Assessment of a Cuban grape germplasm collection and evaluation of the potential for a Cuban grape and wine industry

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A Cuban grape germplasm repository was established years ago with a number of European varieties, American species and hybrids, then largely ignored.  Cuban scientists now have a mandate to asses the germplasm in relation to agronomic and berry quality traits, and to evaluate the potential for developing a Cuban wine industry.  Canadian researchers are interested in the genetic resources as well as the potential for collaborative research and commercial development.  Funding will allow Canadian experts in viticulture, genetics, pathology, stress tolerance and berry chemistry to play a role in evaluating the germplasm,  ensure its protection and development, and identify genetic resources of interest to oenology and viticulture in both countries. The expected benefits to Canada include access to potentially novel and useful germplasm, international scientific research collaboration and the potential for Canada to play an active role in the development of a Cuban grape and wine industry.