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The wild grape: a valuable source of genes for grapevine breeding
Project
Project code: JKI-ZR-08-5194
Contract period: 01.07.2015
- 30.06.2018
Purpose of research: Applied research
The wild grapevine (Vitis vinifera L. subsp. sylvestris Gmel. (C.C. Gmelin) Hegi) is an ancestor of the cultivated grapevine and has never been explored in detail in Croatia. Natural native habitats for this endangered European plant (according to the IUCN Red list of threatened plant species) are relatively untouched forest with significant nearby water. The genetic similarity between wild and cultivated grapes is very high (including sexual compatibility) although the wild grape has not passed through the strict selection process of domestication. Thus, there are possible unique traits and alleles still present in the wild grape genome, which should be explored and used in modern grapevine breeding. The main objectives of this project are to i) assess the overall genetic and phenotypic diversity of wild grape in this region and their relatedness to local cultivated grapevine, ii) preserve the genetic diversity, iii) investigate some morphological and genetic characteristics of wild grape that are of special interest to breeding programs to aid transfer of certain beneficial genes that were not favoured during domestication and human selection bringing unique contribution to this research field. This project will enable the installation of a genetic laboratory for grapevine DNA characterization at the IAC, gather a team of scientists focused on wild grape to deliver multidisciplinary insight, and increase the visibility and collaboration of this Croatian research group with the international scientific community for grape genetic resources, and research collaboration.
Section overview
Subjects
- Plant Breeding
- Viticulture
- Genetic Resources
