Preservation and premultiplication of selected grape material in Trentino: collaboration between FEM- S. Michele all’Adige and Trentino Grape-Nurseries AVIT-Consortium

Abstract

In Trentino, the Edmund Mach Foundation-San Michele all’Adige (FEM) is the institution responsible for the selection of grape propagation material for the wine industry, serving not only the local area. The premultiplication material, selected and maintained by FEM, is released commercially in the vine-nursery chain in collaboration with the Trentino Grape Nurseries Consortium (AVIT). FEM has made significant investments for the qualification of sanitary selection. In particular, the already existing structures (screen-house of approx. 500 m²) have been totally renovated and new openfield greenhouses/tunnels (with anti-insect nets) have been realized. Special attention was paid to scientific training and updating of the personnel responsible for the control and treatment of clonal material primary sources. The personnel involved in the selection programs is also qualified thanks to participation in activities and projects carried out at national level, in collaboration with other premultiplication centres and scientific institutions, for the study and validation of official protocols of selection and/or premultiplication. Active participation in these initiatives has enabled a constant updating of procedures for internal audit on selected materials.