Katerina Biniari

Phenolic compounds, essential for grape quality, are affected by environmental factors, including abiotic stressors such as hail. This study examined the impact of varying levels of natural hail damage on the physicochemical parameters, phenolic composition, and antioxidant capacity of Thompson seedless grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.) under Mediterranean climatic conditions. The research was carried out in a commercial vineyard in Greece during the 2015 growing season, following a major hailstorm. Three treatments were implemented: control (undamaged), moderate hail damage, and total hail damage. The results showed that pH levels and specific physiological parameters, including proline concentration, were significantly influenced across treatments. Detailed analysis revealed that the concentrations of phenolic compounds generally increased with greater hail damage, indicating enhanced antioxidant capacity and metabolic adaptation to natural hail-induced mechanical stress. Additionally, individual phenolic compounds, such as flavanols, hydroxybenzoic acids, and stilbenes, responded differently to hail damage, demonstrating complex regulatory mechanisms in grape metabolism. These findings underscore the importance of understanding grapevine biochemical responses to extreme weather events in the context of climate change, as changes in phenolic composition can directly affect grape quality.

Viticulture is a vital sector of agriculture and economy exhibiting susceptibility to climate change, particularly in the Mediterranean regions. The present investigation examines the climatic suitability for vineyards development in Greece by exploiting geomorphological and bioclimatic data for the reference climatic period 1970–2000. The data is sourced from the ERA5-Land dataset and analyzed with R. The objective is to create a specific crop suitability map based on a simple, transparent model implemented through coding. This map identifies the climatically suitable areas for grapevine cultivation during the reference period. Results demonstrate that the model is highly adaptable, as both variable thresholds and areas of interest can be modified, while incorporating future climate scenarios can be performed, allowing for dynamic reconfiguration. According to the mapped climatic suitability, 55.1% of Greece is rated 3.5–4.0, and 12.9% is rated 4.0–4.5. The total suitability over Greece is calculated with a score of 3.5–4.0 for the 50.9% of total area, and for a score of 4.0–4.5, the covered area is 12.9%. Considering the Corine Land Cover classification as the reference land cover dataset, the false-negative areas (the model indicates that an area with vines is not suitable) are only 1.5% of the areas defined as viticultural. By providing clear and accurate spatial information, the model supports informed decision-making and the development of adaptation strategies, enhancing, therefore, the resilience and sustainability of viticulture in the context of climate change.

The grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is one of the most important horticultural crops, with thousands of varieties cultivated worldwide. In this study, we analyzed chloroplast SNV markers using a whole-genome shotgun sequencing approach to investigate the genetic diversity and phylogeny of 409 cultivated V. vinifera accessions originating from nine countries across Southeast and Central Europe, as well as a heterogeneous set of additional accessions maintained by INRAE. Shotgun sequencing allowed high coverage, enabling the detection of 93 SNVs across 24 chloroplast genes, including 11 non-synonymous variants. The ycf1 gene showed the highest variability, consistent with its role in species differentiation. Haplotype analysis revealed 102 distinct haplotypes, with clear geographic structuring: ATT predominated in the eastern Mediterranean, ATA in western Europe, and GTA mainly in a heterogeneous group of varieties from a French collection. To validate the shotgun approach, seven SNV markers were analyzed using target capture sequencing, confirming the accuracy of detected variants with only minimal discrepancies, which is mostly attributable to homopolymeric regions and low-frequency alleles. Phylogenetic analyses using both trees and networks delineated three major haplotype clusters, reflecting human-mediated dispersal of grapevine cultivars through historical viticultural practices. This study represents the largest chloroplast genome analysis of cultivated V. vinifera to date, providing a large cpDNA resource for assessing chloroplast diversity and maternal haplotype structure in cultivated grapevine. The results highlight the power of combining high-throughput sequencing and chloroplast genomics for population-level studies in perennial crops.

Viticulture is a vital sector of agriculture and economy exhibiting susceptibility to climate change, particularly in the Mediterranean regions. The present investigation examines the climatic suitability for vineyards development in Greece by exploiting geomorphological and bioclimatic data for the reference climatic period 1970–2000. The data are sourced from the ERA5-Land dataset and analyzed with R. The objective is to create a specific crop suitability map based on a simple, transparent model using coding processes. This map identifies the climatically suitable areas for grapevine cultivation during the reference period. Results demonstrate that the model is highly adaptable, as both variable thresholds and areas of interest can be modified, while incorporating future climate scenarios (e.g., RCP models) can be performed, allowing for dynamic reconfiguration. According to the mapped climatic suitability, 55.1% of Greece is rated 3.5-4.0, and 12.9% is rated 4.0-4.5. The total suitability over Greece is calculated with a score of 3.5-4.0 for the 50.9 % of total area, and for a score of 4.0-4.5, the covered area is 12.9%. Considering the Corine Land Cover classification as the reference land cover dataset, the false-negative areas are only 1.5% of the areas defined as viticultural. By providing clear and accurate spatial information, the model supports informed decision-making and the development of adaptation strategies, enhancing, therefore, the resilience and sustainability of viticulture in the context of climate change.

This study showcases the potential of utilizing LiDAR sensing technologies as an automated, efficient, and rapid method for mapping winter pruning wood across vineyards. It was conducted in 2024 in a commercial vineyard in the region of Attica in Greece in the framework of the “AGROSYS” project. The experimental area was 3.5 ha grown with the Savvatiano variety. Cane weight data were collected manually at pruning, while soil spatial variability and canopy properties were mapped and analyzed. The regression analysis of the three-dimensional point clouds and the manual measurements of pruning weight revealed a strong relationship. This signifies the high potential of accurate mapping of dormant pruning canes across vineyards using rapid and time-efficient digital methods. The analysis also revealed strong relationships with the NDRE and canopy temperature at harvest.

Soil microbiomes are critical for ecosystem functioning, yet the global influences of climate and agricultural practices on their diversity and structure remain incompletely characterized. Here we analyzed 1,921 soil samples from 33 countries worldwide across diverse biomes to assess how climate gradients and agricultural inputs, including pesticides and fertilizers, shape prokaryotic and fungal communities. We found that microbial diversity peaks at intermediate temperatures and differs markedly between natural and agricultural soils, with agriculture increasing microbial diversity while altering community composition and ecological guilds. Pesticide use selectively reduced bacterial diversity and shifted fungal guilds, while fertilization modified microbial network structures, with organic and inorganic fertilizers eliciting distinct community responses. These findings reveal that climatic factors and agricultural management jointly influence soil microbial diversity, community structure, and network connectivity, with implications for soil health and ecosystem resilience in managed landscapes. Overall, our results demonstrate that agricultural practices, including the use of pesticides and both organic and inorganic fertilizers, act as strong ecological filters that reshape soil microbiomes worldwide—enhancing apparent diversity but driving a functional shift toward less mutualistic, more fragmented, and potentially less resilient communities.

This study investigates the effects of rising temperatures on photosynthetic efficiency and stress tolerance in major Greek grapevine cultivars by using Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot as references. Muscat and Assyrtiko displayed the most heat-tolerant photosynthetic apparatus among the white cultivars, while Mavrodafni was the most heat-tolerant among the red ones, by effectively managing excess light energy. Sauvignon Blanc, although exhibiting heat susceptibility, maintained high photosystem II (PSII) functionality under heat stress by activating photoprotective mechanisms. Savvatiano and Agiorgitiko were more vulnerable to photo-oxidative stress above 35 °C, while Agiorgitiko maintained a functional photosynthetic apparatus, even at 40 °C, by shifting to a more photoprotective strategy. In contrast, Merlot, despite its resistance to photo-oxidative stress, lacked photoprotective investment, resulting in suppressed PSII under heat stress. Moschofilero was the most susceptible cultivar to photo-oxidative stress. Leaf morphological traits also contributed to heat stress tolerance, with smaller, thicker leaves facilitating thermoregulation. The present results provide important insights into specific responses to heat stress of major Greek grapevine cultivars. This knowledge may aid in selecting heat-tolerant genotypes and optimizing vineyard site selection, thereby enhancing the sustainability and climate resilience of viticulture.

Climate is one of the main factors that significantly impacts the terroir of vineyards by directly affecting vine growth, yield, and berry composition, which, in turn, are key to the quality characteristics of the wines produced. Climate change poses new challenges, especially in insular regions where changing grapevine varieties is limited due to Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) rules. Cultivating vines at higher altitudes may prove to be a potential solution. This study aimed to investigate the phenolic potential of the skins and seeds of cv. ‘Fokiano’, cultivated at two different altitudes, namely, 200 m and 800 m, on the Greek island of Ikaria, during 2019–2021. The results showed that grapes from 200 m exhibited higher values for weight, length, and width, while those from 800 m exhibited higher berry water content and higher skin-to-grape ratios. In addition, higher values of anthocyanins, enhancing the grapes’ color and phenolic composition, were recorded in grapes harvested at 800 m. It is, therefore, evident that higher altitudes can help grapes exhibit higher anthocyanin content and titratable acidity. Consequently, the choice of an altitude can counteract the phenomenon of early ripening caused by climate change. Adaptation strategies based on the present study’s observations may constitute viable long-term recommendations for vineyard establishment, especially in insular regions where it is not possible to move geographically to northern latitudes.

This study investigates the effects of rising temperatures on photosynthetic efficiency and stress tolerance in major Greek grapevine cultivars (Savvatiano, Muscat, Assyrtiko, Mavrodafni, Moschofilero, and Agiorgitiko), using Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot as ref-erence varieties. The primary aim was to identify heat tolerant genotypes suitable for cultivation in warm regions with high solar radiation. Another objective was to indicate shade-tolerant cultivars that could benefit from canopy shading techniques, contributing to broader climate adaptation strategies in viticulture. Muscat and Assyrtiko displayed the most heat-tolerant photosynthetic apparatus among white cultivars, while Mavrodafni was the most heat-tolerant among the red ones, by effectively managing excess light energy. Sauvignon Blanc although exhibiting heat susceptibility, it maintained high PSII functionality under heat stress by activating photoprotective mechanisms. Temperatures above 35 °C increased grapevine’s susceptibility to strong light, thereby intensifying photooxidative stress. Savvatiano and Agiorgitiko were more vulnerable to photooxi-dative stress above 35°C, though Agiorgitiko maintained a functional photosynthetic apparatus even at 40°C by shifting to a more photoprotective strategy. In contrast, Merlot, despite its resistance to photooxidative stress, lacked photoprotective investment, re-sulting in suppressed PSII under heat stress. Moschofilero was the most susceptible cul-tivar to photooxidative stress. Leaf morphological traits contributed to heat and light stress tolerance, with smaller, thicker leaves facilitating thermoregulation. Taken together, Merlot, Mavrodafni, Sauvignon Blanc, and Assyrtiko are recommended for high-altitude cultivation due to their high tolerance to light. Conversely, Savvatiano, Moschofilero, and Agiorgitiko were better suited to lower light conditions, favoring higher latitudes and shading practices under heat stress. The present results provide important insights into cultivar-specific responses to heat and light stresses, presenting for the first time the respective tolerances of major Greek cultivars. This knowledge is essential for selecting heat-tolerant genotypes, optimizing vineyard site selection and management strategies, thereby supporting the sustainability and climate resilience of viticulture.

In the present study, the propagation ability of rootstock 1103 Paulsen in a hydroponic system was investigated. In the first part of the experiment, the effects of indolebutyric acid (IBA), dopamine (L-DOPA), and their combination on rhizogenesis were examined. The experiment was conducted under controlled conditions in a hydroponic system. Key parameters evaluated included rooting percentage, average root diameter, average number of roots per cutting, total root area, total root length, and moisture content of the cuttings. Results showed that L-DOPA treatment, followed by the IBA + L-DOPA combination, exhibited the most favorable outcomes across these parameters. The hydroponic system proved highly effective for root formation compared to other substrates (e.g., peat, perlite, sand, or their combinations), provided that continuous aeration of the water was ensured for adequate oxygenation. The second part of the experiment focused on the response of phenolic compounds, antioxidants, sugars, and starch in woody cuttings subjected to different treatments (control, IBA, L-DOPA, and IBA + L-DOPA) and how these compounds varied over time. The objective was to assess the influence of the treatments on both the rhizogenesis process and the biochemical profile of the cuttings throughout the experiment. This research aims to contribute to the understanding of the rooting behavior of 1103 Paulsen in hydroponic systems and to evaluate the physiological and biochemical responses of cuttings under different treatments.