Lead Authors: Drs. Matthew Clark, University of Minnesota, Project Director
This project, whose complete title is "Completing the Grapevine Powdery Mildew Resistance Pipeline: From Genes-on-the-Shelf to Sticks-in-the-Ground," is the third installment of VitisGen, intended to bring the initial vision of powdery mildew-resistant grapevines with high fruit quality across the finish line.
The project aims to advance grape breeding by using the latest technologies to identify and test gene candidates, deliver advanced information — including computer-vision phenotyping, artificial intelligence, and DNA markers — to all U.S. grape breeders, develop disease-control programs, and train vineyard managers and Extension personnel across the U.S. in their use. Specifically, the project […]
Lead Authors: PIs Matthew Fidelibus and Glenn McGourty
Called, "Grape Varieties in the USA," this online guide to regional performance data for grapevine varieties and rootstocks uses 60 lesser-known wine grape varieties as a pilot.
This project will serve as a pilot for the establishment of an authoritative web-based collection of grapevine variety and rootstock information–a useful resource for the viticulture and enology industry. In addition to providing reliable descriptions, pictures, and performance data (when available), for grapevine varieties and rootstocks, we envision developing and assigning a list of traits […]
Lead Authors: Dr. Markus Keller, Washington State University
Non-destructive, data-driven nutrient management for spatially heterogenous vineyards and diverse production markets
This project seeks to enable grape growers to make data-driven nutrient-management decisions for spatially heterogenous vineyards and diverse production markets, proposing to develop grower-friendly decision-aid tools for vineyard nutrient management to optimize inputs and business profitability via improved vineyard productivity and fruit and product quality, while minimizing adverse impacts on the environment.
Lead Authors: Drs. Bruce Reisch and Lance Cadle-Davidson, Cornell University & USDA-ARS GGRU
Application of next-generation technologies to accelerate grapevine cultivar development
In the second phase of this game-changing research, the VitisGen2 team will expand on progress made in developing novel economic, phenotyping and genetics knowledge and tools related to new grape cultivars. And they plan to translate these and previous VitisGen innovations into new applications for improving grape breeding programs and managing existing vineyard plantings.
Lead Authors: Drs. Terry Bates and George Kantor, Cornell & Carnegie-Mellon Universities
Vineyard efficiency through high-resolution, spatio-temporal crop load measurement and management
The Efficient Vineyard project seeks to develop sensor and mechanization technology to measure crop load and assess canopy with real-time imaging to enhance our ability to achieve vine balance and eventually develop tools for precision viticulture. This project has now concluded.
Lead Authors: Dr. Gour Choudhury, Cal Poly
Grant Amount - Block Grant in 2010 / ARI Grant in 2012 for $900,000 over 6 years
The project, led by Dr. Gour Choudhury at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, includes collaborators from the Wine Institute, California League of Food Processors, and the Sustainable Wine Alliance.
Lead Authors: Drs. Kendra Baumgartner and Themis Michaelides, USDA-ARS at UCD
Grant Amount - SCRI CAP Grant, $4.3 million in 2012; renewed in 2014 over 5 years, through September 2017
A multi-crop (grape, pistachio and almond) project was funded in 2012 to tackle trunk diseases, the leading reason for vineyard removal in many parts of the country. Because the industry lacks disease diagnostic tools (other than saws) it is estimated that these diseases result in losses of over $200 million each year.
Lead Authors: Drs. Bruce Reisch and Lance Cadle-Davidson, Cornell University & USDA-ARS GGRU
Grant Amount - Phase One, SCRI Grant, $4,563,164 through August 2017
The VitisGen team, led by Drs. Bruce Reisch and Lance Cadle-Davidson, focuses on identifying several traits: powdery mildew resistance, low temperature responses, and fruit quality, looking to “map the way to the next generation of grapes.”
Lead Authors: Tim Martinson, Cornell University
Grant Amount - SCRI Grant for $5.1 million in 2011; renewed in 2014 over 5 years
This project brought together 34 researchers from 12 institutions to address varietal performance and resulting fruit and wine flavor attributes in the cold climates of the northern United States.
Lead Authors: Drs. Jim Ayars and Andrew McElrone, ARS
Grant Amount - ARS Grant for $2,563,000 in 2010
This important study advanced “surface renewal” technology from a complicated array of tools to a single unit capable of sending automated evapotranspiration reports to users, helping to identify signs of stress and help determine when to water.
