Dr Darrell Lizamore on The Genetics of PIWI Grape Varieties
This show was published Friday, September 4, 2026
- Dr Darrell Lizamore on The Genetics of PIWI Grape Varieties
Overview
Why do some grape varieties resist mildew while others don't? Dr Darrell Lizamore breaks down the genetics of PIWI grapes and what it takes to breed disease resistance into a vine without losing flavour.
Darrell is a grapevine geneticist based in New Zealand, whose research is helping growers import and test disease-resistant genetics from Europe's decades-long PIWI breeding programmes. He and Chris dig into the science of resistance, from waxy leaf cuticles and open bunch structure to the DNA markers breeders hunt for, and why a PIWI variety bred in Italy might behave completely differently once it meets a New Zealand strain of mildew.
Along the way, Darrell reveals one of the plant's strangest defences: sometimes a leaf isn't dying because mildew is killing it, the plant is deliberately killing its own cells to stop the infection spreading.
Host: Chris Scott
Guest: Dr Darrell Lizamore
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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.
