Disease resistant varieties

Disease-resistant varieties (DRVs), also known as PIWI varieties in Europe, are grapevine cultivars bred for strong resistance to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, downy mildew, and black rot. These varieties are developed through interspecific crosses between Vitis vinifera and wild North American and Asian Vitis species, which naturally carry resistance factors. Advances in breeding techniques, such as marker-assisted selection and multiple backcrossing with V. vinifera, have resulted in DRVs with agronomic and enological qualities comparable to traditional V. vinifera varieties while maintaining robust disease resistance. DRVs significantly reduce the need for pesticides, offering advantages for both conventional and organic farming systems. Current data from cultivated DRVs indicate they could reduce fungicide use by up to 90%, making them a key contributor to the EU Green Deal objectives by promoting environmental sustainability, protecting biodiversity, and safeguarding human health. Additionally, incorporating resilience to abiotic stresses in the breeding of DRVs further enhances their potential as a dual solution for disease management and climate change adaptation.