Biotech Updates

Berry Color Variation in Grapevine Identified

April 8, 2015

European researchers led by Frédérique Pelsy from the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), France conducted a study to identify the cause of clonal polymorphism resulting to berry color variation in grapevine. Color variation in berries results in loss of anthocyanin, a red pigment found abundant in grapevine. In their study, the researchers used Pinot, an ancient grapevine variety frequently used in wine production.

By examining the presence of mutations in over 30 Pinot clones, they found out that color variation in grapevine berries was caused by chromosome replacement and deletion.

Details of the study can be read in PLoS Genetics.