Regional evaluation of new germplasm – pathway to adoption

Summary

Objective

This project will provide information on new first-generation mildew resistant scions selections and how they perform in different regions.

Background

Reducing vineyard inputs will be a key driver of the future economic sustainability of the Australian wine sector. Breeding new grapevine cultivars with high resistance to fungal pathogens presents an opportunity to substantially reduce the use of plant protection agents, and therefore

Research approach

The performance of first generation elite white and red selections will be determined in regional trials. The four selected regional sites range from cool climate (Orange) to hot irrigated regions in Victoria (Irymple) and NSW (Wagga Wagga) to the Barossa region in South Australia. Wine quality will be evaluated to determine the performance of the selections in different environments and management systems to examine the grapevine genotype–environment–management interaction. The regional trials will form mother block plantings and act as a potential source of material for propagation nurseries.

The project will also facilitate engagement with the wine community in the different regions to assist with wine evaluation and field days to showcase the new selections. The regional field sites are part of a long-term strategy to provide a stable pathway from research to adoption for new scion and rootstock selections arising from breeding programs.

Sector benefits

Grapegrowers and winemakers will have regionally specific information about new grapevine varieties that are resistant to powdery and downy mildew, reducing spray application rates and vineyard management costs.