European grape variety growing on a vine. Photo taken 07-19-22. Photo: UF/IFAS, Cat Wofford

Disease-Resistant Wine Grapes Could Be Boon For Florida’s Viticulture

European grape variety growing on a vine. Photo taken 07-19-22. Photo: UF/IFAS, Cat Wofford
European grape variety growing on a vine. Photo taken 07-19-22. Photo: UF/IFAS, Cat Wofford

Researchers at UF/IFAS are harvesting their first crop of potentially disease-resistant wine grapes in Florida.

The first crop at UF/IFAS’s Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra, Florida, of Pierce’s disease-resistant grapes, showed no signs of disease.

The grape variety was developed by the University of California Davis, and UF researchers are working to prove the grapes can be grown effectively in Florida, thereby giving the state a boost to its nascent wine industry, said UF/IFAS associate professor Ali Sarkhosh.

Read: Agricultural Safety Center, UF/IFAS Release Heat-Related Illness Toolkit

This could open the door to more traditional wine operations in Florida, rather than exclusively muscadine wine, which is easier to grow in Florida’s climate.

“We see these grapes are doing well,” he said. “It is very exciting. It could be a really great opportunity for agro-tourism.”

Pierce’s disease, caused by bacteria, has been a formidable challenge for viticulture, especially in hot, humid climates like Florida. The disease, spread by insects, stops the water-spreading vessels inside grapevines, leading to severe water stress and vine death. The disease costs vineyards hundreds of millions of dollars a year. So far, no method has been found to fully prevent the disease, making genetic resistance a critical focus for researchers.

Read: New Genetic Finding Could Pave Way For Fall Blueberries In Florida

In the 1920s, grapes covered the Florida landscape, but Pierce’s disease – among other factors – wiped out most of the industry. The disease causes leaves to wilt, turn yellow, and fall off, and for the fruit to shrivel. Given that there are limited treatments, farmers are encouraged to remove plants that get Pierce’s disease in order to prevent it spreading.

Sarkhosh said that choosing disease-resistant varieties could provide farmers in Florida with more growing options.

He said his research was funded by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences’ viticulture program.

Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.

Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.

Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.

Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.

Login To Facebook To Comment