Research directions

Research directions/objectives:

1. Biodiversity characterization, assessment and conservation:

• Evaluation of viticultural genetic variability and identification of valuable biotypes in old and new table grape varieties, sources for increasing genetic diversity in the Vitis genus.
• Diversifying the horticultural genetic resource base, including from spontaneous flora.

2. Creating new varieties with genetic resistance to biotic and abiotic factors in the context of climate change:

• Use of viticultural germplasm resources to obtain new table grape genotypes with high agrobiological and technological potential
• Achievement of clonal selections with increased disease tolerance and biological potential superior to the population
• Stress-selection applied to Vitis vinifera varieties for the purpose of varietal assortment improving 

3. Combining the methodologies of ampelographic description, with those for the determination of oeno-carpological characters and molecular analysis for the study of grapevine varieties from germplasm collections (Vitis sp. G0 and ex situ)

• Complete characterization, verification of the identity, uniformity and genetic stability of the varieties existing in the grapevine germplasm collections by molecular methods (RAPD, SSR).

4. The use of molecular markers to determine the degree of similarity or genetic variability between plants belonging to the same species, obtained through classical or unconventional propagation methods

• Analysis of varieties/hybrids/parental sources and their genetic diversity in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) and pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) using molecular markers
• DNA extraction and determination of its quantity and quality for use in amplification techniques with specific molecular markers

Results

• Registration of the viticultural germplasm collection in national and international databases (The European Vitis Database and Vitis International Variety Catalogue VIVC) http://www.eu-vitis.de/index.php
• Book: Strategies and principles for the conservation of viticultural genetic resources in ex situ collections
  Authors: Carmen Florentina Popescu, Constantin Tănăsescu, Adriana Bădulescu, Cristina Magdalena Ciobotea, Gina Nedelea
  University of Pitești publishing house
• The book presents some of the results obtained in the activities carried out through the ADER 3.1.3 project entitled: Development and modernization of viticultural germplasm collections for the purpose of long-term conservation of biological material of national value, financed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The work is relevant for Romanian viticulture, for the development and modernization of germplasm collections and long-term conservation of genetic material for the purpose of valorization by breeders, nurseries, farmers, processors. The conservation of native grapevine genotypes is of particular importance, especially in the context of globalization, because in this way we can make known the achievements of our viticulture at  European and international level through valuable varieties, some very old and unjustly neglected. The book presents a guide for the establishment, maintenance and exploitation of germplasm collections, as well as the complete characterization (ampelographic description and with molecular markers) of a number of 34 grapevine varieties considered autochthonous. The work is addressed to a large number of specialists in research, education, nurserymen, processors interested in promoting the Romanian products, as well as those passionate about viticulture.
• The selection and breeding activity was oriented towards the creation of new clones and varieties with high production potential and superior quality.

Work team

Dr. eng Cristina-Magdalena Ciobotea, SR III, cioboteacristina76@yahoo.com
PhD student eng. Manolescu Andreea Elena, SR, andreeamanolescu16@gmail.com

Infrastructure

https://eeris.eu/ERIF-2000-000E-1316