Thesis (MSc (Wine Biotechnology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / Plants have evolved photosynthetic systems to efficiently harvest sunlight energy for the production of carbohydrates, but these systems also are extremely susceptible to an excess of light. To combat the potential damaging effects of light, plants have developed various mechanisms to control and cope with light stress. These mechanisms include the movement of either leaves, cells (negative phototaxis) or chloroplasts to adjust the light-capturing potential, the adjustment of the light-harvesting antenna size through gene expression or protein degradation, the removal of excess excitation energy either through an alternative electron transport pathway or as heat. However, the latter mechanism based on thermal dissipation, remains the most effective to rid the plant of damaging excess light energy. This process involves several carotenoid pathway pigments, specifically the de-epoxidised xanthophyll cycle pigments. The process and extent of thermal dissipation in plants can be measured and quantified as non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) of chlorophyll fluorescence by using well-established methodologies. Several Arabidopsis and Chlamydomonas mutants affected in the xanthophyll cycle have been isolated. These mutants have provided evidence for the correlation between the de-epoxidised xanthophyll cycle pigments and NPQ as well as better understanding of the operation of the xanthophyll cycle and the related carotenoid biosynthetic enzymes. This key photoprotective role of the xanthophyll cycle is therefore a promising target for genetic engineering to enhance environmental stress tolerance in plants. Several genes from the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) were isolated previously in our laboratory. The main aim of this study was to over-express two xanthophyll cycle genes from grapevine in Arabidopsis and to analyse the transgenic population with regards to pigment content and levels as well as certain photosynthetic parameters. The transgenic lines were compared with wild type Arabidopsis (untransformed) plants and two xanthophyll cycle mutants under non-limiting conditions as well as a stress condition, specifically a high light treatment to induce possible photodamage and photoinhibition. Transgenic Arabidopsis lines over-expressing the two V. vinifera xanthophyll cycle genes, β-carotene hydroxylase (VvBCH) and zeaxanthin epoxidase (VvZEP), were established following Agrobacterium transformation. In addition to the untransformed wild type, two NPQ mutants, npq1 (lacking violaxanthin de-epoxidase) and npq2 (lacking zeaxanthin epoxidase), were used as controls throughout this study. The transgenic lines were propagated to a homozygous T3-generation, where stable integration and expression of the transgenes were confirmed in only 16% and 12% for VvBCH and VvZEP lines, respectively. No phenotypical differences could be observed for the transgenic lines compared to the wild type, but the npq2 mutant showed a stunted and ‘wilty’ phenotype, as was previously described. To evaluate the pigment composition of the transgenic lines a reliable and reproducible method was needed to analyse carotenoids from leafy material. To this end a new high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed for the quantitative profiling of eight major carotenoids and chlorophyll a and b. Emphasis was placed on baseline separation of the xanthophyll pigments, lutein and zeaxanthin as well as the cis- and trans-forms of violaxanthin and neoxanthin. The method effectively distinguished Arabidopsis wild type plantlets from the two NPQ mutant lines (npq1 and 2) and could possibly find application for green leafy tissue samples in general. The carotenoid content of the NPQ mutants were in accordance with previous reports. The lack of zeaxanthin epoxidase activity in the npq2 mutant resulted in the accumulation of zeaxanthin under both low and high light conditions. This high level zeaxanthin was found to cause an initial rapid induction of NPQ at low to moderate light intensities, but this difference disappeared at high light, where zeaxanthin formation induced considerable NPQ in the wild type. Similarly, the npq1 mutant was unable to de-epoxidise violaxanthin to zeaxanthin under high light conditions, which resulted in severe inhibition of NPQ induction. Furthermore, these mutant plantlets were shown to be more susceptible to photoinhibition compared to that of the wild type. The over-expression of VvBCH resulted in a marked increase in the xanthophyll cycle pool pigments (violaxanthin, antheraxanthin and zeaxanthin) and reduced β-carotene levels under both low and high light conditions compared to that the wild type, indicating elevated β-carotene hydroxylase activity possibly due to over-expression of the VvBCH gene. Similar to the induction of NPQ in the npq2 mutant, the increased levels of zeaxanthin in the VvBCH lines did not offer any additional photoprotection. This would suggest that the heightened zeaxanthin levels observed for the VvBCH lines do not necessarily enhance photoprotection, however may protect the thylakoid membrane against lipid peroxidation as has been shown previously. The VvZEP lines however, showed reduce levels of zeaxanthin in high light conditions to that of the wild type, probably due to the competing epoxidation and de-epoxidation reactions of the xanthophyll cycle. This reduction in zeaxanthin synthesis in the VvZEP lines resulted in significant reduced NPQ induction compared that of the wild type, a phenomenon also observed for the npq1 mutant. Similar to the npq1 mutant, these lines displayed significantly increased photoinhibition, which may be due to photodamage of the reaction centers if one considers the lowered photosystem II photochemistry efficiency and reaction center openness of these lines compared to the wild type. This may suggest that even small reductions in zeaxanthin amounts can result in an increase in photoinhibition, under high light conditions. This study and its results provide fundamental information regarding two grapevine-derived carotenoid pathway genes and their possible physiological roles. Moreover, studies like these provide information that is essential when possible biotechnological approaches are planned with this central plant metabolic pathway in mind. The results highlighted the complex regulation of this pathway, necessitating attention to flux control, simultaneous manipulation of several pathway genes, and the measurement of other compounds derived from this pathway when evaluating the possible applications of the carotenoid pathway of plants.

Thesis (Msc (Viticulture and Oenology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / Among the factors contributing to wine complexity and quality, wine aroma is one of the most important factors. Wine aroma is the outcome of interaction among different compounds produced from the grapes, during fermentation as well as during the ageing process. Apart from its origin from grapes, fungi and yeasts, wine aroma can also be derived from the metabolic activity of wine lactic acid bacteria (LAB). These microorganisms are usually associated with malolactic fermentation (MLF) which normally occurs after alcoholic fermentation. MLF is beneficial to wine due to its contribution to deacidification, microbiological stabilisation and wine aroma formation, with the latter being the most important area of interest in our study. The production of volatile aromatic components in wine can, in part, be achieved through the hydrolytic action of enzymes produced by LAB associated with wine. These enzymes include β-glucosidase, protease, esterase, lipase and glucanase. Most of the work done on bacterial enzymes has been on LAB from food sources other than wine, in which these enzymes contribute to the flavour development of some cheeses, yoghurt and other fermented foods. The activity of these enzymes during wine fermentation has mostly been concerned with β-glucosidase from Oenococcus oeni. Only in recent years has there been a renewed interest in evaluating the activity of β-glucosidase in other genera of wine LAB. The overriding goal of this study was to screen and characterise wine-related enzymes produced by LAB associated with wine. All the LAB isolates tested in this study were obtained from IWBT culture collection and were previously isolated from five different wineries situated in the Western Cape region, South Africa. We first screened isolates using classical methods. The isolates were grown on agar medium supplemented with appropriate substrate analogues in order to evaluate the activity of enzymes (i.e. β- glucosidase, glucanase, lipase and esterase). The colonies exhibiting enzymatic activity ...

Thesis (MSc (Wine Biotechnology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / The quality of wine is influenced by a variety of factors, most noticeably the quality of the grapes, winemaking practices and the yeast strains used for alcoholic fermentation. Although several yeast strains are present in the must at the beginning of fermentation, strains of S. cerevisiae quickly dominate and survive alcoholic fermentations. This dominance of S. cerevisiae prompted research that led to the development of a multitude of industrial yeast starter cultures. Starter cultures are usually capable of quick and complete fermentations, with minimal production of deleterious substances such as volatile acidity, H2S, SO2 and ethyl carbamate. Yeast strains should be able to survive the stressful environment created during alcoholic fermentation, whilst possibly offering novel oenological benefits such as pectinolytic activity, killer activity and malic acid degradation. The increased production of volatile esters and higher alcohols may also be desirable, as this will allow the production of wines that are more aromatic. In this study, VIN13 was crossed with S. paradoxus strain RO88 and WE14 by using a micomanipulator. VIN13 was chosen for its fast and complete fermentation ability and moderate aroma production potential. Other factors such as the presence of killer activity and low production of volatile sulphur compounds also favoured the selection of VIN13. S. paradoxus strain RO88 was selected for its ability to degrade malic acid and the favourable impact on aroma production during fermentation. Hybrids between these yeasts may have the potential to produce more aromatic wines, with the added bonus of pectinolytic activity and a strong fermentation capacity. The first crossing yielded 5 hybrids between VIN13 and S. paradoxus strain RO88. Two of these hybrids stood out in the sense that they were able to degrade more malic acid than VIN13 and they also possessed killer and pectinolytic activity. Cinsaut wine was made and the 2 hybrids were shown to have higher aroma compound capacity than the parental yeasts. This was also confirmed during sensory evaluation. The second crossing between VIN13 and WE14 yielded 10 hybrids with low H2S production potential and killer activity. WE14 was selected for its ability to produce very aromatic wines and also the slower fermentation capacity. Hybrids between these yeast may have the potential to produce wines with an increased aromatic content and the fermentation rate might be slower, thereby improving the aroma profile of the wine. After microvinification, 5 hybrids were selected on the basis of fermentation rate differing from that of the parental yeasts and favourable oenological traits, such as fast and complete fermentation, high production of glycerol and low production of volatile acidity. Pinotage wine was made and it was shown that some of the hybrids produced more esters and higher alcohols than the parental yeasts. Sensory evaluation also showed the aroma production potential of the hybrids, as some of the hybrids were shown to score higher for banana, cherry and tobacco characteristics.

Thesis (MSc (Wine Biotechnology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / The discrimination between wine yeast strains as well as between their fermented wines has been investigated in this pilot study. The study was divided in two parts, the first to investigate the discrimination between wines fermented with five different Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strains, analysed by gas chromatography (GC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and the second part to investigate discrimination between wine yeast strains in different liquid media and in dried form using FTIR in transmission and attenuated total reflectance (ATR) modes. Wines from three cultivars (Clairette Blanche, Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon) that were fermented by five Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strains (VIN13, WE372, VIN13-EXS, VIN13-PPK and ML01) were analysed by GC and FTIR. This analysis was done on individual sample sets that consisted of the wines of each of the mentioned cultivars and also on samples drawn throughout the ageing process of these wines. The data obtained were analysed by PLS-Discrimination (PLS-discrim), a chemometric method. Using the data from both the analytical methods, discrimination was observed between wines fermented with different yeast strains in each of the two vintages (2005 and 2006) for all the cultivars. When combining the data from the two vintages no discrimination could be observed between the fermented wines. The discrimination of the fermented wines was found to be similar when using data from GC and FTIR, respectively. Since analysis with FTIR is considerably faster than analysis by GC, it would be recommended that FTIR is used for future studies of similar nature. Combining the samples into one set consisting of wines fermented with commercial wine yeast strains and wines fermented from closely related wine yeast strains (the parental strain and two genetically modified versions thereof (VIN13, VIN13-EXS and VIN13- PPK), those fermented with closely related stains did not show good discrimination from each other. Discrimination was found between wines fermented with genetically modified (GM) wine yeast strains and those fermented with non-GM wine yeast strains. This was done on a limited number of yeast strains and a larger study is needed to confirm these results. As this is the first study of this nature and differences seen could be as result of the different phenotypes. It was shown that it is possible to use both FTIR-transmission and FTIR-ATR (attenuated total reflectance) to discriminate between different wine yeast strain phenotypes. It was shown that when using FTIR-transmission there is discrimination between yeast samples suspended in yeast-peptone-dextrose (YPD) and in water. Dried yeast samples could be discriminated when the yeast samples were in a granular, powder form or in a pellet form, using FTIR-ATR. It was possible to discriminate between the closely related yeast strain phenotypes using FTIR-ATR. In this pilot study it was shown that there can be discriminated between different wine yeast strains and also between the wines fermented with different wine yeast strains. It is recommended that further studies be conducted to refine and expand the study.

Thesis (MSc (Wine Biotechnology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Fermentation is a complex process in which raw materials are transformed into high-value products, in this case, grape juice into wine. In this modern and economically competitive society, it is increasingly important to consistently produce wine to definable specifications and styles. Process management throughout the production stage is therefore crucial to achieve effective control over the process and consistent wine quality. Problematic wine fermentations directly impact on cellar productivity and the quality of wine. Anticipating stuck or sluggish fermentations, or simply being able to foresee the progress of a given fermentation, would be extremely useful for an enologist or winemaker, who could then take suitable corrective steps where necessary, and ensure that vinifications conclude successfully. Conventional methods of fermentation monitoring are time consuming, sometimes unreliable, and the information limited to a few parameters only. The current effectiveness of fermentation monitoring in industrial wine production can be much improved. Winemakers currently lack the tools to identify early signs of undesirable fermentation behaviour and to take preventive actions. This study investigated the application of Fourier transform mid infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy in transmission mode, for the quantitative and qualitative monitoring of alcoholic fermentation during industrial wine production. The major research objectives were firstly to establish a portfolio of quantitative calibration models suitable for quantification of the major quality determining parameters in fermenting must. The second major research objective focused on a pilot study aimed at exploring the use of off-line batch multivariate statistical process control (MSPC) charts for actively fermenting must. This approach used FT-IR spectra only, for the purpose of qualitative monitoring of alcoholic fermentation in industrial wine production. Towards these objectives, a total of 284 industrial-scale, individual, actively fermenting tanks of the seven major white cultivars and blends, and nine major red cultivars, of Namaqua Wines, Vredendal, South Africa, were sampled and analysed with FT-IR spectroscopy and appropriate reference methods during vintages 2007 to 2009. For the quantitative strategy, partial least squares regression (PLS1) calibration models for determination of the classic wine parameters ethanol, pH, volatile acidity (VA), titratable acidity (TA) and the total content of glucose plus fructose, were redeveloped to provide a better fit to local South African samples. New PLS1 models were developed for the must components glucose, fructose and yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN), all of which are frequently implicated in problem fermentations. The regression statistics, that included the standard error of prediction (SEP), coefficient of determination (R2) and bias, were used to evaluate the performance of the redeveloped calibration models on local South African samples. Ethanol (SEP = 0.15 %v/v, R2 = 0.999, bias = 0.04 %v/v) showed very good prediction and with a residual predictive deviation (RPD) of 30, rendered an excellent model for quantitative purposes in fermenting must. The models for pH (SEP = 0.04, R2 = 0.923, bias = -0.01) and VA (SEP = 0.07 g/L, R2 = 0.894, bias = -0.01 g/L) with RPD values of 4 and 3 respectively, showed that the models were suitable for screening purposes. The calibration model for TA (SEP = 0.35 g/L, R2 = 0.797, bias = -0.004 g/L) with a RPD of 2, proved unsatisfactory for quantification purposes, but reasonable for screening purposes. The calibration model for the total content of glucose plus fructose (SEP = 0.6.19 g/L, R2 = 0.993, bias = 0.02 g/L) with a RPD of 13, showed very good prediction and can be used to quantify total glucose plus fructose content in fermenting must. The newly developed calibration models for glucose (SEP = 4.88 g/L, R2 = 0.985, bias = -0.31 g/L) and fructose (SEP = 4.14 g/L, R2 = 0.989, bias = 0.64 g/L) with RPD values of 8 and 10 respectively, also proved fit for quantification of these important parameters. The new calibration models of ethanol, total glucose plus fructose; and glucose and fructose individually, showed an excellent relation to local South African samples and can be easily implemented by the wider wine industry. Two calibration models were developed to determine YAN in fermenting must by using different reference methods, namely the enzyme-linked spectrophotometric assay and Formol titration method, respectively. The results showed that enzyme-linked assays provided a good quantitative model for white fermenting must (SEP = 14.10 mg/L, R2 = 0.909, bias = -2.55 mg/L, RPD = 6), but the regression statistics for predicting YAN in red fermenting must, were less satisfactory (data not shown). The Formol titration method could be used successfully in both red- and white fermenting must (SEP = 16.37 mg/L, R2 = 0.912, bias = -1.01 mg/L, RPD = 4). A minor, but very important finding was made with respect to the storage of must samples that were taken from tanks, but that could not immediately be analysed with FT-IR spectroscopy or reference values. Principal component analysis (PCA) of frozen samples showed that must samples could be stored frozen for up to 3 months and still be used to expand the calibration sample sets when needed. Therefore, samples can be kept frozen to a later stage if immediate analyses are not possible. For the purpose of the pilot study that focused on the use of FT-IR spectroscopy for qualitative off-line monitoring of alcoholic fermentation, a total of 21 industrial-scale fermentation tanks were monitored at 8- or 12-hourly intervals, from the onset of fermentation to complete consumption of the grape sugars. This part of the work excluded quantitative data, and only used FT-IR spectra. MSPC charts were constructed on the PLS scores of all the FT-IR spectra taken at the various time intervals of the different batches, using time as the y-variable. The primary aim of this research objective was to evaluate if the PLS batch models could be used to discriminate between normal and problem alcoholic fermentations. The models that were constructed clearly showed the variations in patterns over time, between red- and white wine alcoholic fermentations. One Colombar tank that was fermented at very low temperature in order to achieve a specific wine style, was characterised by a fermentation pattern that clearly differed form the rest of the Colombar fermentations. This atypical fermentation was identified by the batch models constructed in this study. PLS batch models over all the Colombar fermentations clearly identified the normal and problem fermentations. The results obtained in this study showed that FT-IR spectroscopy showed great potential for effective quantitative and qualitative monitoring of alcoholic fermentation during industrial wine production. The work done in this project resulted in the development of a portfolio of calibration models for the most important quality determining parameters in fermenting must. The quantitative models were subjected to extensive independent test set validation, and have subsequently been implemented for industrial use at Namaqua Wines. Multivariate batch monitoring models were established that show good discriminatory power to detect problem fermentations. This is a very useful diagnostic tool that can be further developed by monitoring more normal and problem fermentations. Future work in this regard, will focus on further optimisation and expansion of the quantitative and qualitative calibration models and implementation of these in the respective wineries of Namaqua Wines. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Fermentasie is ‘n komplekse proses waartydens rou material getransformeer word na produkte van hoë waarde, in hierdie geval, druiwesap na wyn. In die huidige ekonomies-kompeterende samelewing, is dit al hoe meer belangrik om volhoubaar wyn te produseer wat voldoen aan definieerbare spesifikasies en style. Goeie prosesbestuur tydens die wynproduksie stadium is baie belangrik om herhaalbaarheid en gehaltebeheer te verseker. Problematiese wynfermentasies het ’n direkte impak op beide kelderproduktiwiteit en wynkwaliteit. Die voorkoming van slepende- of steekfermentasies, of selfs net om probleme te voorsien, sou uiters bruikbaar wees vir ‘n wynkundige of wynmaker, wat dan die toepaslike regstellende stappe kan neem waar nodig, om te verseker dat die wynbereiding suksesvol voltooi word. Konvensionele metodes van monitering van alkoholiese fermentasie is tydrowend, soms onbetroubaar en die inligting beperk tot ‘n paar parameters. Die huidige effektiwiteit van fermentasie monitering in industriële wynproduksie kan heelwat verbeter word. Wynmakers ervaar tans ’n behoete aan tegnologië wat die vroeë tekens van ongunstige fermentasiepatrone kan identifiseer, en hul doeltreffendheid om moontlike regstellende aksies te neem, is dus beperk. Hierdie studie het die toepassing van Fourier transformasie mid-infrarooi (FT-IR) spektroskopie in transmissie, ondersoek met die oog op kwantitatiewe en kwalitatiewe monitering van alkoholiese gisting tydens industriële wynproduksie. Die vernaamste navorsingsdoelwitte was eerstens om ’n portefeulje van kwantitatiewe kalibrasiemodelle te vestig, wat geskik is om die belangrikste kwaliteitsbepalende parameters in gistende mos te kwantifiseer. Die tweede hoofnavorsingsdoelwit was ’n loodsstudie wat ondersoek ingestel het na die opstel van multiveranderlike statistiese proseskontrole grafieke van aktief-gistende mos, met die oog op aflyn-kwalitatiewe monitering van alkoholiese gisting in industriële wynproduksie. Hiervoor is slegs FT-IR spektra gebruik. Vir die doel van hierdie studie is monsters van ’n totaal van 284 individuele, aktief-gistende tenke van die sewe hoof wit kultivars en hul versnydings en nege hoof rooi kultivars van Namaqua Wyne, Vredendal, Suid Afrika, geneem. Al die monsters is met toepaslike chemiese metodes en FT-IR spektroskopie analiseer tydens die parsseisoene van 2007 tot 2009. Vir die kwantitatiewe strategie is parsiële kleinste kwadraat (PKK1) kalibrasiemodelle vir die bepaling van die klassieke wynparameters etanol, pH, vlugtige suur (VS), titreerbare suur (TS) en die totale konsentrasie van glukose plus fruktose herontwikkel, om beter te pas op plaaslike Suid-Afrikaanse monsters. Nuwe PKK1 kalibrasiemodelle is ontwikkel vir die komponente glukose, fruktose en gis-assimileerbare stikstof, aangesien hierdie komponente gereelde aanduidings van probleemgisting is. Die regressiestatistieke het die standaardvoorspellingsfout (SVF), bepalingskoëffisiënt (R2) en sydigheid ingesluit en was gebruik om die prestasie van die herontwikkelde kalibrasiemodelle vir plaaslike Suid-Afrikaanse monsters te evalueer. Etanol (SVF = 0.15 %v/v, R2 = 0.999, sydigheid = 0.04 %v/v) het baie goeie regressiestatistiek getoon en met ‘n relatiewe voorspellingsafwyking (RVA) van 30, was dit ‘n uitstekende model vir kwantifisering in gistende mos. Die modelle vir pH en VS met RVA waardes van 4 en 3 onderskeidelik, is geskik vir semi-kwantitatiewe toepassings. Die kalibrasiemodel vir TS met ‘n RVA waarde van 2, was nie geskik vir akkurate kwantifisering nie, maar wel vir semikwantitatiewe analises. Die kalibrasiemodel vir die totale glukose plus fruktose inhoud in gistende mos, met ‘n RVA waarde van 13, het uitstekende regressiestatistiek gegee en is geskik vir akkurate kwantifiseringsdoeleindes. Die nuut-ontwikkelde kalibrasiemodelle vir glukose en fruktose, met RVA waardes van onderskeidelik 8 en 10, is geskik vir akkurate kwantifisering van hierdie belangrike parameters. Die kalibrasiemodelle vir etanol, totale glukose plus fruktose, en glukose en fruktose afsonderlik, het uitstekende korrelasies getoon met plaaslike Suid-Afrikaanse monsters en is gereed om toepassing te vind in die wyer wynindustrie. Twee kalibrasiemodelle is ontwikkel om gis-assimileerbare stikstof in gistende mos te bepaal, deur gebruik te maak van verskillende verwysingsmetodes van analise; hierdie metodes was ‘n ensiem-gekoppelde spektrofotometriese toets en die Formoltitrasie metode. Resultate het getoon dat goeie regressiestatistiek vir FT-IR spektroskopie-gebaseerde kalibrasiemodelle waar data wat met die ensiem-gekoppelde toetse verkry is, as verwysingwaardes gebruik is, in wit gistende mos (SVP = 14.10 mg/L, R2 = 0.909, sydigheid = -2.55 mg/L, RVA = 6), maar nie in rooi gistende mos nie. Die Formoltitrasie metode as verwysingsmetode, was geskik vir die ontwikkeling van goeie kalibrasiemodelle in beide rooi- en wit gistende mos (SVP = 16.37 mg/L, R2 = 0.912, sydigheid = -1.01 mg/L, RVA = 4). ’n Sekondêre, maar baie belangrike bevinding is gemaak met betrekking tot die stoor van mosmonsters wat geneem is van tenke, maar wat nie dadelik met die verwysingsmetodes en FT-IR spektroskopie analiseer kon word nie. Multiveranderlike hoofkomponentanalise op vars en gevriesde sapmonsters het getoon dat gevriesde monsters gebruik kan word om die kalibrasie datastel uit te brei, wanneer benodig. Dus, sapmonsters kan gevries word tot ’n later stadium as onmiddelike analises nie moontlik is nie. Vir die doel van die tweede navorsingsdoelwit van die studie, naamlik kwalitatiewe af-lyn monitering van alkoholiese fermentasie met FT-IR spektroskopie, is ‘n totaal van 21 industriëlegrootte fermentasietenks ge-monitor deur sapmonsters met 8- tot 12-uurlikse intervalle te trek, vanaf die begin van fermentasie, totdat al die druifsuiker gemetaboliseer is. Vir hierdie deel van die werk is die kwantitatiewe data nie gebruik nie; slegs die FT-IR spektra. Multiveranderlike statistiese proseskontrole grafieke is opgestel op grond van die PKK tellings wat bereken is op al die FT-IR spektra wat gemeet is by die verskillende tydsintervalle. Vir hierdie analise is tyd as y-veranderlike gebruik. Die vernaamste doel van hierdie ondersoek was om te evalueer of die PKK-gebaseerde modelle kon onderskei tussen normale en slepende gistings. Die modelle wat verkry is, het die variasie oor tyd in die fermentasiepatrone tussen wit- en rooiwyn fermentasies tydens alkoholiese gisting, duidelik uitgewys. Een Colombar tenk wat teen baie lae temperatuur gefermenteer is om ‘n spesifieke wynstyl te verkry, se fermentasiepatroon het aansienlik verskil van die ander Colombar tenks wat gemonitor is, en hierdie atipiese patroon is ook deur die kwalitatiewe modelle identifiseer. ‘n PKK model oor al die Colombar fermentasies kon duidelik tussen normale en slepende gistings onderskei. Die resultate wat in hierdie studie verkry is, het getoon dat FT-IR spektroskopie baie goeie potensiaal toon vir die aanwending van kwantitatiewe en kwalitatiewe monitering van alkoholiese fermentasie tydens industriële wynproduksie. Die werk wat in hierdie projek gedoen is, het gelei tot die vestiging van ‘n portefeulje van kalibrasiemodelle vir die belangrikste kwaliteitsbepalende parameters in fermenterende mos. Die kwantitatiewe modelle is baie deeglik getoets met onafhanlike toets datastelle, en daarna is die kalibrasiemodelle geimplementeer vir industriële gebruik by Namaqua Wyne. Multiveranderlike statistiese proseskontrole grafieke wat baseer is op data wat vanaf 21 verskillende fermentasietenks verkry is, het baie goeie potensiaal getoon om probleemfermentasies vroeg te identifiseer. Dié grafieke is ‘n baie nuttige diagnostiese hulpmiddel wat verder ontwikkel kan word om verskillende tipes probleemfermentasies te monitor. Toekomstige navorsing in hierdie konteks, sal toegespits word op die optimisering en uitbreiding van die kwantitatiewe en kwalitatiewe modelle, sowel as toepassing van die tegnieke in die onderskeie kelders van Namaqua Wyne.

Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 1948. / NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE

Thesis (MSc (Wine Biotechnology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / Includes bibliography. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The varietal character of Sauvignon blanc wine is mostly defined by the balance between tropical and green vegetative flavour nuances. Grape derived methoxypyrazines are the main aroma contributors towards green vegetative flavours. Methoxypyrazines are heat and light sensitive. Due to warm climatic conditions in South Africa, methoxypyrazine levels decrease during grape ripening. The addition of food flavourings to Sauvignon blanc wine, a practice known as spiking, has occurred in the past to improve the green character of the wines. Adding flavourings to wine and selling the wine as natural certified wine is illegal in South Africa. Currently, adulterated Sauvignon blanc wines are identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) methods to quantify methoxypyrazines and compare levels to an established database. Although of high sensitivity, GC-MS and LCMS methods are costly and time consuming, therefore not optimal for routine screening of wines. Hence the need for the development of a fast and cost effective method for routine screening of large amounts of wines to identify adulteration. Small scale vinification practices were used to prepare experimental Sauvignon blanc wine. Flavourings were added to Sauvignon blanc grape juice before fermentation, during the preparation of experimental spiked wines. Control wines, containing no flavouring, were also prepared. Commercial wines were spiked after fermentation and bottling. Each wine was only spiked with a single flavouring. The flavourings added were the juice of homogenised fresh green peppers and commercially available flavourings for wine. The following commercial flavourings were used: green pepper, asparagus, grassy and tropical. The above mentioned wines were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, GC-MS, LC-MS and descriptive sensory analysis. The FT-IR techniques used were Fourier transform mid infrared (FT-MIR) transmission, FT-MIR attenuated reflection and Fourier transform near infrared (FT-NIR) reflection spectroscopy. The data was interpreted using the following multivariate statistical techniques: principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares discrimination (PLS-D) and conformity testing. Multivariate models constructed from FT-MIR and FT-NIR data were able to discriminate between spiked and control wines. Sensory analysis results clearly showed differences between non-spiked wines and spiked wines with 3-isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine concentrations 10 times higher than naturally occurring in wine. Differences between control and spiked wines with concentrations of 3-isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine similar to concentrations naturally occurring in wines could not be detected to prove adulteration conducting sensory analysis. However, differences between control and spiked wines with levels of 3-isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine similar to levels naturally occurring in wines could be detected using FT-IR data in conjunction with multivariate statistics. This study showed that, FT-IR spectroscopy in conjunction with multivariate statistical methods can be a possibility for the screening and identification of wines suspected of adulteration in terms of added flavourings. Descriptive sensory analysis also proved to be a potentially useful tool. However screening and training of potential panel members are time consuming. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die variëteitskarakter van Sauvignon blanc wyn word grotendeels gedefinieer deur die balans tussen tropiese en groen vegetatiewe aromas. Metoksipirasiene is die hoof aroma verbindings wat verantwoordelik is vir groen vegetatiewe aromas. Metoksipirasien is hitte- en ligsensitief. Warm klimaatsomstandighede in Suid-Afrika het tot gevolg dat metoksipirasien konsentrasies daal tydens druif rypwording. Sauvignon blanc wyne is in die verlede vervals deur middel van die byvoeging van vars groen soetrissies om die groen vegetatiewe karaktereienskappe van die wyne te bevorder. Die byvoeging van geurmiddels of plantekstrakte by wyn en verkoop van daardie wyn as gesertifiseerde natuurlike wyn is onwettig in Suid-Afrika. Tans word vervalsde wyne met behulp van gaschromatografie-massaspektrometrie (GC-MS) en vloeistofchromatografie-massaspektrometrie (LC-MS) opgespoor. Kwantifisering van metoksiepirasien konsentrasies in wyne en druiwesappe word vergelyk met konsentrasies in ‘n bestaande databasis. Alhoewel GC-MS en LC-MS hoë sensitiwiteitsmetodes is, is dit duur en tydrowende metodes, dus nie optimaal vir roetine sifting nie. Dus word ‘n koste- en tydseffektiewe roetine metode benodig om vervalsing van wyne op te spoor. Eksperimentele wyne is op klein skaal berei. Geurmiddels is voor fermentasie by die druiwesap gevoeg. Kontrole wyne waarby geen geurmiddels gevoeg is nie, is ook berei. Kommersiële wyne is gegeur na fermentasie en bottelering. Elke wyn is met ‘n enkele geurmiddel gegeur. Gehomogeniseerde vars groen soetrissie asook kommersieel beskikbare geursels vir wyn is gebruik. Die volgende kommersiële geursels is gebruik: groen soetrissie, aspersie, gras en tropiese geursel. Die volgende analitiese tegnieke is gebruik vir analisering van bogenoemde wyne: Fourier transformasie infrarooi (FT-IR) spektroskopie, GC-MS, LC-MS en beskrywende sensoriese analise. Die spesifieke FT-IR tegnieke wat gebruik is, is: Fourier transformasie mid-infrarooi (FT-MIR) transmissie, FT-MIR verswakte weerskaatsing en Fourier transformasie naby-infrarooi (FT-NIR) reflektansie. Die volgende multiveranderlike statistiese tegnieke is gebruik ter interpretasie van data: hoof komponent analise (PCA), parsiële kleinste kwadraat diskriminant analise (PLS-D) en gelykvormigheidstoetsing. Multiveranderlike modelle, bereken met behulp van FT-MIR en FT-NIR data, kon diskrimineer tussen gegeurde en kontrole wyne. Resultate wat verkry is tydens sensoriese analises het duidelike verskille uitgewys tussen gegeurde en kontrole wyne met betrekking tot 3-isobutiel-2- metoksipirasien konsetrasies waar 3-isobutiel-2-metoksipirasien konsentrasies 10 keer hoër was as wat natuurlik voorkom in wyn. Geen beduidende verskille kon waargeneem word in gevalle waar wyne vervals is met laer konsentrasies van geurmiddels deur sensoriese data te ontleed nie. Nietemin, statisitiese verskille tussen kontrole en vervalsde wyne kon waargeneem word vir lae-konsentrasie-geurmiddel vervalsde wyne deur FT-IR data met behulp van multiveranderlike statisitiese metodes te ontleed. Hierdie studie het gewys dat FT-IR in kombinasie met multiveranderlike statistiese tegnieke spesifiek hoof komponent analise (PCA) en parsiële kleinste kwadraat diskriminant analise (PLS-D) asook gelykvormigheidstoetsing bruikbare tegnieke is om te onderskei tussen kontrole (egte natuurlike) en vervalsde wyne ten opsigte van die byvoeging van geurmiddels. Beskrywende sensoriese analise kan ook nuttig gebruik word, alhoewel keuring en opleiding van paneellede tydrowend is.

Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL; muramidase; EC 3:2:1:17) is an enzyme present in high concentrations in chicken (Gallus gallus) egg whites. It hydrolyses the link between N-acetylmuramic acid and N-acetylglucosamine in Gram positive bacterial cell walls, resulting in cell death. It is thus active against lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which may be present in grape juices and musts. These bacteria are responsible for malolactic fermentation of wines although many species, particularly of the genera Lactobacillus and Pediococcus, are considered spoilage organisms. The growth of LAB is therefore closely monitored and controlled during winemaking. The most common means of control is growth inhibition by chemical treatment (usually with SO2). Lysozyme is a commonly used wine processing aid, complementing the antimicrobial activity of SO2 . It allows for lower doses of SO2 to be used, thus improving the wholesomeness of wine. The OIV (Organisation Internationale de la Vigne et du Vin) approved its use in quantities up to 500 mg per liter of wine in 1997. This study evaluated the effect of different secretion signals on the secretion of lysozyme by the haploid auxotroph Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain FY23. Secretion by an industrial strain (VIN13) transformed with a single copy of the HEWL gene with the MF-a secretion signal under the control of the PGK1 (phosphoglycerate kinase 1) prompter and terminator was also evaluated. In the case of FY23 four secretion signals were used, namely the native lysozyme signal and the S. cerevisiae mating factor-a signal as well as mutants of these signals. These mutants incorporated two additional arginines at the N-terminus of the signals immediately downstream of the terminal methionine. The effect of these mutations was to increase the positive charge of the secretion signal N-terminals. The secretion signal-lysozyme fusions were placed under the regulation of the S. cerevisae PGK1 gene’s promoter and terminator. The resulting expression cassettes were cloned into integrating vectors YIpLac211 and pDMPOF1b and episomal vector pHVX2. These were used to transform FY23 and VIN13. FY23 as well as VIN13 transformants were evaluated in an artificial medium designed to reflect the nutrient content of grape juice, with particular attention being paid to assiminable nitrogen. Three hexose concentrations were tested in order to determine the effect thereof on lysozyme secretion titer. Lysozyme secreted under all tested growth conditions was found to be too low for detection by either enzymatic assay or HPLC-FLD. For this reason secreted lysozyme was isolated and concentrated 10x by means of cation-exchange. Subsequently, lysozyme concentrations in the concentrates was determined by means of the aforementioned techniques. SDS-PAGE analysis of lysozyme concentrates was also performed. No significant differences were found between native or MF-a secretion signals and their mutated counterparts in terms of secretion titer or proteolytic maturation. Lysozyme secreted with the MF-a signal was found to be misprocessed in all cases, with both an authentically processed and a larger form, in which the secretion signal was not completely removed, being present. Lysozyme secreted with the native signal appeared to be correctly processed in all cases. Secretion titer from high copy number episomal FY23 tranformants was similar to that of integrants containing a single copy of the gene. Sugar concentration affected lysozyme production, with higher quantities of the enzyme being secreted when higher initial sugar concentrations were used. Lysozyme titers were extremely low (< 0:25 mg/L) with all expression cassettes under all the tested conditions with both FY23 and VIN13. In the case of the VIN13’s a lower final biomass was found for the secretor strain tested in comparrison to the VIN13 wild-type. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hoendereierwitlisosiem (HEWL; muramidase, EG 3:2:1:17) is ´n ensiem teenwoordig in hoë konsentrasies in hoender (Gallus gallus) eierwitte. Dit hidroliseer die binding tussen N-asetielmuramiensuur en N-asetielglukosamien in Gram positiewe bakteriese selwande, wat tot seldood lei. Dit is dus aktief teen melksuurbakterieë (MSB), wat in druiwesap en mos teenwoordig kan wees. Hierdie bakterieë is verantwoordelik vir appelmelksuurgisting van wyne, hoewel baie spesies, veral van die genera Lactobacillus en Pediococcus, ook as bederforganismes beskou word. Die groei van MSB word dus noukeurig tydens wynbereiding gemoniteer en beheer. Die algemeenste wyse van beheer is groei-inhibisie deur chemiese behandeling (gewoonlik SO2). Lisosiem is ´n algemeen gebruikte wyntoevoegingsmiddel en vul die antimikrobiese aktiwiteit van SO2 aan. Met lisosiem kan ´n laer dosis van SO2 gebruik word, wat lei tot ´n verbetering van die heilsaamheid van die wyn. Die OIV (Organisasie Internationale de la Vigne et du Vin) het die gebruik daarvan goedgekeur tot en met 500 mg per liter wyn vanaf 1997. Hierdie studie het die effek van verskillende sekresieseine op die uitskeiding van lisosiem deur die haploïede ouksotrofe Saccharomyces cerevisiae stam, FY23, geëvalueer. Uitskeiding deur ´n industriële stam (VIN13), wat getransformeer is met ´n enkelkopie van die HEWL-gene met die MF-a sekresiesein onder die beheer van die PGK1 (Fosfogliseraat kinase 1) promotor en termineerder, is ook geëvalueer. In die geval van FY23 is vier sekresieseine gebruik, naamlik die inheemse lisosiemsein, S. cerevisiae MF- a sein, asook mutante van hierdie seine. Hierdie mutante het twee bykomende arginienresidu’s by die N-terminus van die seine direk stroom-af van die terminale metionien. Die effek van hierdie mutasies was om die positiewe lading van die uitskeidingsein N-terminale te verhoog. Die gevolglike uitdrukkingskassette is in die integrasievektor YIpLac211 en pDMPOF1b, en die episomale vektor pHVX2, gekloneer. Dit is gebruik om VIN13 en FY23 te transformeer. FY23, sowel as VIN13-transformante, is geëvalueer in ´n kunsmatige medium wat ontwerp is om die voedingsinhoud van druiwesap te weerspieël, met besondere aandag aan assimileerbare stikstof. Drie heksose konsentrasies is getoets om te bepaal wat die uitwerking daarvan op die lisosiemsekresietiter is. Onder alle groeitoestande was die isosiem wat uitgeskei is, te laag om deur ensimatiese toetse of HPLC-FLD bepaal te word. Om hierdie rede is uitgeskeide lisosiem geïsoleer en 10x gekonsentreer deur middel van katioon-uitruiling. Daarna is lisosiemkonsentrasies bepaal deur middel van bogenoemde tegnieke. SDS-PAGE-ontleding van lisosiemkonsentraat is ook uitgevoer. In terme van sekresietiter of proteolitiese maturasie, is geen beduidende verskille gevind tussen inheemse of MF-a sekresieseine en hul gemuteerde eweknieë nie. Lisosiem wat deur die MF-a sein uitgeskei is, is in alle gevalle foutief geprosesseer, met ´n teenwoordigheid van beide die regte produk en ´n groter produk, waarin die uitskeidingsein nie heeltemal verwyder word nie. Lisosiem wat met die inheemse sein uitgeskei is, blyk in alle gevalle korrek verwerk te wees. Sekresietiter van ´n aantal hoë-kopie episomale FY23-transformante was soortgelyk aan dié van integrante met ´n enkelkopie van die geen. Suikerkonsentrasie beïnvloed lisosiemproduksie, met ´n hoër hoeveelheid van die ensiem wat uitgeskei word wanneer die aanvanklike suiker in hoër konsentrasies gebruik is. Lisosiemtiters was baie laag (< 0:25 mg/L), met al die kassette onder al die getoetste toestande vir beide FY23 en VIN13. In die geval van die VIN13’s, is ´n laer finale biomassa vir die uitskeidingstam in vergelyking met die VIN13 wilde-tipe gevind.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 1964. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The influence of manganese sulphate sprays on the yield and ripening of fruit of manganese-deficient Vitis vinifera L. (cv. Pinotage) plants was investigated. Ripening was determined in terms of changes in concentration of the indivi= dual and total sugars and organic acids. Increasing concentrations of manganese sulphate resulted in significant increases in the manganese content of the leaves. The higher levels of manganese were associated with an increase in yield. Ripening, however, was retarded, in that the percentage sugar of the fruit was decreased and titrable acid content increased. The principal sugars present in the fruit were sucrose, glucose, fructose and xylose. Malic and tartaric acids were the main organic acid constituents. Glucose and fructose increased sharply, and sucrose and xylose slightly during ripening of the fruit, whereas malic and tartaric acid de= creased. Glucose, fructose, tartaric and malic acid tended to increase with increasing manganese content. Sucrose and xylose were not appreciably affected. An application of 1% manganese sulphate can be recommend- · ed for manganese deficient vineyards, as it results in an increased yield, in addition to delaying ripening until a more favourable time for handling. Furthermore, the lowered sugar content of the fruit may be advantageous for the pro= duction of dry wines from Pinotage grapes . / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die invloed van mangaansulfaatbespuiting op die opbrengs en vrugrypwording van Vitis vinifera L. cv. Pinotage, wat aan ernstige mangaantekorte gely het, is ondersoek. Rypwording is met betrekking tot veranderings in die konsentrasies van totale en indiwiduele suikers en sure bepaal. 2. Toenemende konsentrasies Mnso4 (van O.2% tot l.O%) het n betekenisvolle toename in die mangaangehalte van die blare (van 3 tot 80 d.p.m.) tot gevolg gehad. Die ver= hoogde mangaangehalte het gepaard gegaan met n toe= name in opbrengs, terwyl rypwording vertraag is, deurdat die suikerpersentasie en die titreerbare suurgehalte ver= meerder is in vergelyking met die kontroleplante. 3. Die vernaamste suikers in die vrugte was sukrose, glukose, fruktose en xilose. Glukose en fruktose het vinnig en sukrose en xilose geleidelik toegeneem met die verloop van rypwording. In die ryp vrugte was glukose en fruk= tose oorheersend. Glukose en fruktose was geneig om toe te neem met toenemende mangaangehalte, terwyl sukrose en xilose nie beinvloed is nie. 4. Appelsuur en Wynsteensuur was die oorwegende sure in die vrugte. Beide hierdie sure het gedurende rypwording verminder. Hulle konsentrasies het oor die algemeen toegeneem namate die mangaankonsentrasie verhoog is. 5. Dit is afgelei dat bespuiting met 1.0% MnS04 aanbeveel kan word vir wingerde met mangaantekorte, daar dit n toename in opbrengs, gepaard met 'n vertraging in rypwording tot gevolg gehad het. So 'n vertraging mag moontlik in parstyd voordelig wees. Die verlaagde suikerpersentasie van die vrugte is moontlik gunstig vir die bereiding van droe wyne, waarvoor Pinotage hoofsaaklik gebruik word.

Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 1974. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: no abstract available / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: geen opsomming