Hair-Like Structures and Special Genes Help Grapevines Resist Insect Damage

Jenn Hoskins
28th June, 2024

Hair-Like Structures and Special Genes Help Grapevines Resist Insect Damage

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers from The Ohio State University studied the resistance of two grapevine varieties to Japanese beetle herbivory
  • Vitis labrusca acc. ‘GREM4’ showed greater resistance to Japanese beetle feeding compared to Vitis vinifera cv. ‘PN40024’
  • The resistance in Vitis labrusca was due to tougher leaves and specific resistance-related genes
Grapevine (Vitis) is one of the world’s most valuable fruit crops, but insect herbivory can decrease yields. Understanding insect herbivory resistance is critical to mitigating these losses. Researchers from The Ohio State University conducted a study to assess the resistance of Vitis labrusca acc. ‘GREM4’ and Vitis vinifera cv. ‘PN40024’ grapevines to Popillia japonica (Japanese beetle) herbivory and identified morphological and genetic adaptations underlying this putative resistance[1]. The study is significant because it addresses a major problem in viticulture: insect herbivory, which can lead to substantial economic losses. Japanese beetles are particularly damaging as they feed on grapevine leaves, reducing the plant's ability to photosynthesize and ultimately decreasing fruit yield. In their research, the team compared two grapevine varieties: Vitis labrusca, a wild North American species known for its hardiness, and Vitis vinifera, a commonly cultivated European grapevine. The researchers aimed to identify traits that might confer resistance to Japanese beetle herbivory in these plants. The study found that Vitis labrusca acc. ‘GREM4’ exhibited greater resistance to Japanese beetle feeding compared to Vitis vinifera cv. ‘PN40024’. This resistance was attributed to both morphological and genetic factors. Morphologically, Vitis labrusca leaves were found to be tougher and less palatable to the beetles, which deterred feeding. Genetically, specific resistance-related genes were identified that could be responsible for the observed resistance. This research builds on previous studies that have investigated resistance to various pests and diseases in grapevines. For example, earlier research has shown that Vitis species exhibit varying degrees of resistance to downy mildew and powdery mildew, two significant fungal diseases affecting grapevines. In one study, researchers found that certain Vitis species and hybrids had high levels of resistance to downy mildew, although there was notable variation within species[2]. Another study highlighted the genetic variation in ontogenic resistance to powdery mildew, identifying genotypes that remain susceptible past the onset of ripening[3]. Additionally, research on mealybug resistance in grapevines has shown that certain rootstocks can exhibit resistance to Planococcus ficus, a mealybug species that causes economic damage in vineyards[4]. These findings collectively underscore the importance of identifying and utilizing resistant grapevine varieties to mitigate pest and disease impacts. The Ohio State University study contributes to this body of knowledge by providing insights into the resistance mechanisms of Vitis labrusca to Japanese beetles. By identifying both morphological and genetic traits associated with resistance, the research offers valuable information for grape breeders. These traits can be targeted in breeding programs to develop new grapevine varieties that are more resistant to insect herbivory, thereby enhancing the sustainability of viticulture. In summary, this study highlights the potential of Vitis labrusca as a genetic resource for developing insect-resistant grapevine varieties. By understanding the specific traits that confer resistance to Japanese beetles, researchers can better equip grape growers with tools to protect their crops from herbivory, ultimately improving yield and reducing economic losses.

GeneticsBiochemPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Trichomes and unique gene expression confer insect herbivory resistance in Vitis labrusca grapevines

Published 27th June, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-024-05260-9

Related Studies

2) Variation Within and Between Vitis spp. for Foliar Resistance to the Downy Mildew Pathogen Plasmopara viticola.

https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-92-11-1577

3) Ontogenic Resistance to Uncinula necator Varies by Genotype and Tissue Type in a Diverse Collection of Vitis spp.

https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-92-7-1067

4) Identification of Vitis Cultivars, Rootstocks, and Species Expressing Resistance to a Planococcus Mealybug.

https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11020086


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