Disease-resistant wine grape reduces losses in Florida

Pierce’s disease devastates grapevines in warm, humid regions like Florida, making wine grape production nearly impossible without costly interventions. This disease forces growers to rely on chemical treatments and limits the viability of vineyards in the Southeast. 

Plant breeders there successfully grew a new wine grape variety with genetic resistance to Pierce’s disease while maintaining desirable wine-making qualities. They used a California-developed variety and advanced breeding techniques to combine disease resistance traits with flavor and quality characteristics. 

The new grape variety significantly reduces losses from Pierce’s disease, enabling production in areas previously unsuitable for wine grapes. With this variety, Florida growers can reduce reliance on chemical treatments and lower costs. This innovation also positions the state as a leader in resilient viticulture and specialty crop development.

University of Florida / IFAS Extension