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A few days ago, 180 scientists from 23 countries met in Landau (Palatinate) for the international symposium on grapevine breeding and genetics to discuss research results, especially on the resistance of grapevine varieties and the breeding of piwis. The Julius Kühn Institute (JKI) at the Geilweilerhof in Siebeldingen (Palatinate) was the organiser.
At the symposium, the experts exchanged new findings, methods and techniques. They also discussed the potential of old varieties or wild species that are preserved in gene banks. The international progress in the elucidation of resistance to mildew, grey mould (botrytis) and black rot, "which could contribute significantly to the reduction of plant protection expenditure", was significant. The results of studies on sunburn tolerance in grapevines are also becoming increasingly important in view of climate change, the final statement says.
"The genetic work benefits organic as well as integrated viticulture and is indispensable for meeting the challenges posed by climate change and increasing sustainability in viticulture," explained Prof. Dr. Reinhard Töpfer, head of the JKI's Institute of Grapevine Breeding. A change in varieties is "inevitable in the coming decades" if the cultural landscapes of the wine-growing regions with their high tourist value are to be preserved. The participating scientists agreed on this perspective.
"The requirements from politics and society to reduce the use of plant protection products as well as the consequences of climate change, which is clearly becoming apparent, underline the importance of the research work on breeding new grape varieties presented at the symposium," summarised Töpfer. "In breeding research, we take this as an incentive to further elucidate the genetics behind vine traits and to find methods to make the breeding process more efficient," Töpfer continued. It takes "staying power, because the current generation of Piwis is unfortunately only slowly finding its way into German vineyards".
(uka / Photo: Julius Kühn-Institut)