Institut für Rebenzüchtung
Grapevine as a crop is of considerable economic and cultural importance in the EU (covering about 75% of the world's wine-growing area), but suffers from its high susceptibility to fungal diseases. Long breeding cycles and an exceptionally traditional market have long delayed change in the grape variety portfolio. Recent advances in grapevine breeding and awareness of improving the sustainability of production, as well as climate change, have put an exclamation mark on change. Thus, consumers are beginning to recognise PIWI varieties as an innovation that reduces the need for pesticides by between 50% and 80%. However, the reduced need for pesticides cannot be easily sustained and requires integrated management and varieties adapted to future conditions. GrapeBreed4IPM will accelerate market awareness for PIWI cultivars and paves the way for a more efficient grapevine breeding and better cultivars.
Europäische Union
