GG_N53_FRA_Complet-web_V2

DISCOVERY
NURSERY
VARIETIES BEING TRIALLED SHOW SUBSTANTIAL RESISTANCE TO POWDERY AND DOWNY MILDEW BUT ALSO BLACK ROT
Gilbert & Gaillard: What is the current state of research and legislation
on resistant grape varieties?
Miguel Mercier: In some ways, resistant grape varieties are the ‘nephews’ of the hybrids
of the turn of the century. Their major problem was the quality of their aromas and
flavours in comparison to vitis vinifera*. This was the main focus of research and it
was aimed at upgrading quality in the vineyards. Now we are familiar with the vine’s
genome and have the ability to detect, for example, the criteria for resistance to downy
and powdery mildew. Therefore, we can identify whether the pips have recovered the
desired characteristics from the first seedling. This technique is known as natural
oriented or assisted hybridisation. It expedites the process and produces both a naturally
more resistant variety and one that most closely resembles the qualities of the
original vine.
G&G: What is the process leading to approval of a resistant grape variety?
M.M.: It is a very long process and can take at least five or six years. It begins with
registration for DUS (Distinctiveness, Uniformity and Stability) research. From then
on, the variety can be propagated but not marketed. It has to be incorporated into
two experimentation plantings – one in a northern region, the other in a southern
region – for a three-year period. This is known as the VCUS protocol, or Value for
Cultivation, Use and Sustainability. Depending on the results, a board at the CTPS or
Permanent Technical Committee for Plant Breeding approves the variety if it matches
*vitis vinifera is the original variety of wild vine
AUTUMN 2023 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE
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