ANNUAL REPORT 2014–2015

Center for and Small Fruit Research VITICULTURE ADVISORY COUNCIL Jeanne Burgess ( Chairperson) Florida Agriculture Advisory Council C. Gary Cox J.R. Newbold III Florida Growers Association Todd Gentry Nurseries Vince Shook Processing Lance Osborne, Ph.D. University of Florida Violeta Tsolova, Ph.D. Florida A&M University Contents

02 About the Center IMPLEMENTING ANNUAL AND LONG-RANGE 03 Goals PLANS AND PRIORITIES FOR THE CENTER THAT ADDRESSED THE EXPRESSED NEEDS OF 04 Program Areas STAKEHOLDERS OR CLIENTELE GROUPS: 06 NCPN Center for Grape

08 Research Productivity The Center’s mission is to conduct basic and applied

10 Student Research and research and provide service that will promote the Development development of a viable viticulture industry in Florida

11 Facilities and Human (Florida Viticulture Policy Act 1978, Florida Statute Capacity Development 599.003c).

Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research College of Agriculture and Food Sciences Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University 6505 Mahan Drive Tallahassee, FL 32317 T 850.412.5996 F 850.561.2617 www.famu.edu/Viticulture Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research 2

About the Center

The Center for Viticulture and Small Fruits Research (CVSFR) in the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences at Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University was established by the Florida Legislature in 1978 to build a long term program focused on the development of improved via traditional breeding, biotechnology and in-vitro selection.

Building a long term program focused on the development of improved grapes via traditional breeding, biotechnology, and in-vitro selection. The University provides research and technical support to enhance grape products, demonstrate health benefits, protect from pest and disease, and address other issues of importance to the successful expansion of the grape growing industry” (Florida State Viticulture Plan, 2006). 3 Annual Report 2014–2015

The faculty members at the Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research strived to implement the mission, Goals goals and objectives of the Center. 1 2 3 Develop new Improve the Promote the and improved disease resistance marketability grape and of Florida grapes through of Florida grapes and selected small fruit for classical breeding value-added products fresh fruit and processing and biotechnology. through research and in Florida. extension. 4 5 6 Develop best Promote a Develop a management strong graduate strong working practices for Florida and undergraduate relationship with Florida grapes and selected student experiential- growers and private small fruit. learning program that will industries through encourage and attract extension and outreach outstanding scholars. activities. Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research 4

Program Areas

STUDENT TRAINING VITICULTURE AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT Student training is an integral component of the Center’s programs. Students at the graduate and undergraduate The unit conducts research in grape developmental biol- level work and do research under the supervision of a ogy/in vitro cultivation and provides service in the area of major professor (program leader) or supervisor. The best management and production practices for Center provides hands-on experience and serves as a warm climate grapes. The research focuses on evaluating training platform for a number of undergraduate courses: the health benefits of American native grapes and the im- AGG2050 Introduction Biotechnology, AGG 2050L Intro- pact of trellis systems and management practices such duction Biotechnology Lab; AGG 4420 Global Seminar: as pruning, spacing, and rootstock performance on yield Biotechnology, Food Safety and International Trade Reg- and fruit quality of muscadine and Florida hybrid grapes. ulatory Policy and all of the CAFS summer recruitment programs: RATLR, AG Discovery, FACE and etc. Violeta Tsolova, Ph.D. – Program Leader Vasil Georgiev, Ph.D. – Research Associate GRAPE GENETICS AND BREEDING James Obuya, Ph.D. – Research Associate Ray Payne – Field Assistant The development of new and improved grape cultivars is Jesus Jeminez – Field Assistant critical for the continuous growth of Florida’s grape and industry. The unit conducts research using both VINIFICATION AND BIOPROCESSING classical breeding and biotech approach to develop new cultivars. The Center maintains the largest collection of The unit conducts research tailored to match the industry’s muscadine and bunch grape (Florida hybrids) germplasm high demand for new knowledge and expertise on the vini- to support its breeding program. fication and healthy characteristics of southern , and provide training and an experiential-learning experience for Zhongbo Ren – Program Leader students and industry clientele in the area of grape and small Xia Xu, Ph.D. – Research Associate fruit enological characteristics, and vinification qualities. Nicholas Jeminez – Field Assistant Anthony Ananga, Ph.D. – Program Leader BIOTECHNOLOGY Matteo Voltarelli – Vintner/Cellar Master

The unit conducts biochemical and molecular research to identify genetic markers that will help in the development of FRUIT AND VEGETABLE IPM PROGRAM disease tolerant bunch grapes for Florida growers. Research- ers are working on isolating and characterizing the transcripts The unit focuses on research and introduction variety tri- of proteins from xylem and leaves, and genetic markers relating als of fruit and vegetable crops for commercial and home to disease tolerance, water-stress, ripening, and nutraceutical garden use. The program evaluates adaptability characteristics of muscadine and Florida Bunch grape. and production practices including IPM under North Florida environmental conditions. Some of the crops in Mehboob Sheikh, Ph.D. – Program Leader the program are blueberries, nectarines, peaches, plums, Devaiah Kambiranda, Ph.D. – Research Associate apples, pears, oriental persimmons, Chinese chestnuts, Karthikeyan Alagarsamy, Ph.D. – Research Associate citrus, figs, and seasonal vegetables. Anse Kaplan – Lab Technician Bobby R. Phills, Ph.D. – Program Leader Gohar Umar – Research Associate Jose Jeminez – Field Assistant 5 Annual Report 2014–2015

VINEYARD AND SMALL FRUIT FIELD EXTENSION AND OUTREACH MANAGEMENT A major component of the Center’s activities is its exten- The management unit is responsible for the physical sion and outreach program. The faculty and staff work upkeep of all field research and extension/outreach closely with the state viticulture and horticulture industry activities. The group is headed by a farm manager and and assist growers by providing new relevant scientific provides technical assistance and support to scientists information and hands-on training. The Center conducts and students in the establishment and maintenance of onsite visits, workshops on pruning, vineyard establish- the experimental plots. ment, and management practices year around.

David Smithwick – Farm Manager Micheal Garrett – Senior Agricultural Assistant Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research 6

FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY National Clean Network (NCPN) Center for Grape

Pierce’s disease is the main limitation for the majority of the Southeastern U.S. and commercial grape growing is solely based on the native muscadines and Florida hybrid bunch grapes. The rapid expansion of the wine industry in Florida and southeastern U.S. already predisposes the viticulture enterprise to several disease problems such as Eutypa dieback, crown gall, and leafroll virus. Due to the detrimental impact of these diseases, we have identified them as the high priority diseases for research and development in the state and region. Teaching, research, and extension in this area will keep the viticulture industry viable by minimizing occurrence of the disease.

The Southeastern Vine Improvement and Distribution Program is poised to provide services to the Southeastern ( Pierce’s Disease (PD’s ) restricted) Viticulture region by:

• Producing high quality disease-free muscadine and Florida varieties • Conducting research and developing rapid methods for diagnostics of muscadine and PD tolerant American native grape varieties for crown gall, viruses, and Eutypa • Sustaining the foundation block G1/G2 • Establishing a diagnostic facility for American native grapes • Assisting the extension and certification program

Consequently, these activities will help the local grape and wine industry grow and sustain as well as contribute to the national standards for clean planting material of the muscadine and Florida native hybrid varieties. RESEARCH TEAM

Violeta Tsolova, Ph.D. – Program Leader Anthony Ananga, Ph.D. –Associate Professor of Food Biotechnology Bobby Phills, Ph.D. – Professor of Horticulture Stephen Leong, Ph.D. – Professor of Agricultural Economy Ray Payne – Field Assistant Jesus Jeminez – Field Assistant 7 Annual Report 2014–2015

Research and Innovation

1. Released a new U.S. Patent: 9,051,38, Issue 6. Nursery request for five new variety and breeding date June 9, 2015 by Mehboob Sheikh, Devaiah lines to undergo disease elimination and to be Kambiranda, and Hemanth Vasanthaiah: “Disease- included in the “Clean Vine Foundation Block” was related biomarkers specific to Florida hybrid bunch received and are under processing. and muscadine grapes, and uses thereof.” 7. A rapid highly specific early monitoring program 2. Executed the first license agreement for “Majesty” for Eutypa dieback in muscadine grapes using muscadine grape variety with the Florida nursery. molecular diagnostics has been developed.

3. Two additional licensing requests and agreements 8. The new wine analytical lab has been set up and is for “Majesty” muscadine variety have been ready to serve the vinification and bio-processing completed with the office of the vice president for research activities and the industry with basic Research and University General Counsel Office. analyses aligned to the OIV standards.

4. To speed up the evaluation of our advanced 9. Two additional field labs are under development in selections and in cooperation with industry the Modular Unit: Postharvest Evaluation and Plant partners (FGGA members and our stakeholders Pathology. in neighboring states), a fast 2-year evaluation trial has been deployed to deliver novel, disease- 10. Microscopy Core Facility was set up and final resistant varieties with desired wine aroma and evaluation of the Center’s scanning electron flavor characteristics, seedlessness, and attractive microscope began before the 2015 school year. large berry appearance. 11. New area of research related to grape allergenicity 5. Eleven advanced breeding lines, including two and food safety was lunched and is already used as seedless bunch grape hybrids, three seedless and a training ground for student experiential-learning. three seeded muscadine for fresh consumption, and two bunch and one muscadine for wine-making 12. New gene transcripts “Gen Bank Submissions:” are under aggressive testing in the University’s experimental vineyard and commercial vineyards in Florida. Ultimately, this work will build a breeding and evaluation pipeline that is expected to result in quick cultivar release and increased profit for Florida grape growers.

Ajay B.C., Anthony Ananga. 2015. BankIt1823365 Seq2 KR778986 accession number.

Ajay B.C., Anthony Ananga. 2015. BankIt1823365 Seq3 KR778987 accession number.

Ajay B.C., Anthony Ananga. 2015. BankIt1823365 Seq4 KR778988 accession number.

Lilian Oglesby, Anthony Ananga, Violeta Tsolova. 2014. rotundifolia Myb transcription factor (MybA1) mRNA, partial cds. GenBank:KJ513437.1 accession number.

Lilian Oglesby, Anthony Ananga, Violeta Tsolova. 2014.Vitis rotundifolia Myb transcription factor (MYBCS1) mRNA, partial cds. GenBank: KJ513438.1accession number. Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research 8

Enhancing and Promoting Research Productivity

GRANTSMANSHIP, PUBLICATION, AND PARTICIPATION IN PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

For various reasons, including extended medical leave, Publication Submitted: 8 early departure, and position relocation, the Center only Publications submitted with undergraduate had two senior faculty personnel during the reported researchers as the first author: 2 period. We were able to sustain the overall high level of grantsmanship by assisting new principal investigators Jasmine Hall, Anthony Ananga, Vasil Georgiev, Joel with proposal writing and submission. Ochieng, Ernst Cebert, and Violeta Tsolova (2015). Molecular Cloning, Characterization, and Expression Grants Submitted: 21 Grants Analysis of Flavanone 3-Hydroxylase (F3H) Gene during Grants Funded: Funded: 8 Muscadine Grape Berry Development. J Biotechnol Biomater 5: 180. doi:10.4172/2155-952X.1000180. • 2014 USDA/FAS/Norman E. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Phillip Corbiere, Anthony Ananga, Joel W. Ochieng, Ernst Fellows Program- 1 submitted and1 granted. Cebert, and Violeta Tsolova (2015). Gene Expression and Molecular Architecture Reveals UDP-Glucose: • 2014 USDA/Higher Education Multicultural Scholars Flavonoid-3O-Glucosyltransferase UFGT as a Controller Program (MSP)- 1 submitted of Production in Grapes. J J Biotech Bioeng. 1(2): 012. • 2015 USDA/NIFA/ Capacity Building Grant Program: 6 proposals submitted; Vasil Giorgiev, Anthony Ananga, and Violeta Tsolova (2014). Recent advances and uses of grape flavonoids as • 2015 FDACS/ VAC: 5 submitted, 3 approved; nutraceuticals. Nutrients 6(1), 391-415.

• 2015 FDACS/ Specialty Crop Grant Program: Devaiah Kambiranda, Ramesh Katam, Sheikh M. Basha, submitted 6 pre-proposals, 3 approved for full proposal and Shalom Seibert (2014). iTRAQ Based Quantitative submission, 2 granted Proteomics of Developing and Ripening Muscadine Grape Berry. Journal of Proteome Research: DOI 10.1021/ • USDA/NIFA/Evans Allen Research Project Program - pr400731p. Viticulture and Small Fruit Research: Devaiah Kambiranda, and Sheikh M. Basha (2015). • Empowering Florida Agriculture and Training Proteome analysis of Muscadine grape during ripening, Technological Ready Professionals-1 proposal Data are available via ProteomeXchange with Pride submitted and approved. database identifier PXD001959.

• 2015 USDA/APHIS/ NCPN Cooperative Agreement Program - 1 proposal submitted and approved. 9 Annual Report 2014–2015

Devaiah Kambiranda, Sheikh M. Basha, R. Singh, K. M. Haseeb, T. Gordon, G. Umar, and Bobby Phills Calvin, and R. Mercer (2015). In-Depth Proteome Analysis (2014). Vegetables Pest Management Strategies in North of Muscadine Grape Berry cv. Carlos During Ripening Florida. Talk presented at the 111th Annual Meeting of Reveals Proteins Involved in Synthesis of Flavor and the American Society for Horticultural Sciences held in Aroma Compounds. (Submitted to Journal of Proteome Orlando, Florida (July 28-31, 2014) Research). Gohar Umar, Bobby Phills, and M. Haseeb. Training Ramesh Katam, Kundai Chibanguza, Sheikh M. Basha, and Demonstration of Best Management Practices in and Lekan M. Latinwo (2015). Analysis of Xylem Proteins Vegetables and Fruits on Small Farms in North Florida. Differentially Expressed in Vitis Species and Their Possible Poster presented at the 111th Annual Meeting of the Role in Pierce’s Disease Tolerance. (Submitted to Journal American Society for Horticultural Sciences held in of Proteomics and Bioinformatics). Orlando, Florida (July 28-31, 2014)

Vasil Georgiev, Anthony Ananga, and Violeta Tsolova Sheikh M. Basha, Devaiah Kambiranda, and Rajya (2015). Molecular Breeding of Synchronized Grape Lakshmi (2014). Stilbene Profiling of Muscadine Grape Cell Suspensions for Flavonoid Overexpression. Acta Genotypes. Plant and Animal Genome Conference, San Horticulturae, 1082: 245-253. Diego, CA

Vasil Georgiev, Anthony Ananga, and Violeta Tsolova M. Vasilopoulos, Anthony Ananga, Vasil Georgiev, and (2015). Dietary supplements/nutraceuticals made Violeta Tsolova. Nutrient Medium Composition Alters from grapes and wines. In: M. Victoria Moreno-Arribas Secondary Metabolites Production in Muscadine Cell and Begoña Bartolomé Eds. “Wine: Safety, Consumer Suspension by Modulating the Expression of Structural Preferences and Impact on Human Health,” Springer and Regulatory Genes of Flavonoid Biosynthesis Pathway. Science+Business Media LLC., New York, in press. FAMU College of Agriculture and Food Sciences Research Forum, Tallahassee, Florida, March 31, 2015 Professional presentations submitted: 9; Professional presentations submitted with student researchers as Professional Organization Participation the first author: 3 The Center continues to foster national and international Vasil Georgiev, Anthony Ananga, and Violeta Tsolova. research cooperation and facilitate faculty and students’ Molecular Breeding of Synchronized Grape Cell membership in professional organizations (FSHS, Florida Suspensions for Flavonoid Overexpression. XI International Grape Growers Association- FGGA, Florida Academy of Conference on Grapevine Breeding and Genetics, Beijing, Science, ASHS, In Vitro Biology, ASEV, ISHS) and elevate China, July 29 - August 2, 2014 the national and international research recognition of the school and the program. Devaiah Kambiranda and Sheikh M. Basha (2015). Improving Enological, Disease and Nutraceutical Characteristics of Muscadine Grape Applying Cutting Edge Technologies, CAFS Research Forum, Tallahassee, FL

Sheikh M. Basha and Devaiah Kambiranda (2015). Shotgun Proteome Analysis for Insight into Secondary Metabolite Production in Muscadine Grape. Plant and Animal Genome conference, San Diego, CA

Josie Toliver and Sheikh M. Basha (2014). Variation in xylem sap stilbene content among Vitis sp. Wine and Cheese community fair. Black Archives Museum, FAMU

Denae Cheatham (2014). Nutritional composition of Muscadine grape products. RATLR program seminar, CAFS. FAMU GRANTSMANSHIP, PUBLICATION, AND PARTICIPATION IN PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research 10

Enhancing and Promoting Undergraduate and Graduate Student Research and Development

The faculty of the Center for Viticulture & Small Fruit Research Hall, Anthony Ananga, Vasil Georgiev, and Violeta Tsolova, continues to provide experiential learning and training for “Identification and Characterization of Potential Allergens graduate, undergraduate, and high school students. in Muscadine Grapes (Vitis rotundifolia Much).”

UNDERGRADUATE COURSE OFFERINGS Mariah Henry, Anthony Ananga, Vasil Georgiev, and Violeta Tsolova: “Molecular Identification and Detection of Eutypa • Intro Biotechnology lata in Muscadine Grapes (Vitis rotundifolia Much).”

• Intro Biotechnology Lab Jasmine Hall and Britney Clark were the invited lecture presenters, as well as poster presenters at the 2015 CAFS • Global Seminar in Human Sustainability Research Forum.

• Introduction to Food Science Jasmine Hall won first place for the Undergraduate Research Oral Presentation, 2015 CAFS Research Forum, March 31, • Food Microbiology and Safety Lecture and Lab 2015.

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH M. Britney Clark won first place for Undergraduate Research Poster Presentation, 2015 CAFS Research Forum, Thanks to the undergraduate student research program March 31, 2015. initiated by the CAFS’s Dean and Director of Land-Grant Programs, Robert W. Taylor, Ph.D., six undergraduate Additionally, student Mike Vasilopoulus won 1st place student researchers at the Center for Viticulture & Small during the 2015 Graduate Poster Competition at the CAFS Fruit Research were able to participate in successful Research Forum (March 31, 2015). experiential learning. Promoting and supporting student recruitment and CAFS undergraduate student researchers were given retention in the college: the high honor to be lecture presenters for this year’s The faculty at the Center provided mentoring and training Biochemistry and Biotechnology Meeting at the 112th for high school students in STEM disciplines (Science Annual Meeting of the Southern Association of Agricultural Exploration Days for East Gadsden High School, STEM Scientists (SAAS): Biochemistry and Biotechnology Division apprentices from Jefferson High School, RATLER, FACE, held in Atlanta on February 2, 2015. and AG Discovery Programs) and supported the experiential learning of undergraduate students. The papers presented were as follows: Britney Clark, Anthony Ananga, Vasil Georgiev, and Dual Enrolment Program in Plant Biotechnology at Florida Violeta Tsolova: “Characterization and Molecular Cloning A&M University and Gadsden County School District was of Flavonoid Related Glucosyltransferase (GT’s) Genes expanded to include courses in veterinary medicine for from Muscadine Grapes (Vitis rotundifolia Much).” Jasmine student enrolment fall 2014 and spring 2015. 11 Annual Report 2014–2015 Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research 12

Facilities and Human Capacity Development

• Updated landscape and parking lot • Winter Field Day and IPM Management Workshop • Renovated the receptionist area (January 27, 2015) 27 attendees • Added permanent research displays cabinets in the • Vineyard BMP & IPM Management Master Gardner lobby area Class (May 30, 2015) 30 attendees. • Improved disability access in the rest room area • FAMU Farm Fest (June 13, 2015) • Resurfaced floors throughout the Center, including • Florida A&M University Alachua County Alumni the labs Chapter Visit and Vineyard Tour, (September 20, 2014) • Replaced the roof • Florida A&M University “Day at the Capitol” (March 26, • Recruited post doctoral researcher in needed area of 2015) • Florida A&M University “Golden Class Reunion” (April • Recruited an experienced vintner/ cellar master from 17, 2015) Florence, Italy • Florida A&M University “President’s Inauguration Week” Activities, (September 28 -October 4, 2014) WORKING WITH EXTERNAL COLLABORATORS, • Working visit of Commissioner of Agriculture Adam SPONSORS, AND INDUSTRY CLIENTELE: Putnam and President Mangum (April 7, 2015)

The Center continues to maintain a strong working OTHER SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS relationship with Florida growers and private industries INCLUDE: through research and outreach activities. Partnering with FGGA and the Viticulture Advisory Council, we provided • Provided assistance and planting material for a grape research and technical support to enhance grape products, arbor as a demonstration site and recruitment tool at demonstrate health benefits, protect vineyards from pest New Smyrna Beach Middle School and disease, and address other issues of importance to • Provided onsite visit and assistance in establishing the successful expansion of the grape growing industry. a new vineyard at RESORA at Cypress Pond, New We continue to foster national and international research Communities, Inc., 801 Old Pretoria Road, Albany, GA cooperation and facilitate faculty and student exchange 31721 under the FIPSE/Atlantis Program and North American • Facilitated the first muscadine grape introduction trial Research Network for Grape Functional Genomics. of nine varieties at the Waimanalo Research Station in Recent outreach efforts include: cooperation with the University of Hawaii • Processed 1,354 lbs. of grapes from 31 varieties in the • 2015 and 2014 FAMU Grape Festival (August collection for development of new proprietary value 29, 2015 and August 23, 2014) with more than 3,000 added products (Season 2015) participants, supported in part by FDACS/VAC Grant • Vinification of 3710 lbs. of grapes from eight varieties • South Farmers visit (September 4, 2014) for development of 17 wine styles/types, seven • Vineyard Management Program (February 13, 2015) varietals and 10 blends, including three sparkling 15 attendees wines and two low alcohol level wines (Season 2015) 13 Annual Report 2014–2015

FACULTY AND STAFF

Interim Director Ren, Zhongbo - Grape Breeding Violeta Tsolova, Ph.D. - Viticulture Gohar Umar - Horticulture & Developmental Biology Matteo Voltarelli - Enology

Program Leaders Staff Anthony Ananga, Ph.D. - Michael Garrett - Senior Ag. Food Biotechnology Assistant Mehboob Sheikh, Ph.D. – Angela Harper - Administrative Biochemistry Assistant Jarvis Jackson - Research Research Associates Assistant Devaiah Kambiranda, Ph.D. - Jesus Jimenez - Field Assistant Biotechnolgy Jose Jimenez - Field Assistant RVP Reddy Mula, Ph.D. - Cell Nicolas Jimenez - Field Assistant Biology Anse Kaplan - Lab Technician James Obuya, Ph.D. - Plant Ray Payne - Field Assistant Pathology David Smithwick - Farm Manager Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research

Annual Report 2014–2015