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A researcher from the Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture participated in an international training course on viticulture and enology

Tekle Zakalashvili, Head of the Plant Microclonal (in vitro) Propagation and Virus Planting Material Research Division of the LEPL Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture, participated in the Fourth International Ampelography Training Course organized by the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) in Germany. The goal of the training was to deepen theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of grapevine variety description and identification (ampelography), introduce modern methods, standardize grapevine variety identification and promote international cooperation. The training course combined both theoretical and practical components. The theoretical part included the principles of morphological description of grapevines, historical and modern approaches to ampelographic methods, international standards for vine identification, and modern data storage systems. The practical part was devoted to describing more than 100 grape varieties in field conditions and recording their characteristics using descriptors from the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV). During the training, participants had the opportunity to learn about internationally distributed cultivated grapevine varieties, as well as disease-resistant hybrids and rootstocks obtained through selection programs. The international training was hosted by two internationally recognized institutions in the field of ampelography and grapevine research – the University of Geisenheim and the Julius Kuhn Institute. The training process was led by leading scientists from research centers in five European countries – Germany, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal. 25 representatives from 18 countries participated in the training, who, after completing the course, successfully passed the final exam and received an international certificate recognized by the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV). This experience will make a significant contribution to the development of modern viticulture practices and the research and preservation of grapevine genetic diversity.