Open Access
Unlocking Spanish pear genetic diversity: strategies for construction of a national core collection
(Springer Nature, 2024-11-04) Irisarri, Patricia; Urrestarazu Vidart, Jorge; Ramos-Cabrer, Ana; Pereira-Lorenzo, Santiago; Velázquez-Barrera, María Encarnación; Díaz-Hernández, María Belén; Dapena, Enrique; Urbina, Valero; Dalmases, Josep; Ríos-Mesa, Domingo; Crespo Martínez, Sara; Loidi Erviti, Maite; Santesteban García, Gonzaga; Ascasíbar-Errasti, Javier; Errea, Pilar; Miranda Jiménez, Carlos; Pina, Ana; Agronomía, Biotecnología y Alimentación; Agronomia, Bioteknologia eta Elikadura; Institute for Multidisciplinary Research in Applied Biology - IMAB
Spanish pear germplasm collections are crucial for preservation, research, and breeding efforts. However, genetic diversity and structure is unknown at national level. A coordinated national project analyzed 1251 accessions from 7 Spanish pear collections using an internationally recognized set of 14 SSRs to enhance the utilization of these collections. Key findings included the identification of 760 unique genotypes (490 diploids and 270 triploids). Notably, genotypes represented by a single accession accounted for 49% of the total, indicating high vulnerability of this material. Using a Bayesian clustering method revealed two main genetic groups, G1 containing most foreign cultivars and G2 retaining local Spanish cultivars, which were further divided into two other subgroups using a nested approach, revealing moderate but significant differentiation among them. The populations were renamed according to the origin of the reference samples assigned to each group as 'South' (G1.1), 'Western Europe-1' (G1.2), 'Western Europe-2' (G2.1) and 'No-Pyrus communis' (G2.2). The results led to the creation of a 'generalist' collection, aiming to maximize genetic diversity representativeness, starting with 68 genotypes but expanding to 111 to achieve better allele recovery. This core collection is a valuable resource for genetic studies and conservation, enhancing efforts to preserve pear biodiversity.
Open Access
Identificación de síntomas previsuales de salinidad mediante imágenes hiperespectrales infrarrojas en vid
(Sociedad Española de Ciencias Hortícolas, 2022) Arazuri Garín, Silvia; Pérez Roncal, Claudia; Jarén Ceballos, Carmen; Santesteban García, Gonzaga; Marín Ederra, Diana; Miranda Jiménez, Carlos; López Maestresalas, Ainara; Agronomía, Biotecnología y Alimentación; Agronomia, Bioteknologia eta Elikadura; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza; Institute for Multidisciplinary Research in Applied Biology - IMAB; Institute on Innovation and Sustainable Development in Food Chain - ISFOOD
Los niveles altos de salinidad que se pueden producir en un viñedo, asociados generalmente al uso de aguas de baja calidad genera un tipo de estrés abiótico que limita la producción de la uva y afecta a la calidad de los vinos. Teniendo en cuenta la importancia de la monitorización de los cultivos en la toma de decisiones para una buena gestión del viñedo, se plantea como objetivo de este trabajo la identificación previsual de síntomas de estrés abiótico en viña por medio de la tecnología de imágenes hiperespectrales en el infrarrojo cercano (HSI-NIR). Para llevar a cabo este objetivo, se realizó un ensayo en maceta en la Finca de Prácticas de la Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica y Biociencias de la UPNA. El ensayo se realizó con plantas de un año de la variedad Monastrell sobre dos portainjertos 110R y 1103P. Se establecieron dos tratamientos: control (regado con agua de riego no salina) y salinidad (agua de riego con una concentración de sal común de 1,6 g/l). Entre finales de agosto y principios de septiembre se realizaron tres muestreos de hojas, analizando un total de 600 hojas (100 hojas/tratamiento y día). Las imágenes se tomaron con una cámara hiperespectral Xeva 1.7-320-100Hz, con rango espectral 900-1700nm. Una vez procesadas las imágenes se realizó una clasificación mediante un análisis discriminante por mínimos cuadrados parciales (PLS-DA) obteniéndose un porcentaje de muestras correctamente clasificadas en su grupo de origen (control o salinidad) del 82 % el primer día de muestreo, y del 87 % a partir del segundo día. A partir de estos datos podemos concluir que es posible identificar, mediante la tecnología HSI-NIR, síntomas en plantas sometidas a un tratamiento de riego con agua salina antes de que aparezcan síntomas en las hojas.
Open Access
The role of rootstocks for grape growing adaptation to climate change: meta-analysis of the research conducted in Spanish viticulture
(International Viticulture and Enology Society, 2023) Santesteban García, Gonzaga; Rekarte, Isabel; Torres Molina, Nazareth; Galar Martínez, Mónica; Villa Llop, Ana; Visconti, Fernando; Intrigliolo, Diego S.; Escalona, José M.; Herralde, Felicidad de; Miranda Jiménez, Carlos; Agronomía, Biotecnología y Alimentación; Agronomia, Bioteknologia eta Elikadura; Institute for Multidisciplinary Research in Applied Biology - IMAB
Rootstock election is one of the key decisions when designing a vineyard. Although the research performed to determine the effect they induce in the behaviour of scion varieties is not scarce, it is not easy to have a global idea, as results are usually published scattered. In this work, we re-examine previous research conducted in Spain on rootstock implications on vine agronomic performance through the performance of a meta-analysis (MA). As a result, we were able to integrate the information reported in 20 articles that included rootstock experimentation conducted with 36 different varieties and 47 different rootstocks, totalling 764 individual records. However, when the information was filtered before the meta-analysis, this number decreased to 312 records, for which rootstock Response Ratios (RR) were calculated. The characteristics conferred by the rootstock were more closely related to the rootstock itself, rather than to the characteristics of the Vitis sp. crossing used to create the rootstock. Several rootstocks were identified as more suitable for adapting to future climate change conditions, as far as they were able to moderate sugar accumulation and pH (161-49 C, 41-B MGt and 420A MGt). Meanwhile, 140 Ru and 5-BB were observed to provide high pH and sugar contents despite their high yield. In conclusion, despite being based on data from a single country, the meta-analysis was shown to be a useful tool for enhancing the value of previous research on rootstocks. Combining articles from both peer-reviewed and technical journals helped in the assessment of the implications of different rootstocks, although further steps should be taken to facilitate data integration (harmonisation of measurement and reporting procedures, open data repositories, etc).
Open Access
Pollen viability, self-incompatibility, and a very singular S-allele structure between the reasons for the limited potential productivity of traditional Basque cider apple varieties
(Elsevier, 2023) Crespo Martínez, Sara; Oneka Mugica, Oihane; Laquidain Imirizaldu, María Jesús; Urrestarazu Vidart, Jorge; Santesteban García, Gonzaga; Miranda Jiménez, Carlos; Agronomía, Biotecnología y Alimentación; Agronomia, Bioteknologia eta Elikadura; Institute for Multidisciplinary Research in Applied Biology - IMAB; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
Cider regions conserve a broad diversity of traditional cultivars for which knowledge has hardly evolved. Key aspects of their reproductive biology are barely known, hindering improvement in orchard management and resulting in highly variable yields. In this study, we characterized key aspects of the reproductive biology of some traditional apple cultivars from the Basque-style cider-producing area in northern Spain (Basque Country and Navarre). We tested for pollen quality, self-compatibility, and cross-compatibility (S-genotyping). The pollen quality was good except for Urtebete, Errezila, Reineta Encarnada, and triploid varieties. Self-pollination results confirm the need for pollinators, as only Moko and Txalaka showed certain self-compatibility. Regarding Sgenotyping, the population proved very singular, with an atypically high frequency of S26, a frequent allele within crabapples, and the appearance of a novel unpublished allele (S60). The knowledge generated for this variety pool will contribute to a better choice of suitable pollinators, preventing the use of popular crabapple varieties that are demonstrated to be partly incompatible with them, and will lead to an increase in potential yields in the region.
Open Access
Assessment of flesh browning diversity in apple germplasm collections phenotyped by image analysis
(ISHS, 2023) Miranda Jiménez, Carlos; Irisarri, Patricia; Arellano Zapatero, Julia; Bielsa, F. J.; Valencia Leoz, Ana; Urrestarazu Vidart, Jorge; Pina, Ana; Santesteban García, Gonzaga; Castel, L.; Errea, Pilar; Agronomía, Biotecnología y Alimentación; Agronomia, Bioteknologia eta Elikadura; Institute for Multidisciplinary Research in Applied Biology - IMAB
Enzymatic flesh browning (EB) is one of the major problems affecting the quality and limiting the shelf life of minimally processed fruit. Traditionally, EB has been measured objectively using colourimeters. However, colourimeters are not suitable for phenotyping large quantities of fruit samples as they measure just one small area of a sample at a time, which hampers the acquisition of representative measurements and renders them time-consuming and costly. Previous research has shown that image analysis of digital photographs could be a viable alternative to obtain colour information of the entire surface of samples for large scale phenotyping, but to date there are no references for its practical application. The aim of this work was to assess the diversity in EB in a large set of cultivars phenotyped using digital photographs and a high-throughput analytical system based on image analysis developed by our team. A set of 143 cultivars from 104 genotypes, including modern references (16 cultivars) and traditional Spanish cultivars from UPNA (67 cultivars) and CITA (60 cultivars) germplasm collections was analysed in 2020 and 2021. The traditional cultivars were part of the core collection, which optimizes the representativeness of the genetic variation of apples preserved in Spanish collections. EB was evaluated in 10 fruits per cultivar and photographed at regular intervals from just after cutting to one hour later. A wide range of EB intensities was observed, with up to 20-fold differences between cultivars, which could be classified into five levels using two indices. The time at which EB was evaluated (30 or 60 min after slicing) had little influence on the classification. Traditional cultivars with low or very low EB were found to be comparable to those of references with less EB. The results show the potential of traditional germplasm to diversify the varietal offer and introduce new traits in apple breeding.
Open Access
Nitrogen isotope ratio (δ15N): a nearly unexplored indicator that provides useful information in viticulture
(International Viticulture and Enology Society, 2024-05-15) Santesteban García, Gonzaga; Loidi Erviti, Maite; Urretavizcaya Sanz, Inés; Galar Martínez, Mónica; Crespo Martínez, Sara; Royo Díaz, José Bernardo; Miranda Jiménez, Carlos; Agronomía, Biotecnología y Alimentación; Agronomia, Bioteknologia eta Elikadura; Institute for Multidisciplinary Research in Applied Biology - IMAB; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua
The study of the natural abundance of nitrogen-stable isotopes is an aspect of viticulture research that has received limited attention. While stable isotopes of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen have received significant attention, nitrogen isotope ratio (S15N) 15 N) remains a less studied yet potentially informative parameter. This paper explores the implications of S15N 15 N measurements in grapevines, shedding light on its utility as an indicator for nitrogen sources, plant water status, and within-field variability. The study examines the influence of nitrogen sources, dose, and sampling organs on S15N 15 N values, revealing distinct trends in petioles, berries, and seeds. Organic fertilisers led to higher S15N 15 N values compared to inorganic sources, while increasing nitrogen doses exhibited a much weaker effect on S15N. 15 N. Moreover, S15N 15 N values vary spatially within vineyards, associating with its topography and potential soil composition, soil management and water availability. Our results highlight the importance of considering S15N 15 N in viticulture, suggesting its integration with S13C 13 C for comprehensive insights into nitrogen cycling and soil management practices. The findings advocate for further research to harness the full potential of 15 N as a valuable tool in viticultural studies.
Open Access
Recovery of ancient grapevine plant material in peri‑urban areas. A case of success in Pamplona (Spain) leading to the recovery of cv. Berués
(Elsevier, 2022) Crespo Martínez, Sara; Mayor Azcona, Blanca; Oneka Mugica, Oihane; Loidi Erviti, Maite; Villa Llop, Ana; Marín Ederra, Diana; Miranda Jiménez, Carlos; Santesteban García, Gonzaga; Urrestarazu Vidart, Jorge; Agronomia, Bioteknologia eta Elikadura; Institute for Multidisciplinary Research in Applied Biology - IMAB; Agronomía, Biotecnología y Alimentación; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua
Viticulture was relatively important in the peri‑urban area of Pamplona till the end of the 19th century, but suffered a continued regression that has led to a nearly complete disappearance of vineyards. In this context, this work aims to evaluate the feasibility of recovering old grapevine germplasm in the peri‑urban area of Pamplona. The lack of a conventional source for recovering plant material (i.e. absence of old vineyards in the area) implied the need of designing an alternative prospecting procedure. This method included the analysis of the available historical information as open-access resources (orthophotos, land use maps and GIS applications) aiming to identify the areas with the highest probability of finding vines surviving from the general abandonment and uprooting of vineyards that had occurred in the 20th century. Based on the oldest on scale orthophoto available for Navarra, a vineyard land map of the peri‑urban area of Pamplona in year 1956 was built, allowing prospecting efforts to be focused on specific areas of primarily interest. Following this strategy, a total of 120 plants were collected, which corresponded to 44 genotypes. The most prominent achievement of this prospecting mission was the recovery of 15 accessions of Berués, a very old variety with a remarkable importance in the region according to old historical records, and considered to be disappeared. The methodology proposed was effective in searching for the oldest standing-alone plants surviving in the peri‑urban area of Pamplona, and may be adapted to assist the recovery of old grapevine germplasm in other currently non wine-growing regions/areas where viticulture was relevant some decades ago. © 2021
Open Access
Agronomic evaluation of eight 41 B × 110 richter grapevine genotypes as rootstock candidates for mediterranean viticulture
(KeAi Communications, 2023) Marín Ederra, Diana; Miranda Jiménez, Carlos; Abad Zamora, Francisco Javier; Urrestarazu Vidart, Jorge; Mayor Azcona, Blanca; Villa Llop, Ana; Santesteban García, Gonzaga; Agronomía, Biotecnología y Alimentación; Agronomia, Bioteknologia eta Elikadura; Institute for Multidisciplinary Research in Applied Biology - IMAB; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
Choosing the most appropriate rootstock(s) is a key decision for the profitability of vineyards; therefore, there must be a sufficient range of rootstocks in the market adapted to different environmental conditions and production objectives. However, rootstock-breeding programs have been scarce in recent decades, and most of the rootstocks used today were bred a century ago, when the needs of the sector were very different from today. In this work, we aimed to evaluate new rootstock candidates before their introduction in the market. An agronomic evaluation was conducted on eight novel rootstock genotypes obtained from the first generation of the cross-pollination of 41 B Millardet et de Grasset (41 B) and 110 Richter (110 R) grafted with ‘Syrah’ and ‘Tempranillo’ and planted in a typical vineyard of the Ebro Valley in Spain. During the four consecutive growing seasons (2016e2019), growth, yield and berry composition parameters at harvest were collected. A linear mixedeffects model was constructed, considering year and block as random effects. Multiple factor analysis and hierarchical clustering on principal components were performed to establish clusters of genotypes with similar behaviour. The rootstock candidates showed a very wide performance range compared to their parents. The trial allowed us to identify two very promising candidates (RG8 and RG10), whose registration as commercial rootstocks is already in progress.
Open Access
Dynamics of GFLV, GFkV, GLRaV-1, and GLRaV -3 grapevine viruses transport toward developing tissues
(Springer, 2023) Crespo Martínez, Sara; Ramírez Lacunza, Asier; Miranda Jiménez, Carlos; Urrestarazu Vidart, Jorge; Santesteban García, Gonzaga; Agronomía, Biotecnología y Alimentación; Agronomia, Bioteknologia eta Elikadura; Institute for Multidisciplinary Research in Applied Biology - IMAB; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
Viral diseases in grapevine cause large economic losses due to decreased irregular yield and unbalanced ripening, and can even lead to plant mortality. There is a large number of grapevine viral agents, and a few of them have a prominent impact due to their worldwide distribution, virulence, and incidence. Although previous research has evaluated variations in viral load between organs and time since infection, there is still a lack of knowledge on how the viruses are transported toward developing tissues. In this work, we present the results of two experiments that contribute to understanding the spread dynamics of four major grapevine viruses (GFLV, GFkV, GLRaV-1, and GLRaV -3). Bud and leaf tissues were sampled from shoots obtained from cv. ‘Garnacha’ cuttings known to be infected with one of these viruses. Bud samples taken at early development stages were used to understand short-distance transport, while leaves taken from young shoots represented long-distance transport, driven mainly through the phloem. Our results show that all viruses were able to invade tissues from the beginning of development. The dissemination ability of GFLV was considerable, as the viral load detected in young organs was as high as in the dormant shoot. Furthermore, for GFLV and GFkV, it was shown that the viral load in young shoots does not follow the general assumption of older tissues accumulating a higher viral load but, conversely, a higher viral load closer to the shoot tip might be driven by the sink strength.
Open Access
fruclimadapt: an R package for climate adaptation assessment of temperate fruit species
(Elsevier, 2021) Miranda Jiménez, Carlos; Urrestarazu Vidart, Jorge; Santesteban García, Gonzaga; Agronomía, Biotecnología y Alimentación; Agronomia, Bioteknologia eta Elikadura
Climate strongly determines the growing range of fruit plant species that can be grown successfully in an area, and also the cultivars that will perform best. Therefore, the assessment of the adequacy of a climate is critical for decision-making in the design of fruit orchards and vineyards, and also for the evaluation of the potential consequences of future climate on fruit production. Bioclimatic indices and plant phenology models are commonly used to assess the suitability of climate for growing quality fruit and to provide temporal and spatial information about regarding ongoing and future changes. In this paper, we present fruclimadapt, a flexible and versatile package in the R language that streamlines the assessment of climate adaptation and the identification of potential risks for grapevines and fruit trees. A core set of functions allows to assess climate adaptation of fruit tree species by calculating specific bioclimatic index values and to evaluate potential threats to yield and fruit quality. Three additional sets of functions have been included as companions to: i) downscale daily meteorological values to hourly data, ii) estimate winter chill and forcing heat accumulation and iii) estimate the occurrence of phenological phases. fruclimadapt is currently available from the CRAN website (https://cran.r-project.org/package=fruclimadapt).