ISHS Acta Horticulturae 528: VII International Symposium on Grapevine Genetics and Breeding
GRAPE BREEDING FOR THE SUBTROPICAL AND TROPICAL REGIONS OF BRAZIL |
| Author: | U.A. Camargo |
| Keywords: | Vitis spp., adaptation, disease resistance, quality, table grapes, wine grapes, grapes for juice |
| Abstract:
Although viticulture is worldwide localized in regions with temperate climate, there is a great potential for it in tropical regions. In Brazil grapes are grown between the 9°S and 3°S parallels and can therefore be harvested throughout the year. However, general adaptation problems of the traditional Vitis vinifera cultivars (bud dormancy, apical dominance, low fertility, susceptibility to fungal diseases), and of the V. labrusca cultivars (dormancy, lack of vigour) restrict the production to a reduced number of cultivars. The genetic grape breeding program conducted by the Brazilian Agricultural Research Agency - Embrapa - aims at the development of new cultivars, which combine the characteristics of adaptation, productivity, resistance to diseases and quality of the grapes. The basic germplasm used in the crossing program consists of V. vinifera and V. labrusca cultivars, interspecific hybrids and wild tropical species of Vitis. Through different combinations, new cultivars for wine and juice production, as well as for fresh consumption, are being selected. Results obtained through the evaluation of 162 populations show that it is possible to develop new cultivars that possess the characteristics, which are required for the subtropical and tropical regions of Brazil. The selection of a new cultivar for wine production has already been achieved in F1 through crossing of V. vinifera x interspecific hybrid. As for juice and table grapes the results demonstrate that at least two generations are necessary to obtain cultivars which combine the qualities of V. vinifera and V. labrusca and the adaptation of the tropical species. | |
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