Current situation and characterization of the Eurasian wild grapevine in Asturias region (Northwest of the Iberian Peninsula)

Abstract

This work shows the location and study of relic populations of the Eurasian wild grapevine Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris (Gmelin) Hegi in the Asturias region (NW of the Iberian Peninsula). The comprehensive study includes the description of their habitats, of the main botanical supporters of these lianas and of the parasitic species causing them biological stress, the ampelographic description of the populations, wine elaboration from bunches of female vines and a genetic study based on 240 nuclear SNP data. The results obtained have allowed to verify the abundance of this genetic resource in the eastern and central areas of the region. The species that support this liana were different depending on the position (alluvial, colluvial or coastal) of the populations. Several ampelographic differences have been confirmed between male and female individuals. The erineum strain of Colomerus vitis (Pagenstecher) (Acari, Eryophidae) and mildews were the most frequent parasitic species found in the populations. Berries presented a low sugar content, and wines a low alcoholic content and a high total polyphenol index and colour intensity. Feral Vitaceae were found accompanying some of the sylvestris populations mainly in riverbanks and colluvial positions. The genetic study showed a clear distinction of the sylvestris vines from the most common grape varieties in the region, even though one of the sylvestris has a compatible parent-offspring relationship with the variety ‘Camaraou Noir’. The progressive reduction of this subspecies as a consequence of the human activities, plagues and diseases highlights the importance of regulating its conservation in order to avoid its extinction.