Biology and Genetics of Grapevines

A.Y. 2025/2026
8
Max ECTS
72
Overall hours
SSD
AGR/03
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The course is part of the degree program area specifically dedicated to Viticulture and represents its introductory section. Its educational objective is to provide specific knowledge on the biology and genetics of the cultivated grapevine, not only within the framework of vineyard management but also in the broader context of the grape and wine production chain. This includes the nursery sector and the genetic improvement of wine grapevines and their rootstocks. Building on prior knowledge acquired in courses such as Plant Biology, Agricultural Chemistry, and Agronomy, this course lays the foundational understanding for subsequent subjects such as Viticultural Techniques, Vineyard and Winery Engineering, and Grapevine Protection. The lectures aim to provide solid and up-to-date scientific knowledge on grapevine morphology, anatomy, and physiology, as well as related aspects of genetics, ampelography, and genetic improvement through both traditional and innovative methods. The practical component will allow students to observe, in both commercial and experimental vineyards, the organography of the grapevine, aspects of vegetative and reproductive development, and varietal polymorphism. Students will also acquire skills in descriptive ampelography techniques.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students are expected to have acquired knowledge of the morphology, anatomy, and physiology of the main vegetative and reproductive organs of the grapevine, its auto-ecological characteristics, its phenological cycle, and the main physiological processes involved in its vegetative and reproductive development. Emphasis will be placed on the development, ripening, composition, and oenological potential of the grape. With regard to genetic aspects, students are expected to understand the origin of the domesticated grapevine and its wide varietal assortment; the non-vinifera grapevine species relevant for cultivation and genetic improvement; the methodologies used for varietal description and identification based on morphological, biochemical, and molecular markers; and the genetic bases of intra-specific and intra-varietal variability, along with their impact on the phenotypic characteristics of grapevine cultivars. Students will also learn about the methods, objectives, and outcomes of grapevine and rootstock breeding programs. The knowledge acquired will enable students to understand the biological foundations underlying viticultural practices and to critically evaluate them. Additionally, students will gain the scientific and technical tools necessary for informed varietal selection when establishing new vineyards. During the final exam, students will be assessed on their ability to communicate what they have learned in a scientifically accurate and technically correct manner. The comprehensive knowledge gained will support students in carrying out their internship within a vineyard or wine production enterprise, allowing for informed observation and critical analysis of viticultural practices. It will also provide a solid foundation for further independent study of the subject through specialized technical and scientific literature.
Single course

This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Teaching Unit: Grapevine physiology
The life cycle and annual cycle of the vine. Anatomy and morphology of the vine. Physiology of root, vegetative, and reproductive system development. Growth and activity rhythms. Correlative relationships. Physiology of development and fruiting. Bud differentiation and development. From bud differentiation to berry set. Ecophysiology. Carbon balance: photosynthesis and distribution of photosynthates. Water balance. Nutritional balance and nutrient disorders. Physiology of grape development and ripening. The herbaceous phase, véraison, maturation curve, sugar accumulation, acid metabolism, nitrogenous compounds, polyphenols, and aromatic substances.
Teaching Unit: Ampelography and grapevine genetics
The concept of a grapevine variety. The origin of grapevine varieties. Phenotype. Ampelography. The described methods. OIV forms and descriptors. Examples of ampelographic forms. The genetic code. Character inheritance. The genetic diversity of vine germplasm. Molecular markers: SSR and SNP. Variety identification through molecular markers. The pedigree of national and international cultivars: examples. Intra-varietal variability and the concept of clones. Chimeras. Major mutations that gave rise to clones: examples. Genetic improvement through clonal selection: clonal and massal selection. Genetic improvement by crossing. Biotechnologies applied to vine genetic improvement. The domestication of the vine and the origin of cultivated grape varieties. The wild vine. The Vitis gene and rootstocks.
Prerequisites for admission
Mandatory prerequisites: Agricultural chemistry and Plant biology
Teaching methods
Lectures. Seminars. Classroom and field exercises. Educational visits. Interactive tools for enhancing engagement in education will be used, such as Wooclap, as well as JoVE, a visual journal that helps in learning and sharing scientific techniques through video. Lectures help achieve the learning objectives related to the analytical and theoretical knowledge necessary to understand vine biology, physiology, and genetics. Seminars stimulate critical thinking and deeper learning. Classroom and field exercises contribute to the ability to analyze phenological, ecophysiological, and phenotypic aspects of the vine. Practical exercises allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts, both in the classroom and in the field. Through these activities, students acquire practical skills in variety recognition techniques, genetic improvement, and vine physiology. This teaching method directly contributes to the achievement of the expected learning outcomes, particularly regarding the ability to analyze phenological and ecophysiological aspects of the vine and to understand methods for improving production performance. Visits to vineyards and wineries provide a real-world context to observe and understand the practical application of knowledge learned in the classroom, contributing to the acquisition of practical and applied skills.
Teaching Resources
AA.VV. 2007 La vite e il vino. Art Servizi Editoriali, Bologna. pp. 624.
Lecture slides and scientific articles. Teaching materials are available on MyAriel.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is oral and consists of a separate interview for each teaching unit. To take each of the two interviews, students must register by the deadlines set through the Unimia institutional platform.
For the Grapevine physiology unit, the 30-minute interview consists of five questions covering the topics of the entire course. Each question is graded from 0/30 to 6/30. The overall grade for the teaching unit is the sum of the scores given for each question. Evaluation considers the accuracy of the response, the correct use of terminology, and the level of depth demonstrated.
For the Ampelography and grapevine genetics unit, the 30-minute interview consists of four questions covering the topics of the entire course. In addition, students are asked to describe the ampelographic form of a chosen variety. Each question (including the ampelographic form description) is graded from 0/30 to 6/30. The overall grade for the teaching unit is the sum of the scores given for each question. Evaluation considers the accuracy of the response, the correct use of terminology, and the level of depth demonstrated.
The final grade, expressed in thirtieths, is calculated as the arithmetic mean of the results obtained in the two teaching units.
Students with specific learning disabilities or other disabilities are requested to contact the teacher via email at least 15 days before the exam session to agree on any personal compensatory measure. In the email addressed to the teacher, the respective University services must be reported in CC: [email protected] (for students with LD) and [email protected] (for students with other disabilities).
AGR/03 - ARBORICULTURE AND FRUITCULTURE - University credits: 8
Field activity: 16 hours
Lessons: 56 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
by appointment
via Celoria, 2 - Edificio 10