Advancing grapevine science through genomic research

The seminar will examine the complexities and prospects of genomic research on Vitis species, characterize by exceptionally high heterozygosity and common interspecific gene flow. The seminar will showcase case studies highlighting the critical role of diploid genome references in grape research, specifically in areas such as aroma development, disease resistance, and domestication traits. It will also address the emerging focus on pangenomes within the Vitis genus, particularly in the context of genetic studies on naturally interbreeding populations. This is crucial for understanding genes linked to both disease and environmental stress resistance. The seminar will present a super-pangenome of North American Vitis species, constructed from diploid chromosome-scale assemblies, and introduce innovative panGWAS methods for investigating abiotic stress resistance in wild grape populations.