New Breeding Techniques (NBT/TEA) in Grape Breeding
New Breeding Techniques (NBT/TEA) in Grape Breeding
What Are New Breeding Techniques?
New Breeding Techniques (NBT), known in Italy as TEA (Tecniche di Evoluzione Assistita - Assisted Evolution Techniques), represent precision genetic tools that enable targeted modifications to grape DNA without introducing foreign genes. Unlike traditional hybridization or transgenesis, NBTs can create disease-resistant Vitis vinifera varieties that maintain 100% of their original genetic identity and wine character.
Key Technologies
CRISPR/Cas9
Most widely used NBT tool for grapes
Mechanism: Molecular “scissors” that precisely cut DNA at targeted locations, allowing:
- Gene knockout (disabling susceptibility genes)
- Gene correction
- Precise insertions
Grape Applications:
- Disabling downy mildew susceptibility genes
- Removing powdery mildew susceptibility genes
- Modifying botrytis response
- Potentially altering phenolic profiles
Cisgenesis
Definition: Transfer of genes only from the same species or sexually compatible species
Advantage: Uses existing grape genes (no “foreign” DNA)
Example: Moving resistance genes from wild Vitis species into vinifera while maintaining varietal identity
TALENs and ZFNs
Earlier gene-editing tools; largely superseded by CRISPR for grape applications.
NBT vs. PIWI: Key Differences
| Aspect | PIWI | NBT/TEA |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Traditional crossing | Gene editing |
| Genetics | Interspecific hybrid | Modified vinifera |
| Identity | New variety | Same variety (edited) |
| Wine character | Different from parents | Preserved |
| Timeline | 20-30 years | 5-10 years |
| Regulatory | Permitted | Complex/evolving |
The Revolutionary Promise
Preserving Terroir Varieties:
NBT can potentially create:
- Disease-resistant Pinot Noir that is still Pinot Noir
- Nebbiolo with powdery mildew resistance
- Sangiovese requiring fewer sprays
- Chardonnay with botrytis tolerance
This would allow traditional appellations to maintain variety identity while reducing environmental impact.
Major Research Programs
Italy: Leading NBT Research
CREA (Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura):
- Powdery mildew-resistant Italian varieties
- Sangiovese and Glera projects
Fondazione Edmund Mach (San Michele):
- Extensive CRISPR programs
- Focus on mildew resistance
- Pinot varieties
University of Milan:
- Downy mildew gene knockout
- Color modification research
France: INRAE Programs
- Chardonnay and Merlot research
- Focus on sustainability applications
- Regulatory pathway development
Germany: Julius Kühn-Institut
- Grapevine genome research
- Resistance gene identification
- CRISPR tool development
USA: UC Davis
- Pierce’s disease resistance
- Powdery mildew research
- Heat/drought tolerance
Switzerland: Agroscope
- Complementing PIWI program
- Targeted resistance enhancement
Regulatory Landscape
European Union (2024+)
Historic shift: EU moving toward deregulation of certain NBTs
Proposed categories:
- Category 1: Equivalent to conventional breeding (deregulated)
- Category 2: More complex modifications (regulated)
Implications for wine: Could allow NBT grapes in AOC/DOC wines
Italy: TEA Leadership
2023: Italy authorized field trials of TEA plants, including grapes
United States
- USDA: Case-by-case review
- Generally less restrictive than EU
- Some gene-edited crops already approved
Switzerland
- Currently strict (follows GMO rules)
- Policy review ongoing
Current Research Targets
Disease Resistance
Primary focus:
| Disease | Approach |
|---|---|
| Powdery mildew | MLO gene knockout |
| Downy mildew | Susceptibility gene editing |
| Botrytis | Cell wall modification |
| Pierce’s disease | Resistance gene activation |
Other Traits
- Drought tolerance
- Heat stress resistance
- Berry composition
- Phenolic profiles
Timeline to Commercial Release
Estimated milestones (subject to regulatory approval):
- 2020s: Field trials (ongoing)
- Late 2020s: Potential first approvals
- 2030s: Commercial availability (optimistic)
- 2040s: Widespread adoption (realistic)
Industry Perspectives
Potential Benefits
- Maintain variety identity for AOC/DOC wines
- 80-90% spray reduction possible
- Preserve terroir expression
- Faster than traditional breeding
- No yield/quality trade-off expected
Concerns
- Consumer acceptance uncertain
- “Natural wine” movement opposition
- Regulatory uncertainty
- Intellectual property issues
- Unintended effects
Relationship to Sustainability
NBT grapes could enable:
- Dramatic reduction in copper/sulfur use
- Lower carbon footprint
- Organic/biodynamic compatibility (debated)
- Climate change adaptation
The Future: NBT + Traditional Varieties
Vision: Major wine regions could maintain traditional varieties (Nebbiolo in Barolo, Pinot Noir in Burgundy) while achieving environmental sustainability through gene-edited disease resistance.
This represents a potential solution to the fundamental challenge: preserving wine heritage while dramatically reducing viticultural environmental impact.
Last Updated: January 7, 2026