Team leader
Prof. Enrico Peterlunger, professor of viticulture

Scientists and student tutors 
Dott. Gabriele Di Gaspero, scientist, grapevine genetics and breeding
Dott. Simone Diego Castellarin, scientist, grapevine physiology
Dott. Barbara Bucchetti, post-doc, grape physiology
 

Research 

The research activity is focused on two main subjects: grapevine physiology, and grapevine genetics and breeding. In grapevine physiology the relationship plant-water is studied, considering the effects of water shortage mostly on secondary metabolites of the berry, such as phenolic compound and aromas. The genes involved in the metabolism of these compounds are studied as well in their expression. The influence of canopy management on grape quality is also studied, mostly to reduce excessive sugar in the berry which gives too high alcohol content in wine. Grapevine genome is studied in its organization and functioning, using the tools made available by the recent grape genome sequencing; grapevine breeding is devoted to obtain cultivars resistant to downy mildew and powdery mildew but showing also good agronomical features and good quality of grape and wine. Research on neglected grapevine germplasm at risk of genetic erosion is conducted as well at phenotypic and genotypic level.

Lab facilities 
genome analysis: PCR thermocycler, capillary sequencer
high pressure liquid chromatography equipment, gas-chromatograph-mass-spectrometer, 
applied plant physiology: photosynthesis and transpiration measuring device, Scholander pressure chamber, grape quality basic analysis tools
experimental vineyards, greenhouse, lysimeters for water yearly consumption measuring

Topics offered for thesis

• Water relations and secondary metabolites of grapes
• Grapevine genome organization and function
• Grapevine breeding for resistance to downy and powdery mildew
• Canopy management for grape quality