Redox and Hormonal Changes in the Transcriptome of Grape (Vitis vinifera) Berries during Natural Noble Rot Development

Noble rot is a favorable form of the interaction between grape (Vitis spp.) berries and the phytopathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea. The transcriptome pattern of grapevine cells subject to natural noble rot development in the historic Hungarian Tokaj wine region has not been previously published. Furmint, a traditional white Tokaj variety suited to develop great quality noble rot was used in the experiments. Exploring a subset of the Furmint transcriptome redox and hormonal changes distinguishing between noble rot and bunch rot was revealed. Noble rot is defined by an early spike in abscisic acid (ABA) accumulation and a pronounced remodeling of ABA-related gene expression. Transcription of glutathione S-transferase isoforms is uniquely upregulated, whereas gene expression of some sectors of the antioxidative apparatus (e.g., catalases, carotenoid biosynthesis) is downregulated. These mRNA responses are lacking in berries exposed to bunch rot. Our results help to explain molecular details behind the fine and dynamic balance between noble rot and bunch rot development.