The aim of this project is to develop a means by which genes can be introduced into existing grape varieties. The genes being used at this early stage are model genes that are easy to detect in the laboratory but ultimately genes will be introduced that are intended to confer new characteristics without otherwise altering the distinctive characteristics of the variety.
Genes conferring resistance to specific diseases and pests are of particular interest.
During 1998-99, six transformation experiments were initiated and monitored for 6 to 9 months each. The experiments involved Chardonnay, Thompson Seedless, St. George and 110R and the experimental factors tested in the experiments included the culture medium, the gene vector and the selection conditions. Two of the experiments have yielded both somatic embryos and a few plantlets that developed after co-cultivation with the gene vector and exposure to selective pressure designed to allow only cells carrying the introduced genes to survive. Some of the embryos exhibit the blue color that indicates expression of the introduced GUS marker gene. Several additional transformation experiments are in progress and it is still too early to evaluate them.