BEIJING, Aug. 27 (Xinhuanet) -- Scientists have
deciphered the complete genetic code for the plant producing wine
grapes, which could pave the way for gene-based manipulations to boost
flavour and improve resistance against disease, media reported Monday.
Dozens of researchers in France
analyzing the Pinot Noir variety of Vitis vinifera, the core species from which
virtually all grape wine is made, found twice as many genes contributing to
aroma than in other sequenced plants, suggesting that wine flavours could be
traced to the genome level.
Researchers discovered that V. vinifera had large
"families" of genes "directly correlated with the aromatic features of wine,"
especially related to tannins and terpenes.
They also identified the genetic source in the plant
of resveratrol, the anti-oxidant in red wine that had been widely associated
with health benefits ranging from anti-aging to boosting anti-viral treatments.
"It is strategic for a species as economically
important as the grape vine to develop the tools and genetic resources" to
resist pathogens and improve quality, said researcher Anne-Francoise
Adam-Blondon.
This would also help reduce the use of chemicals in
grape growing, she added, pointing out that in France that grape vines account
for 3 percent of farm land cultivated, but 20 percent of herbicides used.
(Agencies)
