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Photo: University of British Columbia
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The University
of British Columbia's
(UBC) Wine Research Centre and The Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI)
have announced they have received $585,000 to produce the first assembled
genomic sequence of the Chardonnay grape.
Although Chardonnay is one of the most abundant white wine grape varieties
in the world—it is the dominant white variety in Australia and the second most
planted white variety in British Columbia—very little is currently known about
the Chardonnay genome.
"Chardonnay is planted in more countries than any other variety, white
or red, and is considered to be the principal international white wine
standard," said Hennie van Vuuren, PhD, director, UBC Wine Research
Centre. "The collaborative project will be examining 15 different clones
of the Chardonnay varietal, each with distinct properties such as early or late
ripening, loose or small bunch sizes, seedless or large berries, etc. Many
wineries do not know which type they have planted, and this project will help
us to identify the type for the winery. This information will also allow
growers to plant the most appropriate type for their climate, leading to
improved quality of wine and improved vineyard productivity."
The AWRI's Managing Director, Dan Johnson, PhD, said, "The AWRI is
delighted to have secured this partnership for the benefit of Australian grape
and wine producers. Chardonnay is a key varietal for Australia and the subject of a
large number of ongoing R&D projects; assembly of the Chardonnay genome
will produce a foundational data resource that will underpin many such projects
and, with time, will assist in developing practical game changing strategies
for the growing of this variety. Our work will benefit from the development of
linkages with other groups working on grapevine sequencing initiatives for
other varieties. The AWRI has great respect for the team at UBC and look
forward to undertaking this significant project with them and, potentially,
with our collaborators in the Adelaide-based Wine Innovation Cluster."
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