Optimization of in vitro establishment of grapevine varieties for fast micropropagation 

One of the major threats to viticulture is represented by fungal pathogens. Plasmopara viticola, an oomycete causing grapevine downy mildew, is one of the principal causes of grape production losses. The most efficient management strategies are represented by a combination of agronomical practices, fungicides’ applications, and use of resistant varieties. Plant resistance is conferred by the presence of resistance (R) genes. Opposed to them, susceptibility (S) genes are encoded by plants and exploited by pathogens to promote infection. Loss or mutation of S genes can limit the ability of pathogens to infect the host. By exploiting post-transcriptional gene silencing, known as RNA intereference (RNAi), it is possible to knock-down the expression of S genes, promoting plant resistance.

The French Appellation of Origin system (AOC/AOP) is based on the delimitation of zones in which grapes and subsequent wines meet production criteria (pedo-climatic conditions of production, varieties, growing and wine-making practices) expressing the links with the terroir of origin.

Modern viticulture relies predominantly on traditional European grapevine cultivars (Vitis vinifera) and is therefore heavily dependent on fungicide use to mitigate crop losses from downy (Plasmopara viticola)

Climate change presents a major challenge for the wine industry because of anticipated changes in grape composition at harvest, which include higher sugar levels (i.e., increased alcohol in wine) and decreased acidity (Gobbi et al., 2013).

Biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation are among the greatest challenges of our time, and agriculture’s use of pesticides is a major driver.