Distribution of Wild and Cultivated Grapes in Turkey

Ibrahim H Uzun,Arzu Bayir

doi:10.15835/nsb245397

Abstract

Turkey is one of main gene centers in the world for grapes. It is believed that cultivated grapes have their origins in Turkey and the surrounding countries. Vitis vinifera ssp sylvestris is the only wild grape species in this region. That is why Turkey has a very large amount of wild grapevine populations and grape cultivars which offer to grapevine breeders a valuable gene pool. Wild grapevines have significant characters for inducing the resistence to biotic and abiotic stress factors, such as resistance to lime, drought, pests and diseases. Turkey has over 1.600 local grape cultivars, among which the majority of them are conserved at the national grape collection vineyard in Tekirda?. They are mostly used as table grapes, dried grapes or for local consumptions. Wild grapes are distributed all over the country territory, mainly in the river basins and forests. Wild grape collection vineyards were established at some universities in Turkey. These grapevines will be screened for the resistance to biotic and abiotic stress factors.

Highlights

Turkey has a big peninsula named Anatolia which is bounded by the Mediterranean, Black and Aegean seas
Anatolia is including the area of origin of Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris which can be found all over the country especially on river banks, shore of lakes and forests
Wild grapevines are being endangered in their natural habitats and high priorities are given to the collection and Vitis germplasm

Summary

Introduction

Turkey has a big peninsula named Anatolia which is bounded by the Mediterranean, Black and Aegean seas. Sylvestris (wild grape) which can be found all over the country especially on river banks, shore of lakes and forests. European wild grapevine (Vitis vinifera ssp sylvestris Gmelin) has considerable declined.

Results

Conclusion