Perspective of Biotic and Abiotic Stress Research in Grapevines (Vitis sp.)

Most of the terrestrial plants including grapevines are targets for both biotic and abiotic stresses due to their adamant nature. These stresses have caused major concern worldwide with significant losses in crop yields and quality. Exposure to the wide array of stresses has enabled grapevines to develop an intricate defense mechanism. Data generated/accumulated from large-scale expressed sequence tag sequencing, cDNA/oligo microarray mRNA expression profiling, and more importantly the availability of complete genome sequence of Vitis vinifera cv. Pinot Noir will provide a platform to identify and implement useful genetic engineering strategies for improving biotic/abiotic stress tolerance in grapevines.