Dynamic Changes in Anthocyanin Accumulation and Cellular Antioxidant Activities in Two Varieties of Grape Berries during Fruit Maturation under Different Climates

As popularly consumed fruit berries, grapes are widely planted and processed into products, such as raisins and wine. In order to identify the influences of different climatic conditions on grape coloring and quality formation, we selected two common varieties of grape berries, 'Red Globe' and 'Xin Yu', for investigation. Grapes were separately grown in different climates, such as a temperate continental arid climate and a temperate continental desert climate, in Urumqi and Turpan, China, for five developmental stages. As measured, the average daily temperature and light intensity were lower in Urumqi. Urumqi grape berries had a lower brightness value (L*) and a higher red-green value (a*) when compared to Turpan's. A RT-qPCR analysis revealed higher transcriptions of key genes related to anthocyanin biosynthesis in Urumqi grape berries, which was consistent with the more abundant phenolic substances, especially anthocyanins. The maximum antioxidant activity in vitro and cellular antioxidant activity of grape berries were also observed in Urumqi grape berries. These findings enclosed the influence of climate on anthocyanin accumulation and the antioxidant capacity of grapes, which might enlarge our knowledge on the quality formation of grape berries and might also be helpful for cultivating grapes with higher nutritional value.

Automated summary

This study investigated the influences of different climatic conditions on grape coloring and quality formation. Two common varieties of grapes were grown in Urumqi and Turpan, China, and the results showed that grapes grown in Urumqi had lower brightness value and higher red-green value compared to those grown in Turpan. The higher transcription of key genes related to anthocyanin biosynthesis in Urumqi grapes resulted in more abundant phenolic substances, especially anthocyanins. The maximum antioxidant activity was also observed in Urumqi grapes. These findings provide insights into the impact of climate on grape quality formation and contribute to the cultivation of grapes with higher nutritional value.