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Levan Ujmajuridze: "Georgian viticulture and winemaking, which has a continuous history of several thousand years, should be based on varietal diversity and quality characteristics"

Levan Ujmajuridze, Director of the Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture, presented a presentation on "Georgian Vine and Wine Culture Research Project - Results and Novelties" at the scientific conference on local varieties of Georgian grapes.

In parallel with the review of the current state of plant genetic resources in the country, attention was paid to the projects carried out by the Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture, within the framework of which the recovery of rare Georgian grape varieties, the study of ampelographic and oenological characteristics are underway. Placement in the national catalog, selection activities, obtaining healthy basic planting material, certification, identification of vine pests and diseases and development of integrated methods of combat, molecular-genetic DNA research of grape varieties together with foreign colleagues and others are being searched. Levan Ujmajuridze introduced to the participants of the conference the rare varieties of restored Georgian vines, the search for which has been ongoing for years, it is currently preserved in a collection plant and is subject to distribution in the regions.

"In order to preserve biodiversity, along with vines, it is very important to protect the ancient cultures, genetic resources in living collections and Gene Banks, in which Georgia is considered to be the center of origin. Georgian viticulture and winemaking, which has a continuous history of several thousand years, should be based on varietal diversity and quality characteristics. Special attention should be paid to its preservation, strengthening and awareness raising. Such an international scientific conference promotes the promotion of Georgian vines and wine," - said Levan Ujmajuridze.

Within the framework of the conference, the guests visited the experimental-demonstration base of perennial crops of Jighaura, viewed the collection of Georgian and foreign varieties of grapes, got acquainted with the current scientific and research works on site and tasted wine samples made from rare varieties of grape.

The international scientific conference ,,Georgian Vine and Wine Culture Research Project - Results and Novelties" was held within the framework of "Wine Days" established by the Prime Minister of Georgia, organized by the National Wine Agency of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia and supported by the Government of Georgia. Scientists, researchers and experts from 11 countries of the world, including Georgia, took part in the conference.