About
GrapeBreed4IPM
About
The excessive use of chemical pesticides in agriculture is a major driver of biodiversity loss and poses a serious threat to ecosystem stability. Among crops, viticulture is one of the most pesticide-dependent, making it a crucial sector for reducing chemical inputs. Grapevines hold immense economic and cultural importance, with wine ranking among the top three agri-food sectors in the EU. GrapeBreed4IPM leverages cutting-edge advances in grapevine breeding to tackle this challenge, aiming to significantly reduce fungicide use while safeguarding biodiversity. Bringing together leading European research groups and engaging stakeholders across the grapevine value chain, the project adopts a multi-actor, co-design approach to deliver innovative, high-impact solutions for sustainable viticulture.
General objective
The project aims to develop grapevine varieties with robust resistance to key diseases, tailored to local environmental and pedoclimatic conditions, significantly reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Beyond breeding, it will provide farmers, winegrowers, and advisers with best practices and integrated pest management (IPM) guidelines specifically designed for disease-resistant varieties, fostering widespread adoption and advancing sustainable viticulture across Europe. These efforts will promote a more environmentally friendly industry while aligning with regulatory requirements and evolving consumer expectations. With the grapevine market projected to reach nearly EUR 204 billion by 2025, the project’s outcomes will position the sector to thrive sustainably in a competitive global landscape.
Specific Objectives of the project
- Co-design with the viticulture value chain.
- Develop faster and better breeding, allowing also to prepare for emerging diseases.
- Breeding for resistant varieties with optimal productivity and oenological quality.
- Develop guidelines and tools to promote deployment.
- Capacity building and increase of general awareness of the benefit of disease-resistant varieties.
