Molecular Pathogens, 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 77-86 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mp 77 Feature Review Open Access Grapevine Defense Mechanisms Against Pathogens: Molecular Insights and Breeding Strategies Hui Xiang Institute of Life Sciences, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: hui.xiang@jicat.org Molecular Pathogens, 2025, Vol.16, No.2 doi: 10.5376/mp.2025.16.0010 Received: 19 Mar., 2025 Accepted: 21 Apr., 2025 Published: 30 Apr., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Xiang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Xiang H., 2025, Grapevine defense mechanisms against pathogens: molecular insights and breeding strategies, Molecular Pathogens, 16(2): 77-86 (doi: 10.5376/mp.2025.16.0010) Abstract This study systematically sorted out the defense mechanism of grapes against major pathogens, revealed their molecular and biochemical basis, explored the activation of pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs), signaling pathways and defense-related genes, and further analyzed the role of resistance genes (R genes), including their identification, function and genetic maps in commercial grape varieties. Studies have shown that pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs) play a key role in early defense, and activation of signaling pathways can effectively initiate the expression of defense-related genes. Structural enhancement mechanisms such as antitoxin synthesis, accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), callose deposition and lignification are of great significance in resisting pathogen infection. This study summarizes the successful management experience of downy mildew and the breeding practice of anti-via leaf roll-related viruses through case studies, in order to promote innovation in disease-resistant breeding technologies and provide scientific support for the sustainable development of viticulture. Keywords Grapevine; Disease defense mechanisms; Pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs); Resistance genes (R Genes); Downy mildew 1 Introduction Vines are easily infected by various diseases, such as downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola), powdery mildew (Erysiphe necator) and gray mold (Botrytis cinerea). These diseases are mainly caused by fungi, oomycosis and bacteria, and have had a great impact on grape cultivation around the world. Especially the above diseases often lead to serious economic losses. Temperatures are rising globally, making these diseases more likely to spread and more severe. Traditional chemical control methods have become less effective because of this, and have a greater impact on the environment (Zhang et al., 2019; Capriotti et al., 2020). Bactericides are not only expensive, but also do not conform to the sustainable agriculture philosophy advocated now. Therefore, it has become necessary to develop disease-resistant grape varieties (Fröbel et al., 2019; Wingerter et al., 2021). To better cultivate disease-resistant varieties, we must first figure out how grapes fight pathogens. From the research we know that grapes have a complex defense response mechanism. They can activate disease-resistant genes, release reactive oxygen species, and synthesize some substances that are useful for fighting bacteria, such as styrene and flavonoids (Agurto et al., 2017; Yin et al., 2022). These reactions are usually initiated after the grapes recognize the "invasion signal" of the pathogen. This is like giving plants a "vaccine" in advance so that they can respond faster and be more resistant when facing real diseases. Understanding these mechanisms will help scientists find some key genes or pathways that help improve grapes’ disease resistance (Santos et al., 2020). This study mainly introduces how vines resist pathogens, especially at the molecular level. At the same time, some specific breeding methods and new biotechnical means will also be discussed, such as gene overexpression and gene silencing. We will also focus on several disease-resistant gene loci that have been used in grape breeding, such as Rpv3, Rpv10 and Rpv12. These genes allow grapes to better resist common diseases like downy mildew and powdery mildew. Finally, we will also discuss the role of these methods in reducing the use of fungicides and promoting environmentally friendly cultivation. It is hoped that this study can provide some reference and help for future grape disease resistance research and breeding work.
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