The USDA National Plant Germplasm System is a network of germplasm repositories dedicated to conserving genetic diversity of crops and their wild relatives. The USDA grapevine (Vitis) repository contains 5000 unique accessions representing 36 species, and is divided between two locations: Davis, CA and Geneva, NY. While this material is available for distribution to researchers and breeders, there is currently limited characterization data to help requestors identify accessions with unique and valuable traits, particularly for fruit quality. Thus, we began a germplasm screening project to measure fruit quality traits of 481 unique accessions from both locations spanning three years (2022-2024). Fruit samples were juiced, filtered through cheesecloth, and analyzed for Brix, titratable acidity, and available nitrogen. Additionally, composition of phenolic compounds was assessed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and aromas were detected using solid phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Overall, there was a wide range of diversity in fruit quality traits across the collection. Brix values ranged from 8.5 to 30.1 (average=17.8), and titratable acidity ranged from 2.7 to 25.6 g mol-1 Tartaric acid equivalents (average=8.2). The phenolic compounds commonly detected in grape juice included the anthocyanins malvidin 3-O-glucoside and peonidin 3-O-glucoside, the hydroxycinnamic acid caftaric acid, and the flavonols quercetin 3-O-glucuronide and isoquercetin. Analysis of aromatic compounds revealed accessions that contained higher amounts of linalool, β-myrcene, and geraniol, which are associated with a “Muscat” flavor profile, while others contained methyl anthranilate, which is associated with a “Foxy” flavor profile. We hope this fruit quality dataset not only proves to be a valuable asset to researchers utilizing the USDA Vitis repository, but may also open new directions of exploration into improved grape flavor, nutrition, and quality.
