Year, watering regime and foliar methyl jasmonate doped nanoparticles treatments: Effects on must nitrogen compounds in Monastrell grapes

In viticulture, the application of elicitors to the grapevines is increasing although their effect on the amino acids content is little studied. In this work, nanoparticles of methyl jasmonate (Ap-MeJ) were applied for the first time to Monastrell grapevines during two seasons (2019 and 2020) to increase its profitability and nitrogen plant uptake and to reduce environmental impact (less quantity) and increase its economic viability. In addition, rainfed plants were compared with grapevines under regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) watering regime, since global climatic conditions are limiting water use and quality. Results showed that season was the factor that most affected to the amino acids content (values of 12 from the 21 free amino acids determined were higher in 2019 and 4 in 2020), followed by the watering regime (higher amino acids content in musts from rainfed than in RDI water status). Foliar treatments had little impact on grape enological parameters, as well as on the amino acids concentration (only content of Pro was higher in control than in Ap-MeJ musts). This preliminary study could not confirm the elicitor effect of MeJ loaded on nanoparticles on must amino acid content and further research work should be performed in order to optimize dose of application.

This research was carried out in the framework of the projects RTI2018–096549-B-I00 and RTI-2018–095794-A-C22 funded by the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades. E. P. P.-Á. thanks the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades for her postdoctoral Juan de la Cierva-Incorporación contract. G.B. R.R also acknowledges Junta de Andalucía for her postdoctoral contract within PAIDI 2020 program.