A brief history of DNA testing in vines

Abstract

Although DNA testing has been a commercial reality since the 1980s, varietal identification in grapevine was only developed in 1996 and uptake of this technology has been slow - particularly in New Zealand. A key reason for this is the traditional reliance on ampelography (identification based on leaf shape) and high initial prices per test (in excess of US$1,000). However, using data obtained from the sequencing of the entire grapevine genome, we have been able to develop genetic tests that are able to discern grapevines at the clone, as well as variety level. Adoption of new, automatable technologies has increased sample throughput, allowing samples to be tested for as little as $60. These advances make DNA testing a compelling and economical tool for the New Zealand Industry.