GENEVA, NY - At the annual Wine Industry Workshop in April, the New York Wine & Grape Foundation presented its annual Research Award to Bruce Reisch, Professor of Grape Genetics in the Department of Horticultural Sciences at Cornell University's Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, in recognition of the major contributions he has made to the New York wine and grape industry.
"My program's primary goal is to deliver new varieties to the New York grape industry which will impact favorably on its growth, and help the industry respond to changing consumer and regulatory demands, while improving the quality of the grapes produced," said Reisch, who was appointed full professor last spring. "The grape breeding program is designed to augment the economic growth of the New York grape industry." Reisch attributes success in his program to the professionalism of the Station's technical support staff as well as to the high quality of the cooperation from Experiment Station colleagues in related fields.
Reisch's research program focuses on the genetic improvement of grapevines by both traditional and novel techniques. Using traditional techniques, he works to breed wine grapes for characteristics like disease resistance, cold hardiness, high yield and high wine quality. Table grapes are bred for flavor, cold hardiness, seedlessness, storage potential and berry and cluster size. Insect resistance is also a priority in the development of new germplasm. The biotech aspect of Reisch's program focuses on genetic engineering of grapevines via particle gun transformation, and identification of DNA (RAPD) markers for genetic fingerprinting and mapping. Reisch is putting these maps to use in the development of new cultivars, while also using genetic engineering techniques to raise the level of disease resistance in important cultivars like Concord and Chardonnay.
Under Reisch's leadership, the Experiment Station has successfully released two white wine grapes - Chardonel and Melody - and one red seedless table grape - Einset Seedless. Two new varieties, Traminette and Marquis, a wine and table grape respectively, are being introduced this spring.
Reisch grew up in New York City and Long Island. He received his B.S. from Cornell in 1976, and his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, in Plant Breeding and Genetics, in 1980. He has been at the Experiment Station ever since.
This is the seventh year the New York Wine & Grape Foundation has recognized individuals and businesses for their outstanding contributions to the New York wine and grape industry. The Foundation is a private, not-for-profit organization which funds research and conducts promotional programs in support of the state's grape, grape juice, and wine industry. New York is the nation's third largest producer of grapes, second largest producer of wines, and largest producer of grape juice.
Reisch lives in Geneva with his wife and three children.
NOTE: A photo of Bruce Reisch and Jim Trezise is available.
Contact: Linda McCandless 315-787-2417 e-mail: llm3@cornell.edu Communications Services, Geneva, NY
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