Powdery mildew comes from a fungus called Erysiphe necator that’s native to eastern North America. While America’s native grape species have developed some resistance, Vitis vinifera have not. Particularly vulnerable are some of the world’s most popular varieties, including Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc.

The disease’s impact on the grape industry, both financially and environmentally, is significant; it’s the reason for the majority of its pesticide use. As a result, the industry has invested considerable resources into finding more effective ways to combat it. Now, new research is offering a ray of hope for mildew-fighters everywhere. The VitisGen research collaboration, a grape breeding project now in its third iteration, is working on a disease-resistant ‘SuperGrape.’