The collaboration, signed on 30 September, brings together the University’s Argotti Botanic Gardens and Resource Centre and the Ministry’s National Gene Bank to investigate the characteristics and genetic identity of local grapevine cultivars.
Researchers will examine features including leaf shape, shoot colour and grape appearance, alongside genetic analysis, to better identify and distinguish varieties. Specimens will also be added to Argotti’s living plant collection and herbarium, creating a permanent scientific record.
The initiative aims to protect Malta’s agricultural heritage and preserve valuable plant genetic resources for future research, particularly as changing climatic conditions present new challenges for viticulture.
The findings could also contribute to a joint scientific publication and provide a foundation for further research into Malta’s indigenous grape varieties.
We’ll toast to that!
