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To reduce the use of phytosanitary products in viticulture, research efforts are focused on developing new resistant varieties. As part of the INRAE-ResDur programs, ten varieties selected by the UMR SVQV at the Centre Grand Est - Colmar have been registered in the official catalog.

10 varieties from the INRAE-ResDur program

Download technical data sheets by clicking on the variety photo

 

 

 

 

Addressing the Challenges

Achieving sustainable viticulture—economically viable, environmentally sound, and socially responsible—requires the innovation of cultivation methods that curtail reliance on phytosanitary products. Currently, the primary method of protecting vineyards from prevalent foliar diseases such as downy mildew and powdery mildew relies heavily on chemical treatments. As a result, viticulture ranks very high in terms of phytosanitary product consumption. In this context, developping new vine varieties resistant to fungal diseases is a crucial strategy to confront industry challenges and fulfill the goals of the Ecophyto plan.

Since 2000, UMR SVQV has been involved in a varietal innovation program that utilizes hybridization and modern breeding techniques such as marker-assisted selection (MAS), to create varieties that meet the new expectations of viticulture. The ultimate objective is to introduce cataloged varieties that exhibit polygenic resistance to both downy and powdery mildew, while still yielding high-quality wines.

Long-term selection process for quality varieties

The development of new varieties spans three phases over fifteen years.The first phase involves screening for  individuals with a polygenic resistance architecture in greenhouse conditions using  young seedlings. The second phase assesses resistance levels, key production characteristics, and the organoleptic profile of the wine. This phase occurs in the field and leverages the expertise of INRAE’s experimental viticultural units.. The final phase, a regulatory mandate, determines the Agronomic, Technological and Environmental Value (VATE) of varieties proposed for catalog inclusion.

Overview of INRAE-ResDur programs

National observatory for the deployment of resistant grape varieties (OsCar)

For more insights into the deployment of resistant grape varieties, visit the national observatory: https://observatoire-cepages-resistants.fr/