Research Focus Areas
Our multidisciplinary research team explores various aspects of fruit functional genomics.
Grapevine Breeding
We incorporate marker-assisted selection and new breeding technologies to generate improved grapevine cultivars for a more sustainable agriculture.
Specialised
Metabolism
We implement quantitative genetic and functional genomic analyses to characterize genes involved in fruit-based secondary metabolism, including phenylpropanoid and terpenoid biosynthesis.
Grape Bunch Morphology
Implementing a quantitative genetic approach, coupled with functional validation, we aim to characterize candidate genes for their impact in regulating grape bunch architecture.
Fruit Surface Formation
We explore the genetic regulation of fruit surface formation during ripening and how this may impact agriculturally important traits, such as cuticular wax formation and fruit cracking.
Plant-Environment Interactions
We are interested in the molecular mechanisms governing the winter chill requirement and regulation of bud burst in apple, as well as the molecular mechanisms controlling how grapevine primes itself for biotic and abiotic stress response.
Genomic Data Analysis
We are developing tools to explore and utilise the ever-increasing amount of WGS data available for grapevine research, while generating inhouse data for comparative studies.
Research Overview
The research conducted at the Fruit Functional Genomics Lab is centred on fundamental advancements in elucidating the molecular physiology of fruits and leveraging this understanding for the development of sustainable agricultural practices and cultivars. Our collaboration with the grapevine breeding platform at ARC Nietvoorbij (Stellenbosch), overseen by Ms. Phyllis Burger, underscores our commitment to this endeavour. We contribute molecular support through marker-assisted selection techniques to the breeding program, as well as work on the development of novel molecular markers for traits of interest.
Traditionally, winegrape breeding has emphasized the integration of mildew-resistant genes, primarily through introgression with wild Vitis cultivars, to cultivate more sustainable varieties necessitating reduced fungicide application. In addition to this strategy, we aspire to identify markers associated with traits valued by growers and consumers alike, including bunch architecture, fruit cracking resistance, and flavor production. Utilizing both forward and reverse genetic methodologies, we characterize genetic elements associated with these and other traits.
Numerous fruit quality attributes are governed by specialized metabolic pathways. Our ongoing projects focus on characterizing genes associated with the metabolic pathways responsible for the biosynthesis of wax, terpenes, phenolics, and other specialized metabolites. Through extensive metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses within grapevine mapping populations, we employ quantitative genetic approaches to construct integrated genome-transcriptome-metabolome networks, thereby enhancing gene identification and characterization.
In addition to these approaches, we conduct targeted functional characterization of candidate genes. Given the challenges associated with grapevine regeneration and transformation, we frequently utilize model species such as tomato and Arabidopsis for gene functional characterization. However, in collaboration with Dr. Campa at Stellenbosch University, we are exploring the utility of microvine as a tool for functional genomics to accelerate grapevine breeding efforts.
Among the physiological traits of primary focus in our group are plant surface formation and grapevine bunch morphology. Fruit surface development is fundamentally linked to the ripening process, impacting crucial traits such as grape berry cracking and apple russet formation. Despite the agriculturally significant role grapevine bunches play in quality and disease resistance, the genetic and transcriptomic regulation of their formation remains largely unexplored.
Plants do not exist in isolation, and are integral components of complex ecosystems, thus our research delves into the mechanisms governing plant-environment interactions. Our focus lies in elucidating how volatile compounds orchestrate defence priming and communication within and between plants, alongside their role as antifungal agents. Moreover, we explore the potential of harnessing plant priming mechanisms for bolstering sustainable agricultural practices, while also probing the transcriptional and hormonal regulation of apple bud burst in the context of climate change.
To underpin our investigations, our team members are actively engaged in diverse genomic data analyses. We employ grapevine genome sequencing and comparative approaches to unearth genetic determinants governing traits such as color formation and resistance to viruses. Furthermore, we actively mine the wealth of publicly available WGS data to pinpoint sequence variations that potentially modulate protein structure and function, thus broadening our understanding of plant molecular biology.