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project - EIP-AGRI Operational Group

New varieties and types of products for competitive and highly sustainable viticulture - Vitires

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Completed | 2020 - 2023 Italy
Completed | 2020 - 2023 Italy

Context

I temi della sostenibilità ambientale e della tutela della salute degli operatori, dei consumatori e dei cittadini in generale, stanno diventando prioritari soprattutto per quelle colture che, come la vite, necessitano di un elevato numero di trattamenti fitosanitari nel corso della stagione vegeto-produttiva, tanto da far inserire la viticoltura tra le attività agricole di maggior impatto ambientale. In Europa la viticoltura occupa circa il 3% della superficie agricola totale, ma è responsabile dell’utilizzo del 65% dei fungicidi totali!
Anche se da lungo tempo il miglioramento genetico della vite ha avuto tra gli obiettivi prioritari la costituzione di vitigni tolleranti o resistenti alle principali fitopatie, in quanto le tradizionali varietà di vite non possiedono nel proprio genoma geni di resistenza a peronospora e oidio (patogeni introdotti dall’America nella seconda metà dell’ottocento), è solo da alcuni anni (dal 2015) che si sono affacciate sul mercato le prime varietà resistenti a peronospora e oidio che effettivamente coniugano tradizione (parentale di Vitis vinifera) e innovazione (parentale resistente). Sono varietà ottenute per incrocio tradizionale tra vitigni di origine europea e viti americane e/o asiatiche in grado di acquisire resistenze alle principali malattie fungine, ma anche al freddo (resistono fino a -24°C) e ai cambiamenti del clima. L’interesse suscitato da questi nuovi vitigni (resistenti/tolleranti alle malattie fungine) presso i viticoltori della Regione Emilia-Romagna è enorme, soprattutto da parte di coloro che della sostenibilità hanno fatto la loro missione aziendale.

Objectives

The main objective of the Plan is to evaluate new varieties resistant to pathogens, recently obtained through genetic improvement, in order to have objective information about their actual agricultural and enological performance for growing in regional wine production and to constitute new resistant local varieties.

Activities

Agronomic and oenological evaluation, in the RER, of Resistant/Tolerant varieties (registered in the National Register of Vine Varieties) to downy mildew, powdery mildew and botrytis;
Evaluation of the level of adaptation of some “piramidized prototypes” vine plants (resistant to pathogens) to the environmental climatic conditions of the Emilia Romagna Region;
First evaluation on new local varieties (cvs. Trebbiano, Sangiovese, Albana, Grechetto gentile, Lambruschi, Ancellotta) obtained by breeding with the "piramidized prototypes ";
Creation of new product lines/types of wine;
Acceptance to consumption of wines obtained from new resistant varieties with research techniques.

Project details
Main funding source
Rural development 2014-2020 for Operational Groups
Rural Development Programme
2014IT06RDRP003 Italy - Rural Development Programme (Regional) - Emilia-Romagna
Location
Main geographical location
Reggio nell'Emilia
Other geographical location
Piacenza, Ravenna

EUR 249989.1

Total budget

Total contributions from EAFRD, national co-financing, additional national financing and other financing.

Project keyword

Resources

2 Practice Abstracts

The main resistant varieties (downy and powdery mildew), currently registered in the national register of wine grape varieties, were evaluated, confirming their agronomic-oenological potential. The nutraceutical content of wines obtained from resistant grapevine varieties (RVs) was evaluated, comparing it with that of traditional wines, highlighting, that in the former, concentrations of polyphenols and anthocyanins tend to be higher.

Four "pyramidized prototypes" were monitored in the Emilia-Romagna wine-growing area, which highlighted high-performance agronomic, resistance and qualitative characteristics, such that they could be used in genetic improvement programs for new local RVs. Furthermore, an initial investigation was conducted on the efficiency of these prototypes crossed with some varieties of local interest. The first tests obtained from this traditional breeding are in the verification phase of acquiring potential resistance.

Vinifications were carried out to produce new types of wines from resistant varieties, obtaining useful indications to enhance their oenological potential.

The quality and consumer acceptance of new types of wines, from RVs, were verified through consumer tests and "in store promotion" questionnaire. The survey revealed the high quality and appreciation of these products on a sensorial level. Furthermore, the data collected highlighted a particular attention on the part of consumers towards the issue of sustainability and valuable information for the positioning and valorization of wines obtained from RVs on the market.

During the Project, dissemination, training and social inclusion activities were conducted, conveying the principles of sustainable viticulture.

Objective evaluation of the suitability for growing, in the Emilia Romagna Region, of varieties resistant to fungal pathogens (downy mildew and powdery mildew) already registered in the National Register of grapevine varieties.

Dossier for the registration of the new resistant varieties to the Regional Register for grapevine growing.

Defense protocols for the management of resistant grapevine varieties.

Drawing up of a more simplified vineyard management strategy, released from mandatory periodic treatments for plant protection.

First evaluation of new resistant local varieties obtained by breeding (cvs. Sangiovese, Trebbiano, Albana, Lambruschi, Grechetto gentile and Ancellotta).  

Information on consumer acceptance and on the tendency to purchase wines made from resistant varieties, in order to plan productive investments.

Information on the commercial potential of the new varieties.

Useful information to set up promotional campaigns aimed at emphasizing the health value of wines obtained with highly sustainable cultivation protocols.

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