By Leslie White

ThE use of grapevine genetics as a tool against drought will be
discussed at an international wine industry conference which begins in
Adelaide.

The 8th International Symposium on Grapevine Physiology and
Biotechnology - being held at the University of Adelaide's National Wine
Centre from 24-28 November - will attract about 200 delegates from
countries around the globe, including some of the world's biggest
wine-producing nations.

The grapevine genome was mapped this year and the knowledge gained will
allow for much greater understanding of how the plant works, according
to the conference co-chair, University of Adelaide Professor of
Viticulture Steve Tyerman.

?It helps us work out what makes a red grape red, compared to a green
grape like a riesling - or what makes some vines more tolerant of
drought compared to others,? Prof Tyerman told The Weekly Times.

?The information can be used for basic understanding but (also offers)
the potential to select better varieties for certain conditions, or to
use to genetically modified roots in future to cope with climate change
better.?

Water shortages and poorer water quality would be the major impacts of
climate change, meaning vines which used water more efficiently to
produce quality fruit needed to be developed, according to Prof Tyerman.

This was possible through the manipulation of some genes, he said.

?At the moment there?s not much acceptance (of the idea), as consumers
are not that keen yet on genetically modified vines - but they might be
if it comes to the crunch,? Prof Tyerman said.

Speakers from the US, Chile, France, Italy, Germany and New Zealand will
attend the conference.

Prof Tyerman said the conference would be a massive networking
opportunity. A newly formed wine innovation cluster, which brought five
research organisations together under one roof at the University of
Adelaide, had already attracted interest from industry overseas, he
said.

For more information on the symposium, visit www.asvo.com.au/8isgpb/
& www.checkbiotech.org