ScaldCold: Comprehensive dissection of the superficial scald in apple

ScanCold is an Interregional Project Network (IPN), granted by the European Region Tyrol-South Tyrol-Trentino (EGTC), aiming to comprehensively dissect the superficial scald regulation in apple through the employment of a multidisciplinary approach. Superficial scald is a severe postharvest disorder affecting pome fruit, especially apples. For a more sustainable horticulture alternative solutions, with regards to the known chemical treatment applied to date (DPA and 1-MCP), are needed, such as the development of novel varieties naturally resistant to this disorder.? To this end, three scientific Institutes (Fondazione Edmund March together with the University of Trento, Laimburg Research Centre and the University of Innsbruck) joined together to gain insight and acquire new knowledge about the genetic and physiological mechanisms underlying the regulation of the superficial scald in apple. Genetic approachA system genetics approach will be employed to target the genomic regions involved in the control of this disorder towards the characterization of the Scald-related QTLome. The molecular markers associated to the several scald parameters investigated in this project (visually inspected phenotypes, metabolites and gene expression) will represent a valuable tool for the future selection of new apple varieties resistant to this chilling injury. Storage techniquesIn this project, several storage techniques will be employed, such as exogenous application of 1-MCP, DCA-CF (Dynamic Controlled Atmosphere by means of Chlorophyl Fluorescence), and ULO-CA (Ultra Low Oxygen-CA). The efficacy of these storage methods in preventing the development of this disorder will be assessed, and a genome-wide RNA-Seq approach will be performed to disclose the effect of the different oxygen concentrations in modulating the transcriptome profile. NIRThe development of the superficial scald will be also analyzed through the implementation of novel NIR hyperspectral imaging. The spectral analysis of the different apple skin tissues should offer the possibility to perform a high-throughput, non-destructive and cost-effective analysis of the multi-constituent variation caused by this disorder. ParticipantsThe participants in the project are Fabrizio Costa (1,2), Nicola Busatto (2), Stefan St?rz (3), Ilaria Folie (3), Franco Biasioli (2), Brian Farneti (2), Urska Vrhovsek (2), Peter Robatcher (3), Federico Fava (3), Lorenzo Vittani (1), Francesca Populin (2), Justyna Grabska (4), Krsysztof Bec (4), Christian Huck (4) & Angelo Zanella (3). 1 Center Agriculture Foood Environment, University of Trento, San Michele all?Adige, Italy2 Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach (FEM), San Michele all?Adige, Italy3 Laimburg Research Centre; Ora, Italy4 Institute of Analytical and Chemistry and Radiochemistry, Innsbruck, AustriaIn the picture, the researchers Angelo Zanella (left) and Fabrizio Costa, in?Laimburg Research Centre stand during Interpoma 2022.?Author of the post, Alicia Namesny