Saccharomyces cerevisiae populations are a fundamental component of the vineyard–winery ecosystem and a valuable source of genotypes with unique properties for wine production. Although high global genetic diversity has been documented, the genetic and phenotypic structure of populations in Greek vineyards remains poorly studied.
The G-OENOTYPE project aims to create a genomic atlas of Greek S. cerevisiae populations through next-generation deep sequencing, as well as to reveal an extensive phenotypic landscape of wine yeast by integrating genotypic and phenotypic data.
Specifically, approximately 400 strains from various Greek viticultural regions will be analyzed using the RAD-Seq method to identify genetic polymorphisms (SNPs) and to study phylogenetic relationships and populations’ structure.
Representative strains will undergo comprehensive phenotypic and metabolomic characterization. The project will highlight the richness of indigenous wine yeasts, contributing to the sustainability of the wine and food industries.
Project Τitle: High-throughput genotyping and deep phenotypic atlas of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to tailor the next generation wine-growing / G-OENOTYPE
Project Duration: 36 months (started at 1/10/25)
Project Framework & Funding: Hellenic Foundation for Research & Innovation (HFRI) – 282.389,00 €
Scientific coordinator (UNIWA): Georgios Banilas
Consortium – Partners: University of West Attica (UniWA), Hellenic Agricultural Organization (ELGO) – DIMITRA, Agricultural University of Athens (AUA)
