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Grapevine biology for hardy wine

Generations of winemakers have battled for thousands of years to protect their vineyards from fungus.

Researchers from the Missouri State University are now working to uncover the individual genes that make native grapes resistant to the fungus that plagues expatriate European and hybrid vines.
 
The study is part of an international effort dubbed the International Grape Genome Program.
 
The Center for Grapevine Biotechnology is a newly established institution for researchers to work on the problem.
 
However, to transfer specific qualities of the native species without changing the traits of the others, the team will have to genetically modify them.
 
This process will not alter the characteristics of the grapes, such as the distinctive flavour of a chardonnay or pinot noir grape.
 
Genetic modification will also push the latest hybrids to grow quicker.
 
"This is a new science for an ancient crop," Dr Laszlo Kovacs, co-director of the centre, told the Associated Press.
 
The project aims to identify about 30,000 genes in a grape plant and find which genes are responsible for which particular traits, such as its hardiness in the field, or its high turnover.
 
They will then “transfer desirable genes to wine grapes,” added Kovacs.
 
As fungal disease is the main focus for the centre, the scientists’ goal is for hybrid and imported grapes to grow like natives to escape the fungus attacks that plague vineyards all over the world.
 
The research is not without controversy, however, as some traditional winemakers question whether genetically modified grapes will be accepted by regulators.