Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/513570
VIEWPOINT 32 WINES&VINES June 2015 provide the means to find the needle in the haystack and draw robust conclusions from sequencing data. As virologists refine these tools, their ability to detect both current and unknown pathogens increases dramatically. A case in point is the discovery in 2011 of grapevine red blotch-associated virus (GRBaV). Although its origins are unclear, presence of this pathogen wasn't revealed by woody index- ing. It was identified as the causal agent through DNA sequencing and laboratory screening. Other examples of discovery through next-generation sequencing are grapevine Syrah virus 1 (GSyV-1), grape- vine Pinot Gris-associated virus (GPGaV), grapevine vein-clearing virus (GVCV) and grapevine virus F (GVF). Virologists rely heavily on laboratory testing to screen accessions and monitor success at virus-elimination therapies. Woody indexing—although run concur- rently on imported accessions—involves caring for plants, expensive greenhouse or screen house space, technician time and a host of other expenses. It also delays release of both new cultivars and desired clones to the industry. What are the growers and nurseries' likely responses going to be when confronted with a five-year delay in obtaining the first propagation mate- rial for a clone or cultivar in demand? The delay is likely to increase the temptation and incentive to propagate and import "suitcase clones" or other unscreened material. The incentive to do so is only increasing with the pressures imposed by climate change that will spur demand for new materials better adapted to a hotter environment. Will climate change force growers in California's Central Valley, Sonoma or Napa to replant to more heat- and drought-tolerant cultivars in the next 20 years or so? Are wineries small and large looking for alternatives to ensure a future sup- ply of the right kind of grapes? They should be. Climate models predict a 50% reduction in suitability for premium wine production (White et al., 2006) and a shift northward and to higher elevations (Hannah et al., 2013) by 2050. Prominent wine busi- nesses may be under increasing pressure to move production of signature varieties north- ward to Oregon and Washington. (Willamette Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, anyone?) What if nurseries and growers could shave several years off of the time lag in introducing new plant material? It would allow them to respond more rapidly to changing conditions and enhance (or protect) the vast amount of installed acreage in existing farms and vineyards—and perhaps forestall or mitigate the flight northward. In short, there would be enormous economic benefits to the grape industry. Against those benefits, one has to weigh the risk of introducing even one new pathogen (or spreading old ones via new cultivars). Vine- yards are a long-term invest- ment, and the costs of delayed ripening, lowered productivity and subsequent spread through vectors of pathogens are enormous. Virus-tested foundation blocks have proven effective in safeguarding the industry from the threat of unchecked spread of these pathogens. It is appropriate for these organizations to be conservative in adopting new methods and changing tried and true reference methods. Will climate change force growers in California's Central Valley, Sonoma or Napa to replant to more heat- and drought-tolerant cultivars in the next 20 years or so? Include Code 0114 on your first order for an extra 10% off! 510-732-7010 A Division of Bay Seal Company Providing Sealing Solutions for over 50 Years wineryseals.com CALIFORNIA WINERY & 744 +/- AC WITH VINEYARD williamsauction.com/chatom • 800.801.8003 Award-winning winery in the Sierra Foothills AVA. The opportunity includes a turnkey winery as well as an established premium vineyard nestled among 744 +/- acres in the Esmeralda Valley. Auction Date: 2pm PDT Friday June 26 Auction Location: 1969 Highway 4, Douglas Flat, CA Open for Inspections: 11-2pm May 15, June 5, 19 Parcel 1: Chatom Winery on 32 +/- ac Parcel 2: Vineyard on 744 +/- ac (64 +/- ac planted) Nominal Opening Bids: $500,000 per parcel Bid on location or live online at auctionnetwork.com CA DAN NELSON RE LIC 01866273. WILLIAMS & WILLIAMS RE LIC 01863253. WILLIAMS & WILLIAMS AUC LIC AUC BOND NO. 6830812. JOSEPH MAST AUC LIC BOND NO. 71539062. 5% BUYER'S PREMIUM. In cooperation with c h a t o m v i n e y a r d s REAL ESTATE AUCTION