Grape Hybrids and Breeding PDF

## Vineyard and Vines ### Lesson 3: Grape Hybrids and Breeding * In the botanical world, a hybrid is any cross between two species of plants. * Hybrids can happen naturally if two plants cross-pollinate and the resulting offspring is cultivated. However, most hybrids in the vine world occur throug...

## Vineyard and Vines ### Lesson 3: Grape Hybrids and Breeding * In the botanical world, a hybrid is any cross between two species of plants. * Hybrids can happen naturally if two plants cross-pollinate and the resulting offspring is cultivated. However, most hybrids in the vine world occur through experimentation. * Vine experts try to combine the great flavor of one grape with the heartiness of another to obtain a vine that will grow where grapes normally might not flourish. * When *grape phylloxera* began to devastate their vineyards in the late 19th century, European growers were forced to try just about anything in order to save their vineyards. * They created pest-resistant hybrids by *grafting* North American vines and that proved to be the most successful method. * The hybrids are generally *heartier* and also produce more fruit than native European grapevines. * Even so, many French laws forbid their use in classic wines owing to traditional reasons. * Newer wine regions not operating under such restrictions, use the French hybrids freely because of their fine flavors and easy growing conditions. ### Cross Breeding * When phylloxera started decimating European vineyards in quick succession causing serious damage to growers and wineries, French and German viticultural experts, researchers and growers felt compelled to conduct experiments by crossbreeding *Vitis labrusca* with *Vitis vinifera* grape varieties in an attempt to create a vine resistant to that dreadful disease. * Eventually, their efforts resulted in vines with desirable characteristics in a number of regions. * Some were early ripening, others resistant to some pests, yet others produced a higher harvest. * In 1876, it was found that *V. vinifera* cultivars could be successfully grafted into American grapes. This discovery helped the transition back to *V. vinfera* grapes. ### Comprehension 1. What is a grape hybrid? 2. How do hybrids occur naturally? 3. What do experts combine? 4. How did the European growers fight phylloxera? 5. What does French law forbid? ### Vocabulary * **Heartiness** - *vigore* * **Grape phylloxera** - *fillossera della vite* * **To graft** - *innestare* * **Hearty** - *forte* The image shows a vineyard in Chile, one of the most important New World wine regions. It features the grape vines in a row, with some grapes beginning to ripen. The second image shows a close-up of grapevine breeding, where a person appears to be painting a vine with a brush.