Jesús Lucina Romero-Romero

Aristotelia chilensis (maqui berry) is a Chilean native fruit rich in anthocyanins with potential antioxidant, glycemic, cardiometabolic, and ocular benefits, but its clinical efficacy remains unclear. This systematic review synthesized and critically appraised human trials evaluating oral maqui supplementation in adults. Following PRISMA 2020 and a PROSPERO-registered protocol, five databases were searched, and risk of bias and certainty of evidence were assessed using RoB 2/ROBINS-I and GRADE. Twelve clinical trials published between 2014 and 2023 were included. Acute studies consistently showed reduced postprandial glucose and modulation of insulin response, whereas chronic interventions showed modest and inconsistent effects on HbA1c, lipid profile, and other cardiometabolic markers. Favorable changes were also reported for oxidative stress biomarkers and autonomic parameters, although these findings were mainly based on surrogate endpoints. The most consistent evidence was observed in the ocular domain, where maqui supplementation improved tear production, dry eye symptoms, and tear inflammatory markers. The overall certainty of evidence ranged from moderate to very low because of methodological heterogeneity, small sample sizes, and short intervention duration. Maqui berry supplementation shows promise, particularly for acute glycemic control and ocular surface health, but larger long-term randomized trials using standardized formulations are needed before definitive clinical recommendations can be made.

Vitis vinífera sp. is one of the most important commercialized fruit species in the world. Currently, Chile leads as the main fruit exporter and the fourth wine exporter worldwide. Therefore, implementing efficient regeneration and genetic transformation systems for species of the Vitis genus is of great importance for the country. In this chapter, optimal protocols are described for in vitro regeneration through somatic embryogenesis (SE) and somatic organogenesis (SO) of different table grape wine varieties. For SO, highly proliferative meristematic tissue masses were generated by combining shoot induction and removal of the apical meristem. Likewise, for SE, a system for generating and differentiating embryogenic tissue from another culture was developed. Using the regeneration systems via the implemented SE or SO, an optimal methodology for transformation through Agrobacterium tumefaciens was established for grape varieties or rootstocks, generating transgenic lines with stable genotypes and normal phenotypes.

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera) is one of the main fruit crops worldwide. In 2020, the total surface area planted with vines was estimated at 7.3 million hectares. Diverse pathogens affect grapevine yield, fruit, and wine quality of which powdery mildew is the most important disease prior to harvest. Its causal agent is the biotrophic fungus Erysiphe necator, which generates a decrease in cluster weight, delays fruit ripening, and reduces photosynthetic and transpiration rates. In addition, powdery mildew induces metabolic reprogramming in its host, affecting primary metabolism. Most commercial grapevine cultivars are highly susceptible to powdery mildew; consequently, large quantities of fungicide are applied during the productive season. However, pesticides are associated with health problems, negative environmental impacts, and high costs for farmers. In paralleled, consumers are demanding more sustainable practices during food production. Therefore, new grapevine cultivars with genetic resistance to powdery mildew are needed for sustainable viticulture, while maintaining yield, fruit, and wine quality. Two main gene families confer resistance to powdery mildew in the Vitaceae, Run (Resistance to Uncinula necator) and Ren (Resistance to Erysiphe necator). This article reviews the powdery mildew resistance genes and loci and their use in grapevine breeding programs.