transcription factors that were significantly correlated with the expression of multiple genes involved in the monoterpene and anthocyanin synthesis pathways.
The synthesis of anthocyanins in red Muscat type grape berries initiates earlier than that of the aroma compound monoterpenes, and the synthesis of the two types of compounds is regulated in a spatio-temporal pattern. The accumulation of monoterpenes and anthocyanins is closely related to the expression of multiple key enzyme genes in their synthesis pathways, and their synthesis is regulated at the transcriptional level of various genes.
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In grape breeding programs, the extensive planting of seedlings is a crucial aspect. However, grape seeds display distinct dormancy traits, necessitating a prolonged cold stratification process for dormancy release. In order to enhance the efficiency of breeding programs, this study presents an innovative in vitro embryo germination technique that eliminates the requirement for cold stratification of seeds. The method involves the disruption of peripheral tissue in grape seed embryos using a straightforward mechanical technique, resulting in the efficient production of a substantial quantity of seed embryos，with a germination rate of up to 88 % for these isolated embryos. These embryos are subsequently cultured in vitro to facilitate germination into seedlings, thereby eliminating the need for cold stratification. Consequently, grape seedlings can be obtained within a significantly reduced timeframe of 30–38 d, expediting the overall grape breeding process. This novel approach not only accelerates grape hybridization but also streamlines the selection of new grape varieties, contributing to an efficient and time-sensitive breeding methodology.
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