Research network KliwiResse
– Climate-resilient grape varieties to secure the yield –

We use research to bread climate-resilient (KliWi) grapevines

In order to breed resilient grapevines, one first needs to find genes for resilience. We search those in the European Wild Grapevine, the ancestor of our domesticated grapevine varieties. The last significant population in Central Europe for this endangered species lives in the alluvial forests of the Upper Rhine, on the Ketsch penninsula, between Karlsruhe and Mannheim. To search these genes, we use cutting-edge technologies: an automised microscopy system that allows tracking and measuring the stress responses of numerous cells simulteaneously (ScreenSYS, Freiburg), a metabolomics platform to follow stress-induced changes of metabolism (CNRS-IBMP, Strasbourg), and a genome database, where the entire genomic information of this wild Grapevine population is deciphered and organised (KIT-BOT, Karlsruhe). The resilience factors located in the wild grapevines are then introduced to commercial varieties. Here, we do not rely neither on genetic engineering, nor on genome editing through CRISPR-Cas. Instead, we will use classical breeding. However, we use modern technology and the knowledge from our research to identify the most promising candidates for breeding among the progenies of these crosses. This approach, termed marker-assisted selection, can accelerate breeding considerably (JKI, Siebeldingen). However, we will also explore completely novel breeding strategies – by double haploidisation (Screen SYS, JKI) we want to regenerated genetically homogenous plants from pollen, such that new traits become manifest much faster – also this, by the way, a procedure not relying on genetic engineering. Our mission is to support sustainable viticulture in our region. Therefore, also the new fungus-resistant (PiWi) varieties, are an important element of our project (FiBL, Frick), by the way also those grapes were developed in our region.

We carry our knowledge into the public to make it useful

Our research does not target on the proverbial Ivory Tower, but wants to support the adaptation to global climate change. Using our knowledge and our methos, we want to arrive at well-founded statements on the climate resilience of the current varieties and rootstock used in our region. This will be compiled in a resilience catalogue that will help the wine industry to adjust to climate change, when during the establishment of new vineyards, one needs to decide on the suitable varieties. Furthermore, we want to find out through polls, how already now different varieties respond to climate change. Our new format « Wine – Climate – together we shall cope» we want to get winegrowers from both banks of the Rhine to talk to each other, such that practical experience can be exchanged. Our associated partners (Weinbauinstitut Freiburg, Badischer Weinbauverband, Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins d’Alsace, Bauern- und Winzerverband Rheinland-Pfalz, Weincampus Neustadt, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Université de Strasbourg) will help us, not only reaching the wine industry in the region, but also the new generation of winegrowers that will take over during the next years, as well as the general public that can see, how scientific cooperation across borders can bear fruit for the entire society in our region.