Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy of Grape Berry Shrivel
EMSL Project ID
30467
Abstract
The state of Washington is the second largest producer of premium wine in the nation and is ranked among the worlds top wine regions. Washington wines are found nationally in all 50 states and internationally in more than 40 countries generating more than $3 billion to the state economy. Recently, there has been a great concern for a new ripening disorder known as Berry Shrivel to grape growers and wine makers not only in the state of WA but also worldwide. Berry Shrivel entails shriveling of berries as the berries enter the ripening phase. It affects both red and white varieties. Typical symptoms include flaccid berries resembling a deflated soccer ball with reduced levels of color and sugar. Affected berries lose their cell viability; acidity is remarkably high causing increased sourness, and very often the berries develop an off-flavor. Berries with such unpleasant characteristics are unacceptable to wineries, hence, when it is observed in a vineyard block, they are selectively removed before harvest resulting significant yield losses. Currently, there are no known causes and solutions to this problem. Since phloem translocates sugar and xylem transports water and nutrients, perhaps a better understanding of the cellular details of the xylem and phloem pathways in the afflicted clusters will lead us to potential factors responsible for Berry Shrivel. The primary goal of this research is to examine the anatomy, internal morphology, and ultrastructure of the xylem and phloem pathways using scanning and transmission electron microscopy facility located at EMSL.
Project Details
Project type
Large-Scale EMSL Research
Start Date
2008-08-22
End Date
2009-08-23
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator