Project Leaders:
Steven Lund, Jose Martinez-Zapater

Lead Institutions:
University of British Columbia, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid

Research Funding Program:
International Projects 

Technology Applications:
Genetic markers, vineyard management, vitis breeding

This collaborative research project is exploring the genetic determinants of grape quality. Grapevine (Vitis vinifera) is the most economically important fruit species worldwide, with more than 7.4 million hectares planted in vineyards. Grapes are produced for fruit, juice, raisins and are the basis of high added value products, mainly wine and spirits. Complementary areas of expertise in Canada and Spain are facilitating innovative applications of genomics technologies to the grape and wine industries. This project will lead to an understanding of how genes control berry ripening and quality in various environments. The information will further improve viticultural practices as well as develop new varieties of grape through breeding programs and adapt the best clones to the most suitable vineyard environments. These technologies and tools will be of significant value to BC and Canada’s production and marketing of world-class wines.

Grapevine and wine represent a relevant share of agricultural economy in Western countries as well and an important part of culture. Grapevine is important for Spain, which has more than 1.2 million hectares or approximately 1/7 of the world's total vineyard plantings mainly dedicated to wine production. Furthermore, with more than 50,000 hectares of table grape, Spain is the second largest European producer after Italy, with most of Spain's production being dedicated to the foreign market.

Canada is the youngest wine-producing region in the world. However, the wine industry in Canada has developed rapidly over the past ten years, and 7,000 hectares are currently planted in wine grapes. The wine industry contributes significantly to the economies of producing provinces, mainly Ontario and British Columbia, through sales and tourism revenues.

Despite the high economic importance and social relevance of grapevine, very little has been done at the molecular level to exploit genome resources and improve crops as is the general trend for annual crops. This is mainly due to lack of genomic information but is complicated by the biology of Vitis, notably its perennial growth.

The value of any table grape, grape juice or wine product is fundamentally dependent on healthy, high quality fruit. Fruit quality in any vineyard can vary from year to year and the inconsistency is largely attributed to changes in microclimate and viticulture management practices.

The genetic determinants of grape quality are practically unknown in Vitis. Furthermore, how external factors interact at the cellular and molecular level to cause differences in fruit quality is not understood. Grapevine genomics is in its infancy and significant potential exists for major advances in this area.

Therefore, this project will determine the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying berry quality. Plus researchers will examine how basic signalling and metabolic pathways change in response to altered viticultural practices and environmental conditions.

This work will not only increase the basic understanding of several aspects of plant physiology, but also provide the tools to achieve consistent high berry quality for table grape and wine production through improved viticultural practices and breeding programs.