Strategic development of next generation flavonoid analytical technologies for the Australian wine industry through innovation and collaboration
Abstract
Travel to the US was undertaken to meet key researchers in the fields of bunch exposure and flavonoid analysis to discuss current research projects, analytical methods and philosophical approaches, to compare results and explore opportunities for future collaborative research.
Invaluable discussions were held with a number of fellow researchers in both bunch exposure and flavonoid chemistry and biochemistry. In addition, a number of new contacts were made and insight into many current research projects was gained. These discussions helped to identify where our respective projects might intersect and will help researcher at Primary Industries Research Victoria, Mildura Centre to develop new and collaborative projects with partners such as Oregon State University, UC Davis and E&J Gallo Wines. These collaborations will form a component of a new project for DPI-Mildura currently being developed by Dr. Mark Downey and Dr. Mark Krstic.
This travel also enabled Dr. Mark Downey to attend the XXII International Conference on
Polyphenols (ICP2004) in Helsinki, Finland. Dr. Downey was invited by the Groupe
Polyphenols to present the findings of recent research on flavonoids in winegrapes in a poster and oral presentation at the conference.
Summary
The aim of this GWRDC-funded travel was to examine new and emerging technologies and philosophies directly related to improving analysis of the flavonoid contributors to grape and wine quality. Given the highly specialised nature of some of these technologies the travel also sought to explore opportunities for developing collaborative projects that would enable access to the technologies for the Australian grape and wine industries.
In January 2004 Dr. Mark Downey, DPI Mildura submitted two abstracts to the Groupe Polyphenols to be considered for presentation at the XXII International Conference on Polyphenols to be held in Helsinki, Finland during late August 2004. Of these abstracts submitted, one was accepted for a poster, while the other was accepted for an oral presentation. Both were accepted for submission as a two-page communications to appear in the conference proceedings. These papers are also included here as Appendix 1.
Travel to the XXII International Conference on Polyphenols was arranged such that Dr. Downey was able to return via the United States of America. In the USA Dr. Downey took the opportunity to renew contact with research colleagues working in the fields of viticultural and flavonoid research. During the course of this visit, extensive discussions were held on the opportunities and logistics of developing collaborative projects with Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon and University of California, UC Davis. In addition, Dr. Downey also visited E&J Gallo Winery in Modesto California to examine to potential of developing a collaborative viticultural research project between E&J Gallo Wines and Primary Industries Research Victoria.