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The Chilean wine company Viña Concha y Toro is planting the first "climate-resistant" vines. They are called "Grapevines 2.0" and are said to be free of 13 viruses and several wood-infecting fungi. These vines were bred in the CRI's own research and innovation centre using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). In this process, short, precisely defined parts of a genetic strand are multiplied and transferred. According to the researchers, this analytical method enabled them to achieve "targeted hygienic selection and fungal purification" of the vines. They have now been planted out in the El Triángulo vineyard in the Valparaiso region.
In addition, Concha y Toro has introduced precision irrigation on 900 of its total 10,000 hectares of vines. For this purpose, the CRI has developed a system that calculates the exact water requirements of each individual vineyard. This has resulted in a water saving of 18 per cent. The water efficiency project is being expanded.
In the future, Concha y Toro wants to develop vines free of another twelve viruses and strengthen them with beneficial fungi (Trichoderma) to give them even more resistance.
(al / source: harpers.co.uk, photo: vina concha y toro)