Viticultural Information

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Subject

Variety Identification

Description

DNA samples are loaded into the 'genetic analyzer' - one step of grapevine identification.

Correct varietal identification is essential to any grape growing operation. Traditionally, grape varieties have been identified based on the comparison of foliar and fruit characteristics. Though this method, called “ampelography,” is an effective tool for grape variety identification, it takes years of study and practice to master. Growing conditions, disease status and time of year can all affect the traits upon which ampelography is based.

Over the past decade DNA marker technology, “DNA Fingerprinting,” has been developed to identify grape varieties. In this process a DNA profile is generated for the vine in question using specific DNA markers. The vine is then identified by matching its profile, ie. the “DNA fingerprint” to a database of reference profiles from authenticated voucher vines. The best type of sample for DNA analysis is young leaves from actively growing shoot tips. But other plant tissue, including older leaves, roots, fruit and dormant cuttings, can be used as well. Vines can thus be identified independent of cultural practices, disease status or time of year.

Grape DNA Identification is available to the public from Foundation Plant Services, a department in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at UC Davis, as well as a small number of private labs.

People

Gerald Dangl
Andrew Walker

Links

California Seed & Plant Lab http://www.calspl.com
Foundation Plant Services http://fps.ucdavis.edu

New wine grape varietals for california

Adobe/Macromedia Breeze Presenter modules provide on-demand viewing of previously recorded PowerPoint presentations with streaming video and audio on the Web. They feature high-quality still images with synchronized audio and video; automatic playback or manual navigation; and a keyword search of slide text and notes. As Flash movies they are platform independent, but they do require Flash Player 6 or higher, which is currently installed on most computers. These modules were produced by UC Davis IET Mediaworks. The speaker and presentation may be viewed in video on the following links:

"CLASSICAL AND MOLECULAR METHODS TO IDENTIFY GRAPEVINES" - Dr. Andy Walker, Department of Viticulture and Enology, UC Davis. Presented on June 20, 2006 at the Grapevine Clean Plant Workshop hosted by UC Davis Extension.

Publications

Anonymous. 2003. New Grape Variety Identification Service Offered (PDF). Foundation Plant Services Grape Program Newsletter. Fall 2003: page 4.

Dangl, J. 2006. Vouchers Hold the Key to Successful Grape DNA Identification (PDF). Foundation Plant Services Grape Program Newsletter, Fall 2006:4-5.

Nelson-Kluk, S. 2005. Variety Identification Updates at FPS (PDF). Foundation Plant Services Grape Program Newsletter, Fall 2005:12-13.

Nelson-Kluk, S. 2005. Assigning the "Correct" Grape Variety Name (PDF). Foundation Plant Services Grape Program Newsletter, Fall 2005:14-16.

This website is a work in progress of the University of California (UC) Division of Agricultural and Natural Resources (ANR) Integrated Grape Production Workgroup. It is designed to increase accessability to the work of UC researchers, including faculty, Cooperative Extension (CE) specialists, CE advisors, and staff. UC Researchers interested in contributing content are invited to contact Deborah Golino dagolino@ucdavis.edu to discuss possible contributions.