Scientist gets grant to map DNA of winegrape rootstock

Winegrape varieties could soon be developed with a much higher tolerance to the harsh Australian conditions. Plant scientist Matthew Gilliham, from the University of Adelaide, was awarded $22,000 by the Grape Wine Research and Development Corporation to map the genetic make-up of a key grapevine rootstock. Viticulturists use rootstocks of grapevine plants to impart favourable characteristics in their winegrape varieties, reports ABC Rural.