Ampelographic and SSR-based characterization of drought-adapted grapevine accessions from Deir El Ahmar, Lebanon

Abstract

Deir El Ahmar, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon (1000 – 1100 m a.s.l.), is a semi-arid viticultural region characterized by harsh agroclimatic conditions. Grapevine varieties traditionally cultivated there represent germplasm that has persisted under long-term heat, often exceeding 40 °C during summer, making this area a potential reservoir of climate-adapted diversity. Thirteen grapevine accessionscollected in Deir El Ahmar were characterized using standardized ampelographic descriptors (OIV) and SSR molecular markers. Evaluation of leaf, bunch, and berry traits revealed substantial morphological variability, while SSR analysis identified nine distinct genetic profiles among the studied accessions.

Genotypic comparisons indicated the presence of four Lebanese-origin varieties as well as five previously unreported profiles, with cases of synonymy and homonymy reflecting local naming dynamics. The results highlight the genetic and morphological diversity maintained in a drought-prone environment and emphasize the importance of prospecting marginal viticultural areas in the context of climate change. Such germplasm constitutes a strategic resource for breeding climate-resilient wine and table grape varieties in Mediterranean environments.

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the the LU Scientific Research Support Program (DIVAG project), the PRIMA 2021 Sustemicrop project (No ANR-22-PRIM-0012-04) and French Lebanese CEDRE project (49320 QJ).

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