Multiple description and validation of autochthone grape varieties in the Carpathian Basin

Abstract

Context and Purpose of the Study. In many countries, the preservation of grape varieties with heritage value is ensured by genebanks of outstanding significance, which allow for the study of these varieties and the assessment of their future roles in response to environmental, market, and social challenges. The Carpathian Basin, like an ancient viticultural region, has local varieties that once played a crucial role in wine production of their respective regions and could regain their importance in the future.

Morphological characterization is a basic method for identifying grape varieties but has limitations due to narrow time windows for observation and environmental variability. Over the past decade, molecular characterization of grape varieties has gained increasing importance. Genetic studies enable the determination of the origins and pedigree relations of grape varieties. For individual varieties, uncovering ancestral lineages provides insights into their development timeline, origin and migration routes.

Material and Methods. Ampelographic data were conducted identifying approximately 77 OIV descriptors per variety in the grapevine collection of our institute (IPGRI, UPOV, OIV, 1997). To facilitate the objective description of grape varieties, the GRA.LE.D. software was used (Bodor et al., 2014). This free raster graphic software analysed grapevine leaves for 36 OIV traits and 19 non-OIV parameters from 32 marker points on scanned leaves. In recent years, SNP analysis of 110 ancient grape varieties has evaluated and visualized a specified distance matrix. Correlation analyses between SNPs, ampelographic descriptors, and ampelometric data were conducted using genebank databases and bioinformatics tools.

Results. Data on variety-specific combinations of DNA sequence variations can be correlated with existing grape variety knowledge, enabling the determination of the origins of Carpathian Basin varieties.

By combining morphological and advanced genetic analysis, it becomes possible to verify existing varietal groups and subvarieties, create new categories, or reclassify and reinterpret certain varieties and their subtaxons. We are planning to include quality-determining parameters comprehensive evaluations, such as resistance sources, aromatic and colour compounds, ripening periods, berry consistency, and drought tolerance characteristics.