Abstract
The application of different elicitors to plants has proved a useful technique for the improvement of their phenolic content. However, studies have shown that the exact response of plants to elicitors depends both on the variety and clone. In the present study, two different elicitors (benzothiadiazole and methyl jasmonate) were applied in a vineyard where a collection of the six selected clones of Monastrell grape variety are planted to determine whether any observed effect is clone-dependent. The analysis of anthocyanins, flavonols, stilbenes and seed and skin tannins showed that, in general, both elicitors increased the levels of phenolic compounds in the treated plants, although the extent of the response differed among different clones from the same variety. The positive effect of both benzothiadiazole and methyl jasmonate indicates that such treatments could be regarded as an interesting tool for improving grape and wine color, while increasing resistance to some pathogens at the same time. However, a preliminary exploratory field study should be carried out since differences in the response of the grapes to treatment might occur, depending on the clone.
- ©2013 by the American Society for Enology and Viticulture
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