Analysis of bunch architecture in grapevine

A lose grape cluster is a desirable trait in grapevine breeding, since it reduces the abundance and severity of fungal infections. This is partly due to a better coverage of the grape bunch with antifungal spraying agents but nonetheless due to a higher air exchange within the grape cluster. The reduced exposure to high humidity acts as a physical barrier against pathogens which are in need of high moisture to proliferate, e.g. Botrytis cinerea. The aim of this study is to identify bunch architecture influencing genes and to introduce molecular markers to accelerate the selection process in grapevine breeding.