Grapevine Biotechnology

Improvement of protocols for gene transfer and regeneration of genetically modified grapevines

The production of genetically modified plants is an important tool for plant breeding. The transgenic approach can be used to improve characteristics of agriculturally used plants, e.g. resistance against biotic and abiotic stress. Moreover, it can also be helpful in functional gene analysis. During the ongoing sequencing projects, which yield huge amounts of expressed genes and sequences of both known and unknown functions, the latter is of increasing importance. Independent of the objectives, the efficient transformation and regeneration systems are basic prerequisites for the use of transgenic strategies.
The development of genetically modified grapevines has already been successfully demonstrated. However, the systems are very inefficient compared to other plant species. In co-operative work with groups from South Africa (University of Stellenbosch, IWBT) and Tunisia (INRST, Hammam Lif), factors affecting the gene transfer (Agrobacterium mediated, particle bombardment) as well as the selection and regeneration of transgenic grapevines are being investigated. The goal is to establish an efficient transformation and regeneration system for grapevine, which can be used for both clearing-up the function of genes in grapevine and for the production of transgenic grapevines for viticultural use.

Funding

Publications

Group members


<<<