An alternative to improve grape quality is the elicitor application to the vineyard due its implication to induce defense mechanisms involved in the synthesis of secondary metabolites. There are few studies about the influence of elicitors on grape volatile composition. The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of methyl jasmonate (MeJ) foliar application to Tempranillo grapevines on grape aroma composition over three consecutive vintages. In the first vintage, MeJ treatment improved p-cymene, methyl jasmonate, and hexanal synthesis, and degraded 2-hexen-1-ol acetate, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, and n-hexanol. In the second season, the content of several terpenes, β-damascenone, methyl jasmonate, esters, benzenoids and (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol was diminished after MeJ application. In the third vintage, the synthesis of several volatile compounds considered positive contributors for grape aroma was improved by MeJ application. In conclusion, the effect of MeJ foliar application on grape volatile content was mainly dependent on the vintage.
Keywords: Elicitor; Foliar application; Grape; Methyl jasmonate; Varietal aroma.
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