ISHS Acta Horticulturae 652: I International Symposium on Grapevine Growing, Commerce and Research
VINES FROM OLD VINEYARDS AS A SOURCE FOR CLONAL SELECTION AND PRESERVATION OF GENETIC DIVERSITY |
| Authors: | J. Engelhart, K. Wahl, A. Schartl |
| Keywords: | Vitis vinifera, Franconia, Silvaner, Müller-Thurgau, Elbling, Muscat |
| Abstract:
Monoclonal cultivation of grapevines leads to a loss of genetic variability within varieties and thus deprives breeders of their sources for new and different clones and also special traits for crossbreeding. To thwart this process the Franconian wine growing region was scrutinized for vineyards planted before 1960. Of about 200 still existing old vineyards 37 with app. 20 000 plants have been analysed so far. They are located throughout the Franconian growing region and therefore represent different geological and climatic conditions. Besides old clones of current cultivars, old varieties cultivated in Franconia like Elbling and Muscat have also been identified. To create a source for the development of new clones and in order to provide a genetic reservoir for cross breeding, 90 promising plants, mainly c.v. Silvaner and c. v. Müller-Thurgau and other varieties as well, have been selected for propagation in the years 2001 and 2002. Special criteria for selection have been quality aspects, moderate yield, loose bunches, and aromatic berries as well as phenotypes differing from commonly used clones. Besides the establishment of a gene pool, future emphasis will be laid on the production of premium clones of currently cultivated varieties and the reintroduction of old varieties to enrich the assortment of cultivars typical for the Franconian terroir. | |
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