Wine research

Classic breeding methods face limitations when it comes to breeding virus-resistant and fungus-resistant grapevines. If success is at all possible, it takes decades. In addition, new wine varieties are not easily accepted by consumers. Wine is, after all, an "emotional product", according to Goetz Reustle in an interview with GMO Safety. He is testing a gene transfer method on grapevines as part of a biosafety project.

Research info

• SiFo project (2005-2008): Obtaining marker-gene-free vines using the Cre/lox system

Sience live

• Wine research: Long drawn-out processes (Jun/2007)

• "If we introduce a fungus-resistance gene into a Riesling, it is still a Riesling." Interview with Goetz Reustle about genetic engineering in grapevine breeding (Jun/2007)

Fungus-resistant grapevines

Fungal infections are a major problem in wine-growing, particularly among the traditional varieties Riesling, Merlot and Chardonnay. In 1999, genetically modified fungus-resistant grapevines were released for the first time in Germany – in Franken and in the Palatinate. Biosafety research projects have also shown an interest in these grapevines.

Science live

• Riesling for the predatory mite. (Dec/2007)

Background

• An attack on the winegrowing industry? Transgenic fungus-resistant grapevines (Nov/2002)

• GM wine causes a stir (Feb/2003)

• Vine trials abandoned (Jan/2005)