Developing novel native grapevine rootstocks (vitis riparia michx) and enhancing their supply as clean stock for the Canadian Grapevine Certification Network

Lead Applicant: Helen Fisher

Research Priority: Plant Health & Protection Projects

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2022/2023

Research Centre: Ontario Crops Research Station - Simcoe

Research Summary: Grape production for the wine industry in on the Norfolk Countysand plains is a more varied variable than in the Niagara region due to injuries caused by colder temperatures, more rapid temperature changes, and excessive vine growth on the deep, local sands. To address these challenges, the effects of native riparian rootstocks on conventional vinifera offspring wine varieties will be verified in terms of consistent yield, reduced vine size and improved overwintering capacity. To produce virus-free rootstock cuttings for propagation, virus-indexed rootstock vines will be developed. Clean rootstock plant material will be provided by the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) / Brock University. to start Through micropropagation, these and other clones will back up and enhance the single-source grapevine repository at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in Sidney, BC. The development/validation of these novel rootstocks is critical for the Canadian Grapevine Clean plant Network (CGCN).

.