• Understand the molecular basis of the resistance to grapevine pathogens and grapevines’ interactions with their environment
• Provide knowledge on the durability potential of R genes currently used in breeding programs
• Provide new candidate resistance genes based on different resistance mechanisms. Use QTL, GWAS and GS approaches to dissect genetic determination of resistance to BR and BRR, understand the impact of introduction of R genes and design new accelerated breeding schemes. Address the demand for new genotypes with reinforced fungal resistance via cross-breeding reproducing regional wine styles of premium wine regions and broadly used varieties for bulk wine production in 4 major European biogeographical regions
• Generate resistant clones of major European wine grapes via NGTs and provide the value chain and policy makers with evidence of their genome stability and genetic trueness-to-type. Expansion of a network of observatory of resistant varieties in production and experimental conditions
• Test and implementation of specific IPM practices, supported by existing DSS
• Biodiversity assessment by microbiome diversity on berries from resistant varieties and monitoring of pollinators
• Development of tools for disseminating best practices to farmers and winemaking professionals
• Raise growers’ awareness of the importance of preserving natural resistances. Create and promote capacities building, training, workshops, education, field days
• DRV communication and awareness raising | Disseminate the new knowledge, main achievements, and benefits of DRVs through this project to policymakers the professional sector, market actors, consumers, and the public
• Promote and boost the relations of GrapeBreed4IPM partners with the vitivinicultural sector and the public and private institutions
• For exploitation: identification and analysis of existing situations and prospering business models that made use of resistant varieties in different settings for experience sharing in trainings

• Task 1.1–1.2: Set up regional expert groups and conduct the first panel to assess the current state of disease-resistant varieties (DRVs).
• Task 1.3–1.4: Conduct expert analysis on DRV market penetration and gather farmer insights via regional panels.
• Task 1.5–1.6: Use design thinking to identify barriers and explore label use; conduct a market analysis of DRV offerings.
• Task 1.7–1.8: Repeat panels/surveys as needed; coordinate cross-regional knowledge transfer and share best practices.

WP2: Molecular Basis of Disease Resistance

• Task 2.1: Clone resistance (R) and avirulence (Avr) genes, validate via expression systems and transformation.
• Task 2.2: Search for natural susceptibility gene mutations using bioinformatics and population screening.
• Task 2.3: Investigate RNAi-mediated resistance using synthetic constructs and transient assays.
• Task 2.4: Study pathogen evolution and resistance breakdown using virulence profiling and population sequencing.

WP3: Trait Mapping and Genomic Selection

• Task 3.1: Identify loci for black rot (BR) resistance using QTL mapping in known donor varieties.
• Task 3.2: Assess berry skin traits for resistance to Botrytis and Drosophila using GWAS and impedance phenotyping.
• Task 3.3: Use GWAS and genomic selection to study agronomic traits and refine breeding strategies.

WP4: Breeding and New Genomic Techniques (NGTs)

• Tasks 4.1–4.4: Develop and field-test DRV candidates adapted to four European regions using crosses with emblematic cultivars.
• Task 4.5: Apply genome editing and cisgenesis to introduce or modify resistance traits in selected varieties.
• Task 4.6: Conduct genome stability assessments of edited lines to evaluate off-target effects and safety.

WP5: Tools to Promote Deployment of Resistant Varieties and Management Practices

• Task 5.1: Expand a monitoring network (based on the OSCAR model) across four countries for long-term DRV performance.
• Task 5.2: Refine decision support systems (DSS) for DRV-specific plant protection.
• Task 5.3: Compare biodiversity in DRV, traditional, and organic vineyards.
• Task 5.4: Develop and disseminate a board game to raise awareness about sustainable resistance management.
• Task 5.5: Create best practice guidelines for farmers and advisors in DRV management.

WP6: Communication, Dissemination, and Exploitation

• Task 6.1–6.2: Develop dissemination and communication plans, create project and capacity-building websites.
• Task 6.3: Produce and distribute accessible project outputs across media and events.
• Task 6.4: Deliver training workshops and wine tasting sessions to increase DRV awareness.
• Task 6.5–6.7: Collaborate with other projects, produce policy briefs, and facilitate technology transfer.