Expression analysis of gibberellin metabolism genes and metabolites during berry development in table grape

Abstract

Berry size is a highly desired trait in table grapes. However, the processes of berry development and growth are still not well understood, even when gibberellins are clear candidates to have a crucial role in the regulation of berry size. Looking for clues about the participation of gibberellins in determining berry size, in this work we used segregants of a 'Ruby Seedless' × 'Sultanina' population with contrasting phenotypes for this trait, searching for transcriptional and metabolic information. We found three GA-oxidases genes (VvGA20ox2, VvGA3ox4 and VvGA2ox2) that showed differential expression during berry development. We also found that, depending on the stage of development, the bioactive metabolites GA1 and GA4 exhibit different levels.