Selection and creation of new varieties, grape quality, and adaptability of yeast: what genomics can contribute to viticulture

It was in 2007 that the vine genome was fully sequenced thanks to collaborative work involving, in particular, French and Italian researchers. This scientific advance opened the way to numerous works on the understanding of the vine's genetic diversity and on the study of gene function.

Several research areas related to the role of certain genes are currently being investigated, from the actual plant material itself, in terms of selecting or creating varieties suited to our current or future needs (disease resistance, drought tolerance etc.), to grape production, in terms of ripening processes and aromatic quality.

This year the EUROVITI symposium, organised by the Institut Français de la Vigne et du Vin as part of SIVAL, will be an opportunity to take stock of the specific genetic findings that are of most significance to our sector. It will look first at advances relating to plant material and, in particular, disease resistance, and then at studies relating to grape quality and, in particular, the role of certain genes in acidity and polyphenols. Finally, findings from genetic oenological studies will be looked at, with particular reference to adaptation and selection of yeasts.

Given the adjustments that the viticulture sector is constantly having to make to take into account environmental protection and climate change, the aim of the 2010 EUROVITI symposium is to present players in the sector with the scientific and technical benchmarks that have already been established through genetic studies, or that are to be looked for in the future. To this end, it will bring the morning to a close with a presentation of future research and its potential findings in years to come.

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