Seven new Swiss grape varieties make their debuts

Switzerland has bred seven new grape varieties that are resistant to the most important fungal diseases and have a high oenological quality. + Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox Agroscope, the Swiss centre of excellence for agricultural research, presented the new varieties as the fruits of 17 years of breeding work. The new varieties should significantly reduce the use of pesticides, Agroscope said at the Agrovina viticulture trade fair in Martigny. They are also intended to better prepare viticulture for the challenges of climate change. + How wine and cheese help shape Swiss politics The four white and three red varieties are called Forisia, Elaris, Orellis, Damona, Valpesia, Dioniso and Taranis. Their common characteristic is a genetically anchored resistance to downy and powdery mildew, two of the most important fungal diseases in European viticulture. While their control previously required six to ten plant protection treatments per year, the new vines ...