The Researcher in Molecular Biology participated in the congress that, for the first time in 54 years, was held in a South American country.

From April 9th to the 12th, the 19° version of the Congress of the International Council for the Study of Virus and Virus-Like Diseases of the Grapevine (ICVG) was held. This instance, which brings together the most prominent worldwide experts on diseases of the vine, took place, for the first time since 1964, in a South American country.
Due to the advanced development of its wine industry, Chile was chosen as the venue for the congress, which aims to discuss advances in epidemiology, diagnosis and plant-virus interaction.

Felipe Gainza, Researcher in Molecular Biology of the Center for Research and Innovation (CRI) of Viña Concha y Toro, was invited to discuss the methodologies used and progress made by the center. His presentation focused on the diagnosis of grapevine viruses in the Central Valley of Chile through the implementation of a TaqMan-based system.

In addition to this exhibition, Felipe Gainza had the opportunity to listen to some of the most renowned specialists in the area, such as Dr. Giovanni P. Martelli of Italy; Dr. Maher al Rwahnih of FPS UC Davis, EEUU; and the outstanding Chilean scientist Dr. Nicola Fiore.

Gainza values ​​this instance as a very enriching experience, since it allows attendees to know the state of the art and the latest advances in this area of ​​study. “This type of activities also allows generating national and international collaboration networks, contributing to the knowledge and development of efficient solutions for the industry. For the CRI it is crucial to participate in these events, since it allows us to communicate our work and contribute to the strategies that allow us to solve the phytosanitary problems of the vineyard”, he explains.