A New Zealand-first genomic study in Canterbury could transform the wine industry with a single cell and save growers millions.
Lincoln University scientists say the study would help the billion-dollar export industry grow more disease resistant vines and slash chemical spray use by up to 80%.
Associate professor at Lincoln University Chris Winefield said samples taken from vineyards go into a $500,000 machine for genome sequencing.
The data collected can then be used to identify genetically improved grapevines for breeding programmes and as a tool to monitor pests and diseases.
“If we were to deliver to industry new generic variants, for example new Sauvignon Blanc vines, and that was adopted by industry across the board, that resistance would reduce that need by 80%.”
Genome sequencing and epidemiology is remembered by many as buzzwords from Covid, however Winefield says what they’re doing is “looking to deploy that same ethos and thoughts and a lot of that same technology into the primary sector”.
Winefield is now looking for a $7 million investment to take testing into the commercial world.
“We can get this technology out of the laboratory and into the hands of agriculturists and horticulturists to help them with their operations,” Winefield said.
It’s hoped it could save winemakers by tens of thousands of dollars in the process.
A slash in spraying would likely improve yield and taste, and a commercial operation could be underway as soon as April with the potential for the technology to expand to other primary industries.