Colonization of Aspergillus carbonarius and accumulation of ochratoxin A in Vitis vinifera, Vitis labrusca, and hybrid grapes – research on the most promising alternatives for organic viticulture.

Colonization of Aspergillus carbonarius and accumulation of ochratoxin A in Vitis vinifera, Vitis labrusca, and hybrid grapes – research on the most promising alternatives for organic viticulture.

J Sci Food Agric. 2020 Oct 04;:

Authors: Veras FF, Dachery B, Manfroi V, Welke JE

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Aspergillus carbonarius is identified as one of the main fungi that produce ochratoxin A (OTA) in grapes. This nephrotoxic mycotoxin has been legislated in several countries and is a major concern for viticulture. Knowledge of the resistance or susceptibility to colonization by A. carbonarius may be useful in selecting the most promising cultivars for organic agriculture and could help in preventing fungal contamination in vineyards. This study aimed to evaluate the colonization potential and the capacity to produce OTA by A. carbonarius in Vitis vinifera, Vitis labrusca, and hybrid grapes. The correlation between OTA levels and grape berry characteristics was also analyzed.
RESULTS: OTA content was strongly correlated with only the thickness and hardness of the grape skins. The correlation between OTA levels and these parameters was negative (grapes with the least thickness and hardness had the highest OTA levels). V. vinifera grapes were more susceptible to A. carbonarius than V. labrusca and hybrid grapes at both 25 °C and 4°C. Chardonnay (V. vinifera) grapes showed the highest levels of OTA, followed by Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat, and Moscato Branco. Italia grape was the exception among V. vinifera cultivars, since it showed similar thickness, hardness, and fungal resistance to the V. labrusca and hybrid grapes.
CONCLUSION: The highest resistance to A. carbonarius was observed in the following grapes: hybrids (BRS Lorena and BRS Violeta), V. labrusca (Isabel and Bordo), and V. vinifera (Italia). These cultivars can be prioritized in the implementation of organic viticulture. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID: 33012097 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

Source: Industry