Foreword to the special issue of the Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research highlighting the research of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation in viticulture

Abstract

This special issue of the Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research has been produced to recognise the contribution, over the last 60 years, of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) to viticulture research in support of the development and ongoing success of the Australian wine-, dried- and tablegrape industries.

The involvement of the CSIRO with viticulture research and development can be traced back to the 1927 when the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, forerunner of CSIRO, assumed control of the Merbein Research Station in Victoria which had been established in 1920. Sixty years ago, in 1962, major changes were made to the research directions of the research station, including an expanded focus on viticulture, along with renaming of the facility to the Horticulture Research Station. In 1963, a second laboratory was built on the campus of the Waite Agricultural Research Institute in Adelaide, South Australia which became the headquarters of the CSIRO Division of Horticultural Research in 1967, encompassing the research activities of both centres.

Prior to 1962, the CSIRO's viticultural research portfolio was focused mainly on various aspects of the growth and management of Sultana vines for driedgrape production. With the expansion of the research facilities, however, and wider recognition of the potential for wine industry development, CSIRO's focus shifted to include an increased emphasis on winegrape research, corresponding with the renewed interest, at that time, in winegrape production along the River Murray.

Many of these discoveries have the potential to underpin the development of improved grapevine germplasm and management techniques to meet the future challenges faced by the Australian viticultural industries.

This special edition contains 11 articles that have been reviewed through the peer-review process of the Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research. The articles reflect some of the major areas of viticultural research that have been undertaken by CSIRO over the last 10–20 years, including precision viticulture, grapevine breeding and genetics, rootstock physiology, tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress, the regulation of berry development and the genetic regulation of the biosynthesis of grape-derived flavour and aroma compounds.

Thanks to the Journal's editorial panel and reviewers for making this issue possible. The contributions of the many CSIRO staff and of our numerous collaborators over the last 60 years, both here in Australia and overseas, some of whom are represented as co-authors on the papers in this issue, are acknowledged. In particular, we would like to thank our colleagues from The Australian Wine Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, the South Australian Research and Development Institute and other State agencies, and Charles Sturt University for their important contributions. We also acknowledge valuable input from the many industry representatives from peak bodies for wine-, dried- and tablegrapes, and the support and encouragement provided by grape and wine producers. We especially thank our major funders Wine Australia and Hort Innovation and their predecessors for their invaluable support.

Dr Paul Boss

Group Leader (High Value Crops) - CSIRO Agriculture and Food

Dr Michiel van Lookeren Campagne

Director - CSIRO Agriculture and Food