Italy advances with the first genetically edited vines to resist disease and reduce pesticide use

Global viticulture faces constant threats. For example, grapevine downy mildew is a serious disease caused by the Plasmopara viticola fungus known to cause devastating damage when weather conditions are favourable, and until now, the only method of control has been the use of pesticides. Thanks to biotechnology, a team of Italian scientists has developed a genetically edited Chardonnay grape capable of resisting grapevine downy mildew, eliminating the need for pesticides. This pioneering project, led by academic spin-off EdiVite, uses CRISPR technology to make precise modifications to the genome. In this case, the DMR6 gene was edited to improve the production of salicylic acid, a key molecule in the plant's immune defences, allowing it to fight off downy mildew more effectively without the introduction of DNA from other organisms. This places these vines in a category exempt from the restrictions applicable to genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Europe, according to the new ...