Virus infection dysregulates table grape ripening through genome-wide reprogramming of RNA and miRNA

This thesis investigated the influence of virus infection on table grape berry quality by studying virus type and viral load, together with their effect on RNA and miRNA in the berry in ripe fruit. The analysis of RNA and microRNA revealed that the virus-induced berry phenotype may result from an increase in auxin signalling, which delays berry ripening and promotes cell wall expansion, increasing berry size and diluting berry composition. Moreover, the reduced berry colour of infected berries may be mediated by microRNA expression and the influence of this on anthocyanin-related pathway transcription factors responsible for berry colour development.