South Africa Wine Research Projects

2. VITICULTURE RESEARCH PROJECT IN PROGRESS

GRAPEVINE CRISPR-2: INTRODUCING DROUGHT TOLERANCE IN GRAPEVINE CULTIVARS FShip GenUS 21-01 Prof Melané Vivier, South African Grape and Wine Research Institute, Stellenbosch University and Prof Johan Burger, Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University Project is co-funded by the Department of Science and Innovation

Start date: 2021 Flagship Project

AIM AND INDUSTRY RELEVANCE: This project aims to provide proof of the principle of gene manipulation, specifically genome editing, as an approach to developing grapevine plant material (both scion and rootstock) that can withstand drought better. Grapevine drought tolerance is a critically important aim toward sustainable production of quality grapes and derived products. Still, it is a difficult scientific quest due to the multitude of plant and environmental factors that interact and ultimately shape the response of a given rootstock and scion variety to limiting water conditions. When selecting rootstocks, one of the first parameters considered is drought tolerance. The information gained from studying the modulating effect of the below-ground rootstock on the above-ground scion’s water response, however, presents a complicated picture that shows that the scion also contributes to local responses, specifically in aspects of stomatal opening and closure. This project emphasises developing the first practical applications for the CRISPR technology established in the grapevine recently. In response to industry needs, researchers decided to concentrate on drought tolerance in both scion and rootstock cultivars since it is one of the most serious conditions impacting negatively on grapevine production in South Africa. In a best-case scenario, the efficacy of CRISPR technology to address these real-life issues will be demonstrated, albeit still as a proof-of-concept, and it will contribute to future research in this field.

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SOUTH AFRICA WINE RESEARCH 2024