Employment of radiofrequency technology (RFId) in grapevine nursery traceability

This trial represents the first experience regarding the insertion of microchips (TAG) based on radiofrequency identification (RFId) technology into grapevine plants for nursery purposes. The research was performed considering five economically-important grapevine clones, involving 2500 plants. Microchips were inserted directly into medulla tissue during grafting procedures. Two methods were developed, one based on medulla perforation and the other characterized by a lateral cut on rootstock performed by a specific machine. The presence of electronic tagging (TAG) inside plants did not compromise growth start-up, vegetative growth, sanitary condition, histological status of graft point, or quality of plants, considering the first year of farming. In addition to rapid identification, the TAGs permit the access to a specific online database, in which all plant information is contained, in a particular grapevine certification datasheet with sanitarian status (2005/43/CE). Results obtained suggest RFId technology as a useful tool for replacing traditional labelling and providing an up-to-date traceability system for grapevine nurseries.