Can Satellite Remote Sensing Assist in the Characterization of Yeasts Related to Biogeographical Origin?

Abstract

Biogeography is a key concept associated with microbial terroir, which is responsible for the differentiation and uniqueness of wines. One of the factors influencing this microbial terroir is the vegetation, which in turn is influenced by climate, soil, and cultural practices. Remote sensing instruments can provide useful information about vegetation. This study analyses the relationship between NDVI, calculated using Sentinel-2 and Landsat-8 satellite images of different veraison dates, and microbial data obtained in 2015 from 14 commercial (organic and conventional) vineyards belonging to four Designations of Origin (DOs) from Galicia (northwest Spain). Microbial populations in grapes and musts were identified using PCR techniques and confirmed by sequencing. Statistical analyses were made using PCA, CCA, TB-PLS, and correlation analyses. This study confirms that the NDVI is positively correlated with the diversity of yeasts, both in grapes’ surface and must samples. Moreover, the results of this study show: (i) Sentinel-2 images, as well as Landsat-8 images, can establish differences in NDVI related to yeast terroir in grapes and musts, as it is the most relevant DO factor, (ii) Sentinel-2 NDVI and yeast biogeography are moderately to strongly correlated, (iii) Sentinel-2 achieved a better delimitation of the DOs than Landsat-8 and can establish more accurate differences in NDVI–yeast terroir correlations, and (iv) a higher NDVI was associated with the yeast biogeographical patterns of the DOs with higher species richness (S) consisting of weakly fermenting yeasts (Hanseniaspora uvarum, Pichia spp., Starmerella bacillaris, and Zygosaccharomyces spp). However, NDVI values did not correlate well with biogeographic patterns of yeasts previously studied at frequency level (proportion or percentage of each species) in each particular DO. This study suggests that satellite imagery has the potential to be a valuable tool for wine quality management and a decision-making instrument for DO regulators and winegrowers.

Beyond Vegetation: A Review Unveiling Additional Insights into Agriculture and Forestry through the Application of Vegetation Indices

“…[52] have indicated that satellite multispectral imaging, through the NDVI, could potentially be used to monitor microbial terroir and yeast species richness within the vineyards. This result was confirmed in a subsequent study, finding that satellite imagery can differentiate yeasts according to their fermentative capacity and could serve as a valuable asset for managing wine differentiation and a decision-making resource for designation of origin (DO) regulators and viticulturists [53]. These novel applications could offer a non-invasive method for winemakers to improve knowledge of the microbial status of the local terroir, thus improving product distinction, quality, and added value.…”

“…Agricultural management geared towards enhancing the yield quality in organic production [36,37] Detect phytochemicals in organic agriculture to facilitate the adherence to certification audits, ensuring the maintenance of safe pesticide thresholds in conventional agricultural practices [38][39][40] Increase the traceability of organic production [41] Disaster management Detect flood-affected areas [42] Identify areas affected by wildfires [43] Assess and monitor regional droughts [44] Rapid damage assessment post-disaster [45] Aid in monitoring and mapping wildfire damages and post-fire recovery [46] Microorganisms and yeasts Detect fungal infections in crops [47,48] Monitor the induction of plant defense mechanisms [49] Study the interaction of climate, topography, and soil properties with cropland [50] Identify the presence of infections in plants [51] Monitor microbial terroir and yeast-species richness within the vineyards [52] Differentiate yeasts according to their fermentative capacity and a decision-making resource for designation of origin (DO) regulators and viticulturists [53] Detect the presence of aggressive soil pathogens [54] Table 1. Cont.…”