Effect of Benzothiadiazole and Methyl Jasmonate on the Volatile Compound Composition of Vitis vinifera L. Monastrell Grapes and Wines

Abstract

Benzothiadiazole and methyl jasmonate have been described as exogenous elicitors of some plant defence compounds. The objective of this study was to determine whether the application of benzothiadiazole and methyl jasmonate to Vitis vinifera L. Monastrell grape clusters at the beginning of the ripening process affects the synthesis of volatile compounds in grapes (as has been observed in other fruits) and whether this effect has a technological significance in the resulting wines. Results indicated that both treatments increased the levels of volatile compounds in grapes, especially terpenes and norisoprenoids in benzothiadiazole-treated grapes. The wines obtained from the treated grapes also showed higher levels of terpene and norisoprenoids. Wines from methyl jasmonate-treated grapes had levels of these volatile compounds almost two times higher than the wines made from control grapes. These differences in the volatile compound levels could be sensorially detected.