California Grape Rootstock Improvement Commission

CGRIC/CGRRF RFP 08-09
Proposal Format 2008-09
Report Format (Annual/Final) 2008-09
Research Proposal Checklist


The California Grape Rootstock Improvement Commission (CGRIC) was founded in 1993 reaffirmed in 1998 and 2003 by an industry wide referendum vote. This program is legislatively authorized under Chapter 12.6 Division 22 of the Food and Agriculture Code. CGRIC’s primary function is to fund research projects relative to grape rootstock and to disseminate the finished project reports to all CGRIC members. By state law all nurseries that produce, and /or use or distribute grape rootstock must belong to the CGRIC and are required to pay yearly assessments.

There are 18 commissioners elected at large by the licensed nursery members of the CGRIC. We have two board meetings every year. The annual meeting is held to establish the assessment rate. The second board meeting is held in conjunction with the annual research committee meeting where the Commissioners determine which research projects will be funded by the CGRIC. The vast majority of research on grape rootstock is done at the University of California, UC Cooperative Extension and California State University systems.

The organization’s mission has been “to fund and provide direction for grape rootstock research to enhance and support the California viticulture and grape nursery industry”. The Commission has supported a broad array of research projects since its inception. Beginning with research year 1994 to the present over 82 projects have been funded at a cost of approximately $2,558,408.

The most recent projects funded by the Commission are listed below:

  • Development, Testing, and Introduction of Grape Rootstocks with Broad and Durable Nematode Resistance – Howard Ferris, UC Davis
  • Epidemiology, detection and control of Togninia spp. (anamorph=Phaeoacremonium spp.) and Phaeomoniella chlamydospora, causal agents of Esca (black measles) and Petri disease (young vine decline, young esca) in California – W.D. Gubler, UC Davis.
  • Detection, biology, and control of Cylindrocarpon black foot disease in California – W.D. Gubler, UC Davis.
  • Evaluation of Rootstocks for Table Grape Production – Jennifer Hashim, UC Cooperative Extension.
  • Infection of Grape Nursery Stock by Botrytis cinerea in Cold Storage and its Control - Themis Michailides, UC Cooperative Extension.
  • Breeding Grapevine rootstocks for Resistance to Soil-borne Pests and Diseases – M. Andrew Walker, UC Davis.

California Grape Rootstock Research Foundation

The California Grape Rootstock Research Foundation was formed in 2000 by the grape rootstock industry. The Foundation’s primary objective is to provide the California viticulture and grape industry with the means to produce a premier product that further enhances the domestic and international reputation of the California grape business.
It is the goal of the Foundation to develop a self-sustaining funding mechanism for current and future grape rootstock research.
The Board of Trustees is made up of 6 individuals intimately involved with the rootstock industry. The Foundation meets twice a year to review and fund rootstock research proposals.
The Foundation works closely with the California Grape Rootstock Improvement Commission in order to maximize the resources of the two entities.
For more detailed information about the Foundation please contact Debbie Murdock, Secretary at 916/441-1064.