UK Wine Show 864: The Science of Grapevine Genetics, from Clonal Selection to CRISPR

This show was published Friday, July 17, 2026

Overview

Dr Darrell Lizamore of New Zealand Winegrowers explains how grapevine genetics really works, from centuries of clonal selection and mass selection to induced mutation, transgenics, CRISPR gene editing and epigenetics.

Darrell is Principal Research Scientist for Grapevine Improvement, leading the Grapevine Improvement Programme for New Zealand wine growers. Recorded in Lincoln, Chris sits down with him to map out the full toolkit available to a geneticist working on grapevines today, and to separate the myths from the actual science.

They cover why Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris are really just mutant clones of Pinot Noir, how radiation and chemical mutagens have been used for decades to speed up natural mutation, and how CRISPR now allows scientists to target a single gene with precision rather than damaging DNA at random. Darrell also explains cisgenics, RNA based spray induced gene silencing, and how epigenetics means the same vine can behave differently depending on where it is planted.

The best story is how researchers can use double stranded RNA sprays to silence the exact genes that powdery mildew needs to survive, without changing the plant's DNA at all.

Host: Chris Scott
Guest: Dr Darrell Lizamore, New Zealand Winegrowers

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Music

The music used for the UK Wine Show is Griffes de Jingle 1 by Marcel de la Jartèle and Silence by Etoile Noire.