S15 - Session P2 - Effects of intercropping medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) on grapevine cv. Sangiovese berry volatile compounds

Authors: Daniela Mota-Segantini, Alessandra Lombini, Arleen Rodriguez Declet *, Rosa De Giorgio, Claudio DOnofrio, Adamo Domenico Rombolà

Volatile organic compounds are produced by plant secondary metabolism and may vary by genetic background and environmental conditions. These compounds are responsible for aroma and play important roles in plant communication and defense. Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs), such as basil ( Ocimum basilicum ), lemon balm ( Melissa officinalis ), and sage ( Salvia officinalis ) are naturally rich in aromatic compounds. The introduction of MAPs in the vineyards could promote interactions between these species and the grapevines, and consequently impact the volatile composition of grape berries. The effects of intercropping grapevines with the MAPS basil, lemon balm and sage, on berry volatile compounds of grapevine cv. Sangiovese were evaluated under field conditions.The introduction of basil, lemon balm and sage in the vineyards slowed down technological maturity and increased total VOCs in Sangiovese berries. Among the different VOCs classes, C13-norisoprenoids, vanillins and phenols showed significantly higher concentrations in berries of grapevine intercropped with MAPs. The presence of MAPs enhanced berry concentration of: vomifoliol (C13-norisoprenoids), homo-vanillic alcohol and homovanillic acid (vanillins), 4-vinylguaiacol, syringol and 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenol (phenols) and 3-methyl-2-buten-1-ol (aliphatic alcohols), while reducing the level of: p-cymen-7-ol, 1-hexanol and nerol. Changes of the concentration of volatile compounds in the berries may be partly due to the volatile compounds emitted by MAPs introduced along the vineyard rows. Additionally, the significant reduction of Cynodon dactylon in the parcels intercropped with MAPs suggest a possible interaction at root level. Data suggest that intercropping with MAPs could influence the accumulation of VOCs in grapevines and contribute to the composition and volatile profile of this cultivar. Besides the influence on fruit composition, intercropping with MAPs could improve the resilience of the agroecosystem, farmers' incomes and wellbeing.