Phylloxera （Daktulosphaira vitifoliae）is a serious pests to European grape（Vitis vinifera）since it was introduced to Europe during the 1860s. To stop the phylloxera invasion, European grapes have been grafted onto North American rootstocks. However, grafting may have affected genetic composition and epigenetic regulation of European grape.

In this study, we aim to ascertain whether grafting and phylloxera outbreaks has caused any variation on grapes genome. Shotgun sequencing, whole-genome sequencing, and bisulphite sequencing would be utilized in this project. These variation will be analyzed and deciphering the interction of European grapes, rootstocks, and the phylloxera.

This project is found by MicroWine network of Mariecurie ITN and The University of Warwick. It will indicate how human involvement and pests as a whole would affect the genetic composition of domesticated organism. The technique learned from the project can be broadly deployed in archaeology, anthropology, and forensic science researches. The result will contribute to the amelioration of viniculture and vinification processes, ultimately improve future agricultural development.

Research Interest