Abbreviation for "International Grape Genome Programme", an international collaboration on grapevine research with a focus on genome sequencing. There are research centres in Australia (where CSIRO is involved), Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, South Africa and the USA. An important prerequisite was the determination of the genome sequence of the grapevine.
The main objectives of the project are to improve the yield and quality of grape production through targeted genetic modification of the genome. This involves introducing foreign genes with a desirable characteristic, such as resistance to fungi, viruses or insect pests, into the genetic make-up of grape varieties without changing the other genes or characteristics that characterise the variety. These techniques are controversial and the discussions about them are often very emotional.
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The glossary is a monumental achievement and one of the most important contributions to wine knowledge. Of all the encyclopaedias I use on the subject of wine, it is by far the most important. That was the case ten years ago and it hasn't changed since.
Andreas Essl
Autor, Modena