Aug 13, 2024

New research projects funded to boost rootstock resilience for California grape growers

The California Grape Rootstock Improvement Commission (CGRIC) has approved funding for five new research projects aimed at supporting the state’s viticulture and grape nursery industries. The projects focus on various challenges facing grape growers, including drought tolerance, graft union failure, and resistance to pathogens.

Key projects include evaluating alternative nursery practices to reduce graft union failure, testing drought-tolerant rootstocks, and examining the impact of stress on grafted rootstocks infected with trunk pathogens. Another project will assess the performance of rootstocks under drought and saline conditions in the Southern San Joaquin Valley.

“These research efforts are essential for the prosperity of the California grape and wine industries,” said CGRIC Board Chairman Chris Lindelof.

Since its establishment in 1993, the CGRIC has contributed approximately $7.5 million to fund 133 research projects. The Commission, funded by an assessment on rootstock sales, has played a significant role in developing new rootstock varieties and improving grapevine resilience.

Grape growers can learn more about the CGRIC’s efforts and the new projects by visiting the Commission’s website at graperootstock.org.