New horizons in research: Viticulture genetics in New Zealand

Abstract

Modern biotechnologies are enabling an unprecedented understanding of the genetic differences among grapevine varieties and the natural interactions between the environment and a vine’s DNA. This talk will review the impact that various genetic technologies have in the unique context of the local wine industry and the New Zealand legislation on genetic modification (GM). It also aims to explain how next-generation DNA sequencing technologies are being used locally to better understand the elite grapevine varieties grown in New Zealand and accelerate the production of novel ‘NZ-native’ clones.