The European table and wine grapeVitis vinifera contains high levels oftannins and phenols, which interfere with cell culture. These compounds oxidise quickly and promote the decay of grape cells. Agroup of scientists in Israel haveshown that the addition of anti-oxidants like polyvinylpolypyrolidoneand dithiothrietol, helps overcomethe oxygen stress which results inthe death of grape tissue cultures. Ithas now become possible to genetically engineer grape with resistanceagainst a number of viral and fungalinfections, by far the most difficultproblems facing viticulture (NatureBiotechnology, Vol 14, No 5).