Texas A&M AgriLife is embarking on an ambitious four-year project aimed at developing new seedless muscadine grape varieties, supported by a $7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture. This groundbreaking initiative, dubbed "Through the Grapevine: Developing Vitis x MuscadiniaWide Hybrids for Enhanced Disease Resistance and Quality," promises to bring fruitful advancements to grape growers, especially those located across Texas.
The project also includes collaboration from the University of Arkansas, the University of Georgia, and other esteemed institutions, bolstering the quality and reach of research conducted. Amit Dhingra, Ph.D., head of Texas A&M’s Department of Horticultural Sciences, stated, "This project is a part of a larger departmental mission focused on sustainability, wellness, and food security." The overall goal is to identify and propagate new muscadine varieties catering to fresh market sales, winemaking, and other culinary products.
Muscadine grapes, one of the 13 grape species native to Texas, have successfully undergone over a century of breeding and selection efforts. Their thriving growth patterns are influenced by East Texas’s humid climate and adaptability to various soil types, particularly pH-neutral or slightly acidic conditions. Recognized for their pest and disease tolerance, muscadine grapes also exhibit remarkable drought durability, defined by large, flavorful berries.
This innovative project is expected to engage more than 30 skilled professionals, including viticulturists, grape breeders, physiologists, food scientists, and economists—all working toward creating and propagulating superior seedless muscadine varieties. With Justin Scheiner, Ph.D., at the helm as the Texas A&M AgriLife team leader, the institution will host research vineyard sites planted for trial selections of table grapes and those designated for processing. One site is located at Thomas Ranch near Richards, Texas, with another at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Overton. These trials are set to begin planting during the spring of 2025.
According to Scheiner, this project will explore crossbreeding techniques, merging the distinct qualities of muscadines with the common grape species, Vitis vinifera. His enthusiasm is palpable: "This project will seek to crossbreed muscadines and Vitis vinifera, or common, grapes to get the best characteristics of these two grape species." The resultant cultivars will exhibit enhanced resilience to climate challenges, catering to both fresh market demands and wine production needs.
Collaborative partner Michael Cook, AgriLife Extension program specialist and doctoral student, echoed this spirit of optimism: "We are particularly excited about the first objective of the project where we are doing trials of advanced muscadine cultivars." Observers believe these efforts might significantly alter the grape industry’s future throughout the Lone Star State and beyond, considering how grape-growing challenges have evolved over time.
One key aspect of the project's responsive approach lies within its acknowledgment of Texas grape growers’ shifting needs. With increasing environmental variability and growing costs associated with grape cultivation, results from this multi-objective study will equip farmers with insights for future cultivar selections and best practices suited for their unique ecosystems. Notably, interest among local grape growers has surged, each eager to learn more about the advancements being made.
Dhingra emphasized this engagement, saying, "Texas grape growers have expressed great interest in this project and will be kept up to date with results and recommendations through various AgriLife Extension programming over the coming years." The project's values resonate with the community, melding farmer interests and scientific exploration to improve Texas agriculture's vitality.
With the primary focus on enhancing grape quality and disease resistance, this research is set to pave the way for innovative solutions. Time will tell how this initiative shapes the future of muscadine grapes, adjusting to the industry's demands for sustainable practices and high-quality products. Stay tuned as the first seeds of change are sown!