Biotech Updates

New Sequencing Technology to Help Breed Climate-Tolerant Wine Grapes

October 19, 2016

A new sequencing technology, together with a new computer algorithm has been used to produce a high-quality draft genome sequence of cabernet sauvignon, the world's most popular red wine grape variety. The three-pronged, proof-of-concept study used an open-source genome assembly process called FALCON-unzip, developed by Pacific Biosciences in California.

Dario Cantu, plant geneticist in UC Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology said that the new genomic information will accelerate the development of new disease-resistant wine grape varieties that are better suited to environmental changes. The sequencing effort also answered questions about the ancestry of cabernet sauvignon.

Success of the new genome assembly was also demonstrated on Arabidopsis thaliana and the coral mushroom (Clavicorona pyxidata).

For more information, read the news release at the UC Davis website.