South Africa Wine Research Projects

2. VITICULTURE RESEARCH NEW PROJECT

DEVELOPMENT OF SUPER PARENTS FOR ACCELERATED DISEASE RESISTANCE BREEDING

GENUS JL 24-01 Dr Manuela Campa and Dr Justin Lashbrooke, Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University Start date: 2024

AIM AND INDUSTRY RELEVANCE: In recent decades, numerous studies have illustrated the successful development of grape varieties with enhanced resistance to various pathogens through genetic engineering. Despite their notable attributes, these modified plants have not been earmarked for commercial release primarily due to the limited scope and advantages to growers offered by single gene-based enhancements, along with the regulatory complexities surrounding GMOs. Conversely, traditional breeding methods have yielded new cultivars, often incorporating multiple mildew resistance genes, through more than three decades of dedicated efforts. This project seeks to capitalise on prior research, amalgamating insights from various studies to develop grapevines with stacked disease–resistance, thus surmounting initial obstacles. The goal is to create plants resilient to powdery and downy mildew and Botrytis cinerea . The researchers will employ a range of New Breeding Techniques (NBTs) to achieve this. These NBTs are anticipated to simplify regulatory hurdles and potentially result in the development of “non-GMO” plants. This initiative holds direct advantages for the local industry by providing novel, sustainable cultivars within an expedited timeframe while enhancing our ongoing breeding initiatives.

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SOUTH AFRICA WINE RESEARCH 2024