Vision 2025 - National Research Centre for Grapes

15. OUTPUTS (ANTICIPATED OUTPUTS OF TECHNOLOGIES,
PUBLICATIONS, PATENTS)
Proposed research programme on management of grape genetic resources is expected to result in the
augmentation of wide grape genetic diversity available in the country with the help of conventional
and biotechnological tools. Core germplasm will be identified through conventional and molecular
marker tools and maintained for posterity. The germplasm evaluation will pinpoint the genetic
sources for resistance and tolerance to abiotic and biotic resistance as well as other horticulturally
important traits This will provide the basic information needed to formulate the breeding strategies
and identify donors for various traits. Molecular marker techniques will result in developing easy and
simpler tools for progeny selection in breeding program as well as gene pyramiding. The programme
will also result in identification of the most promising new genotypes for different climatic
conditions in the country for various end uses.
The research is expected to yield patents and / or plant variety protection of commercial varieties of
different end uses, molecular markers, new genes that can be exploited commercially to generate
revenue possibly by exclusive marketing rights for the patented plant materials.
Research programmes on nursery technology, rootstocks, training system, management of canopy,
and use of bioregulators is expected to result in better technologies for quality grape production with
least environment disturbances. Technologies for production of quality planting material will ensure
genetic uniformity and freedom from pests and diseases, which will subsequently result in
homogeneity in plants and healthy vineyards. Most suitable rootstocks for commercial table and
wine varieties for different edaphic and agroclimate zones will provide an opportunity to expand the
grape production in new areas and sustain production under drought and salinity conditions. Variety
specific training systems, canopy architecture and cultivation techniques like plant density and use
of bio regulators will help in optimizing yield and quality with minimum input costs.
Assessment of water requirement of different table and wine varieties will help in rationalizing the
water use under scarcity conditions. Development of petiole nutrient guides and technologies related
to fertigation and nutrient sources will help in application of appropriate nutrient in most suitable
form in optimum dose at the required growth stage for all commercially important stock-scion
combinations for both table and wine varieties. Integrated nutrient management by in situ recycling
and use of cover-crops and efficient strains of biofertilizer will help in maintaining soil fertility and
reduce use of chemical nutrients. Technologies for managing physiological and nutrient disorders
and protected cultivation will further help in improving quality and minimizing losses and risk in
cultivation. Designs of farm implements and accessories for various vineyard operations, if
developed will be patented to exploit commercially.
Research programmes on management of diseases and insect pest and management of pesticide
residues will result in development of technologies for pest management in table and wine grape
varieties with minimum pesticide use. Research will identify new generation, safe molecules,
biological, botanicals and environment friendly technologies for pest management. Studies on
farmer friendly disease forecasting systems / modules, epidemiology and seasonal incidence of
important pests of grape will help in scheduling pesticides sprays. Studies on MRL and PHI will
guide the farmers on safe use of pesticides. Bioremediation by beneficial microorganisms can be
used for reducing the PHI of unavoidable pesticide sprays before harvest and avoid risk of rejection
of the produce by end users. Survey to monitor the emergence of new pests and diseases will avoid
flaring up their population / level to economically damaging levels.
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