Ann Kellan: Genetic modification coming to wine?

Kellan

Researchers in Florida are looking at genetic modification as a way to defeat Pierce's disease, which kills wine grapes on the vine. CNN Science Correspondent Ann Kellan looks at what's involved.

Q: Is Florida a major wine grower?

A: No, but it is the third largest consumer of wine in the United States. That's why the state wants to grow more grapes for wines. Unfortunately because of the weather and conditions in Florida the grapevines that make fine wines often die from fungus and other diseases, especially Pierce's Disease.

Q: What is Pierce's disease, and are California grapes susceptible, too?

A: Southern California grapevines are susceptible, and just recently Northern California areas are seeing evidence of Pierce's disease. The disease is delivered to the vine by a bug called the glassy winged sharpshooter. California is spending millions to figure ways to get rid of the bug. Florida researchers say it's fruitless. That's why they are working to genetically manipulate the grapevine to fight and resist Pierce's disease.

Q: How is it genetically changing the grapevine? And is it working?

A: To kill the Pierce's bacteria, Dennis Gray and his University of Florida research team inserted a silkworm gene called shiva into the cells of some of the vulnerable grapevine plants. In silkworm, shiva makes a bacteria-killing protein. Will that protein kill Pierce's disease in grapevines?

In early August, Gray injected the genetically modified vines with Pierce's disease and will know in the next four to six months whether the genetically modified vines get the disease. According to Gray, "'we're very optimistic but we're on pins and needles waiting to find out whether this works."

It will take several years to develop and test genetically modified vines. It will probably be five or 10 years before any of its grapes make it into a bottle of wine for consumers to taste.

Q: What concerns are there over genetically modified grapevines?

A: Basically two. Health and environmental. We don't know if genetic mutations will get into wild grapevines in the environment or if the genetic modifications will impact wildlife. As for health, until the grapevines are tested, we don't know if people will have an allergic reaction to the changes.

Q: Any reaction from the French and California Wine industries?

A: The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources office is studying Pierce's disease and is looking for ways to get rid of the glassy winged sharpshooter. It raised a question of whether farmers and growers would accept wine made from genetically modified grapevines.

The French on the other hand, are testing genetically modified grapevines to fight another disease and will test any genetically modified grapevine 15 to 25 years before a genetically modified grape makes it into a bottle of wine.