Cultivated Grapes Research Articles

Phased T2T genome assemblies facilitate the mining of disease-resistance genes in Vitis davidii

Abstract Grape is an important fruit crop, and its production faces significant threat from diseases, resulting in substantial economic loss. Wild grape relatives are valuable resources for the restoration of disease-resistance loci. However, available resistance loci in wild grape genomes remain largely unexplored. In this study, we assembled two phased genomes, including a high resistant Chinese wild grape, Vitis davidii Föex, and a susceptible cultivar, V. vinifera L. cv. “Manicure Finger”. We detected a total of 36,688 structural variations (SVs), with the genes associated with heterozygous SVs showing an enrichment in allele-specific expression (ASE). Furthermore, we identified eight subgroups of R genes and found that 74.2% of R genes overlap with transposable elements (TEs). Among R genes, NBS-type genes exhibit higher expression profiles in the wild grape genome compared with those in the grape cultivar. Additionally, five specific NBS-type R gene clusters were identified in the wild grape genome that are absent in the cultivar. Through genetic mapping, we identified four quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with grape white rot resistance based on the Vitis davidii genome, within which six NBS-type R genes exhibit differential expression between wild and cultivated grapes. Overall, our study revealed the landscape of resistance genes in grape genomes, providing valuable genetic resources for further breeding programs.

Whole Genome Sequencing of Bacillus velezensis AMR25, an Effective Antagonist Strain against Plant Pathogens.

The most serious problems for cultivated grapes are pathogenic microorganisms, which reduce the yield and quality of fruit. One of the most widespread disease of grapes is "gray mold", caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea. Some strains of Bacillus, such as Bacillus halotolerans, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, and Bacillus velezensis, are known to be active against major post-harvest plant rots. In this study, we showed that the endophytic bacteria B. velezensis strain AMR25 isolated from the leaves of wild grapes Vitis amurensis Rupr. exhibited antimicrobial activity against grape pathogens, including B. cinerea. The genome of B. velezensis AMR25 has one circular chromosome with a length of 3,909,646 bp. with 3689 open reading frames. Genomic analysis identified ten gene clusters involved in the nonribosomal synthesis of polyketides (macrolactin, bacillene, and difficidin), lipopeptides (surfactin, fengycin, and bacillizin), and bacteriocins (difficidin). Also, the genome under study contains a number of genes involved in root colonization, biofilm formation, and biosynthesis of phytohormones. Thus, the endophytic bacteria B. velezensis strain AMR25 shows great promise in developing innovative biological products for enhancing plant resistance against various pathogens.

Biology and life table parameters of Paralobesia viteana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), grown on different grape cultivars.

The grape berry moth, Paralobesia viteana (Clemens), is an important pest of cultivated grapes in eastern North America. Damage is caused directly by larval feeding of grape clusters and indirectly by increasing fruit susceptibility to fungal and bacterial pathogens. Despite the impact of grape berry moth on grapes being widely recognized, there is a lack of understanding of the influence that different grape cultivars may have on grape berry moth development, reproduction, and population dynamics. In this study, we constructed age-stage 2-sex life tables for grape berry moth fed on 5 grape cultivars: Concord, Niagara, Riesling, Chambourcin, and Vidal, to examine the effects of diet on insect population development, survival, reproduction, and demographic parameters such as net reproductive rate, intrinsic rate of increase, finite rate of increase, and mean generation time. Our findings reveal that grape cultivar significantly influenced the neonate wandering period, larval developmental time, adult and female longevity, pupal weight, adult preoviposition period, oviposition period, mean generation time, age-stage-specific life expectancy, and reproductive value of P. viteana. However, diet type did not affect grape berry moth total fecundity or other demographic parameters. The highest female reproductive value was observed at 30-40 days of age, indicating that control tactics implemented during this time frame would have the greatest impact on reducing population increase. This study provides critical information on the effects of different grape cultivars on grape berry moth development, reproduction, and demography. These insights could lead to the development of management strategies that improve pest control and reduce economic losses in vineyards.

Distinct structural variants and repeat landscape shape the genomes of the ancient grapes Aglianico and Falanghina

Mounting evidence recognizes structural variations (SVs) and repetitive DNA sequences as crucial players in shaping the existing grape phenotypic diversity at intra- and inter-species levels. To deepen our understanding on the abundance, diversity, and distribution of SVs and repetitive DNAs, including transposable elements (TEs) and tandemly repeated satellite DNA (satDNAs), we re-sequenced the genomes of the ancient grapes Aglianico and Falanghina. The analysis of large copy number variants (CNVs) detected candidate polymorphic genes that are involved in the enological features of these varieties. In a comparative analysis of Aglianico and Falanghina sequences with 21 publicly available genomes of cultivated grapes, we provided a genome-wide annotation of grape TEs at the lineage level. We disclosed that at least two main clusters of grape cultivars could be identified based on the TEs content. Multiple TEs families appeared either significantly enriched or depleted. In addition, in silico and cytological analyses provided evidence for a diverse chromosomal distribution of several satellite repeats between Aglianico, Falanghina, and other grapes. Overall, our data further improved our understanding of the intricate grape diversity held by two Italian traditional varieties, unveiling a pool of unique candidate genes never so far exploited in breeding for improved fruit quality.

Adaptive and maladaptive introgression in grapevine domestication

Domesticated grapevines spread to Europe around 3,000 years ago. Previous studies have revealed genomic signals of introgression from wild to cultivated grapes in Europe, but the time, mode, genomic pattern, and biological effects of these introgression events have not been investigated. Here, we studied resequencing data from 345 samples spanning the distributional range of wild (Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris) and cultivated (V. vinifera ssp. vinifera) grapes. Based on machine learning-based population genetic analyses, we detected evidence for a single domestication of grapevine, followed by continuous gene flow between European wild grapes (EU) and cultivated grapes over the past ~2,000y, especially from EU to wine grapes. We also inferred that soft-selective sweeps were the dominant signals of artificial selection. Gene pathways associated with the synthesis of aromatic compounds were enriched in regions that were both selected and introgressed, suggesting EU wild grapes were an important resource for improving the flavor of cultivated grapes. Despite the potential benefits of introgression in grape improvement, the introgressed fragments introduced a higher deleterious burden, with most deleterious SNPs and structural variants hidden in a heterozygous state. Cultivated wine grapes have benefited from adaptive introgression with wild grapes, but introgression has also increased the genetic load. In general, our study of beneficial and harmful effects of introgression is critical for genomic breeding of grapevine to take advantage of wild resources.

Life history traits of spotted lanternfly (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) when feeding on grapevines and tree of heaven.

The invasive planthopper, spotted lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula (White) (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), feeds on a broad range of plants including species of economic importance such as grape. Although SLF feeds on wild and cultivated grape, the effect of grapevines on the insect's life history traits is unknown. This study examined the effect of cultivated Concord grapevines (Vitis labrusca) and the insect's preferred host tree of heaven (TOH), Ailanthus altissima, on SLF development, survival, reproduction, and body mass. Newly emerged nymphs were allowed to feed on either TOH, Concord grapevines or a mixed diet of Concord grapevines plus TOH through adulthood until death. Development, mortality, and oviposition of paired adults were tracked daily to calculate the SLF rate of development, survival, and reproduction among treatments. When feeding exclusively on Concord grapevines, SLF was able to develop and reproduce but had higher mortality, slower development, and produced fewer eggs. SLF fed on the mixed diet of grapevines plus TOH exhibited faster nymphal development, laid more eggs, and had higher body mass compared with those fed only on grape or TOH. SLF had greater survival when fed on either the mixed diet or on TOH alone. We conclude that Concord grapevines are a poor-quality host for SLF, but when combined with TOH, SLF fitness increases above that of feeding on TOH alone. This study supports the elimination of TOH as a part of SLF vineyard management practices.

Differentially expression analyses in fruit of cultivated and wild species of grape and peach

Through agronomic traits and sequencing data, the cultivated and wild varieties of grapes and peaches were analyzed and compared in terms of fruit size, fruit flavor, fruit resistance, and fruit color. Cultivated grapes and peaches have advantages in fruit size, soluble sugar content, sugar and acid ratio, etc. Wild grapes and peaches have utility value in resistance. The results showed that there were 878 and 301 differentially expressed genes in cultivated and wild grapes and peaches in the three growth stages, respectively based on the next-generation sequencing study. Ten and twelve genes related to the differences between cultivated and wild grapes and peaches were found respectively. Among them, three genes, namely chalcone synthase (CHS), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH1) were present in both cultivated and wild grapes and peaches.

The transcription factor VaMYC2 from Chinese wild Vitis amurensis enhances cold tolerance of grape (V. vinifera) by up-regulating VaCBF1 and VaP5CS

Cultivated grapes, one of the most important fruit crops in the world, are sensitive to low temperature. Since Chinese wild grape Vitis amurensis is highly tolerant to cold, it is imperative to study and utilize its cold-tolerance genes for molecular breeding. Here, a VaMYC2 gene from V. amurensis was cloned, and its function was investigated by expressing VaMYC2 in the cold-sensitive V. vinifera cultivar ‘Thompson Seedless’. The expression of VaMYC2 could be induced by cold stress, methyl jasmonate and ethylene treatment, but was inhibited by abscisic acid in leaves of V. amurensis. When transgenic grape lines expressing VaMYC2 were subjected to cold stress (−1 °C) for 41 h, the transgenic lines showed less freezing injury and lower electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde content, but higher contents of soluble sugars, soluble proteins and proline, and antioxidant enzyme activities compared with wild-type. Moreover, the expression of some cold-tolerance related genes increased in transgenic lines. Besides, the interactions of VaMYC2 with VaJAZ1 and VaJAZ7B were confirmed by yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays. Yeast one-hybrid and dual luciferase assays showed that VaMYC2 can bind to the promoters of VaCBF1 and VaP5CS and activate their expressions. In conclusion, expression of VaMYC2 in V. vinifera enhances cold tolerance of transgenic grapes which is attributed to enhanced accumulation of osmotic regulatory substances, cell membrane stability, antioxidant enzyme activity, and expression of cold tolerance-related genes. Also, VaMYC2 interacts with VaJAZ1 and VaJAZ7, and activates the expression of VaCBF1 and VaP5CS to mediate cold tolerance in grapes.

WINE PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT AT SRIKANDI VINEYARD, JATI AGUNG DISTRICT, SOUTH LAMPUNG REGENCY

The purpose of this study is to find out an overview of the Srikandi Vineyard business and understand the management of wine production in the Srikandi Vineyard. The activity was held on February 28, 2022 to April 23, 2022 at the Srikandi Jatimulyo Vineyard, Jl. P. Senopati, Gg. Rajawali, Jatimulyo Village, Jati Agung District, South Lampung Regency, Lampung Province. The activities carried out for approximately 2 months (8 weeks) at the Srikandi Jatimulyo Vineyard are related to the management of grape crop production, the products produced are grapes and grape seedlings. However, in this paper, the author focuses on writing reports on production management, namely the preparation of grapevine planting media, replanting old plants into new seedlings, pruning vines, sanitizing the greenhouse environment, and making photosynthetic bacteria (PSB). The conclusion of this activity is that Srikandi Vineyard is a home industry whose output is grapes and grape seedlings, the type of cultivated grapes is imported types of grapes, the greenhouse area of Srikandi Vineyard is 400 m2. Srikandi Vineyard also serves the manufacture of greenhouses and their care until they bear fruit. Grape production management from initial inputs to ready-to-harvest fruits, inputs consist of land, planting media, seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural tools. The process consists of the manufacture of planting media, planting, applying fertilizers, pruning, and fruiting. Harvesting of vines can be carried out after 6 months from the beginning of the seedlings are planted, and the berries are stored in a cooling device so that the berries are kept fresh.

The transcription factors VaERF16 and VaMYB306 interact to enhance resistance of grapevine to Botrytis cinerea infection.

Botrytis cinerea is a fungus that infects cultivated grape (Vitis vinifera); the identification and characterization of resistance mechanisms in the host is of great importance for the grape industry. Here, we report that a transcription factor in the ethylene‐responsive factor (ERF) family (VaERF16) from Chinese wild grape (Vitis amurensis ‘Shuang You’) is expressed during B. cinerea infection and in response to treatments with the hormones ethylene and methyl jasmonate. Heterologous overexpression of VaERF16 in Arabidopsis thaliana substantially enhanced resistance to B. cinerea and the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae DC3000 via the salicylic acid and jasmonate/ethylene signalling pathways. Yeast two‐hybrid, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, and co‐immunoprecipitation assays indicated that VaERF16 interacts with the MYB family transcription factor VaMYB306. Overexpression of VaERF16 or VaMYB306 in grape leaves increased resistance to B. cinerea and caused an up‐regulation of the defence‐related gene PDF1.2, which encodes a defensin‐like protein. Conversely, silencing of either gene resulted in increased susceptibility to B. cinerea. Yeast one‐hybrid and dual‐luciferase assays indicated that VaERF16 increased the transcript levels of VaPDF1.2 by binding directly to the GCC box in its promoter. Notably, VaMYB306 alone did not bind to the VaPDF1.2 promoter, but the VaERF16–VaMYB306 transcriptional complex resulted in higher transcript levels of VaPDF1.2, suggesting that the proteins function through their mutual interaction. Elucidation of this regulatory module may be of value in enhancing resistance of grapevine to B. cinerea infection.

Approach to the Chemotaxonomic Characterization of Traditional Cultivation Grape Varieties through Their Varietal Aroma Profile.

In this study, the aroma profile of 12 minority grape varieties of Vitis vinifera L., included in the ‘Caiño group’, was defined along three vintages by solid phase microextraction followed by the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry method (SPME-GC-MS). Principal objectives were to assess the aromatic profile as a useful fingerprint to differentiate them, recover traditionally cultivated grape varieties for the differentiation of an important wine-growing area and discover their chemotaxonomic potential. In each variety, free and bound volatile profile was carried out by grouping varietal compounds into thirteen families. In total, 339 volatile compounds were identified, 230 as free forms and 205 as aromatic precursors. Remarkable quantitative differences were observed between aromatic profiles for terpenes in the free fraction and for C6 compounds, alcohols, sesquiterpenes and phenols in the glycosidic fraction. Principal component analysis based on their aromatic profile highlights a good differentiation between varieties and suggests a certain degree of aromatic chemotaxonomic proximity between previously known parental varieties, ‘Caiño Blanco’ with respect to ‘Caiño Bravo’ and ‘Albariño’. This study shows the preliminary results of a large research project involving a larger number of grape varieties and thus a broader spectrum of genetic relationships between them.

Glutathione S-transferase: a candidate gene for berry color in muscadine grapes (Vitis rotundifolia)

Muscadine grapes (Vitis rotundifolia Michx.) are a specialty crop cultivated in the southern United States. Muscadines (2n = 40) belong to the Muscadinia subgenus of Vitis, while other cultivated grape species belong to the subgenus Euvitis (2n = 38). The muscadine berry color locus was mapped to a 0.8 Mbp region syntenic with chromosome 4 of Vitis vinifera. In this study, we identified glutathione S-transferase4 as a likely candidate gene for anthocyanin transport within the berry color locus. PCR and Kompetitive allele-specific PCR genotyping identified a single intragenic SNP (C/T) marker corresponding to a proline to leucine mutation within the muscadine glutathione S-transferase4 (VrGST4) that differentiated black (CC and CT) from bronze (TT) muscadines in 126 breeding selections, 76 cultivars, and 359 progeny from 3 mapping populations. Anthocyanin profiling on a subset of the progeny indicated a dominant VrGST4 action. VrGST4 was expressed in skins of both black and bronze muscadines at similar levels. While nonsynonymous polymorphisms between black and bronze muscadines were discovered in VrGSTF12, another Type I GST-coding gene in the muscadine color locus, this gene was ruled out as a possible candidate for berry color because RNA sequencing indicated it is not expressed in berry skins at véraison from black or bronze genotypes. These results suggest that the bronze phenotype in muscadines is regulated by a mechanism distinct from the MybA gene cluster responsible for berry color variation in Vitis vinifera.

Establishment and application of an SNP molecular identification system for grape cultivars

We aimed to develop a set of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers that can be used to distinguish the main cultivated grape (Vitis L.) cultivars in China and provide technical support for domestic grape cultivar protection, cultivar registration, and market rights protection. A total of 517 high-quality loci were screened from 4 241 729 SNPs obtained by sequencing 304 grape accessions using specific locus amplified fragment sequencing, of which 442 were successfully designed as Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) markers. A set of 27 markers that completely distinguishes 304 sequenced grape accessions was determined by using the program, and 26 effective markers were screened based on 23 representative grape cultivars. Finally, a total of 46 out of 48 KASP markers, including 22 markers selected by the research group in the early stage, were re-screened based on 348 grape accessions. Population structure, principal component, and cluster analyses all showed that the 348 grape accessions were best divided into two populations. In addition, cluster analysis subdivided them into six subpopulations. According to genetic distance, V. labrusca, V. davidii, V. heyneana, and V. amurensis were far from V. vinifera, while V. vinifera×V. labrusca and V. amurensis×V. vinifera were somewhere in between these two groups. Furthermore, a core set of 25 KASP markers could distinguish 95.69% of the 348 grape accessions, and the other 21 markers were used as extended markers. Therefore, SNP molecular markers based on KASP typing technology provide a new way for mapping DNA fingerprints in grape cultivars. With high efficiency and accuracy and low cost, this technology is more competitive than other current identification methods. It also has excellent application prospects in the grape distinctness, uniformity, and stability (DUS) test, as well as in promoting market rights protection in the near future.

To the study of saprotrophic micoromycetes complexes associated with wild and cultivated vines of grapes in the Western Ciscaucasia (Russia)

The assessment of the diversity of fungic communities and the study of the bioindicational significance of mycological parameters is relevant for the biomonitoring of ampelocenoses. We studied the quantitative and qualitative composition of saprotrophic micromycetes communities associated with annual shoots of wild and cultivated grape plants. Studies have shown that the number of saprotrophic micromycetes associated with an annual vine is different depending on the place of sampling and ranges from 232.9 … 3203.2 thousand CFU / g dry matter on wild grapes and within 118.9 … 344.1 thousand CFU/g dry matter on cultivated grapes. The highest density indicators of fungal populations - 1119.7 and 3203.2 CFU/g dry matter - were recorded on a vine from forest ecotopes, the lowest indicator of 118.9 CFU/g dry matter was recorded on a vine from ampelocenosis, On wild vines, major share in the studied of fungic communities was occupied by hyphal or mold fungi, on average their share was 95.1%, while yeast occupied 4.2%, and yeast-like fungi - 0.7% of the complex. On cultivated vines, hyphal fungi also occupied the largest part in the structure of fungic communities, but their share was 1.7 times less than on wild plants. Yeast (26.5%) and yeast-like fungi (18.4%) took much larger share.

LC-MS/MS Screening of Phenolic Compounds in Wild and Cultivated Grapes Vitis amurensis Rupr.

This work represents a comparative metabolomic study of extracts of wild grapes obtained from six different places in the Primorsky and Khabarovsk territories (Far East Russia) and extracts of grapes obtained from the collection of N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (St. Petersburg). The metabolome analysis was performed by liquid chromatography in combination with ion trap mass spectrometry. The results showed the presence of 118 compounds in ethanolic extracts of V. amurensis grapes. In addition, several metabolites were newly annotated in V. amurensis. The highest diversity of phenolic compounds was identified in the samples of the V. amurensis grape collected in the vicinity of Vyazemsky (Khabarovsk Territory) and the floodplain of the Arsenyevka River (Primorsky Territory), compared to the other wild samples and cultural grapes obtained in the collection of N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources.

Effect of rain-shelter cultivation on the monoterpenes profile of Muscat Hamburg grapes and wines

Monoterpenes make important contributions to the aroma of grapes and wine. In this study, the monoterpene profiles and related gene expression patterns were investigated in vitis vinifera cv. Muscat Hamburg grapes grown under open-field and rain-shelter cultivation for two vintages. The results showed bound monoterpenes biosynthesis was repressed during the rainy season. There were no significant differences on the concentration of most of individual monoterpenes in grapes between rain-shelter and open-field cultivation in 2018. Compared with open-field cultivation, grapes under rain-shelter cultivation and the resulting wines had greater contents of monoterpenes in the rainy vintage (2019), in line with the higher expressions of most of the TPSs genes in rain-shelter cultivated grapes. Rain-shelter cultivation might improve tolerance to seasonal rain-induced stresses. The present study has revealed the influence of rain-shelter cultivation on monoterpene compounds in Muscat Hamburg grapes and wines thus providing a useful technique for improving the aroma quality of grapes and wines in the rainy season.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of the fungicidal effect of drugs against pathogens of cultivated grapes (Vitis vinifera L.)

The Vitis vinifera L. cultural grape includes many varieties that are highly valued in winemaking and viticulture, as raw materials for the production of fresh and dried berries, for the production of wines. The fruits of cultural grapes play an important role in medicine, where they are used as a source of substances with high antioxidant activity. Grapes are often affected by phytopathogenic fungal infections. In recent years, a large number of reports have appeared in the literature about the acquisition of resistance of microorganisms to industrial pesticide preparations, which in turn leads to an increase in drug doses, the multiplicity of treatments and the accumulation of harmful substances in the environment and in the plants themselves. In this study, we evaluate the effectiveness of the fungicidal action of industrial preparations and plant extracts in relation to two native species of fungi (V1 and V2) isolated from the leaves of cultivated Vitis vinifera L. grapes, as well as against the phytopathogen Alternaria solani K-100054. Minimal inhibitory (MIC) and fungicidal concentrations (MFC) were detected for each sample. Ethanol extracts of plants showed low antimycotic activity in relation to fungi cultures isolated from grapes. Activity started from 0.0625%. The best result among industrial fungicides was shown by the drug “Maxim”, whose MIC values was 0.097 μg/mL, and the MFC varies between 3.125-12.5 μg/mL for pathogens V1 and V2, respectively.

The genetic basis of sex determination in grapes

It remains a major challenge to identify the genes and mutations that lead to plant sexual differentiation. Here, we study the structure and evolution of the sex-determining region (SDR) in Vitis species. We report an improved, chromosome-scale Cabernet Sauvignon genome sequence and the phased assembly of nine wild and cultivated grape genomes. By resolving twenty Vitis SDR haplotypes, we compare male, female, and hermaphrodite haplotype structures and identify sex-linked regions. Coupled with gene expression data, we identify a candidate male-sterility mutation in the VviINP1 gene and potential female-sterility function associated with the transcription factor VviYABBY3. Our data suggest that dioecy has been lost during domestication through a rare recombination event between male and female haplotypes. This work significantly advances the understanding of the genetic basis of sex determination in Vitis and provides the information necessary to rapidly identify sex types in grape breeding programs.

Biology, Ecology, and Management of Eastern Grape Leafhopper (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), a Key Pest of Vineyards in North America

AbstractEastern grape leafhopper, Erythroneura comes (Say), is a key pest of grapes (Vitales: Vitaceae) in the central and northeastern United States and eastern Canada. This native insect uses its piercing-sucking mouthparts to puncture the mesophyll cells of leaves and suck out the contents, thereby reducing the quality and quantity of fruit. Eastern grape leafhopper has been reported as a vineyard pest for nearly 200 yr and is one of several Erythroneura spp. that feed on grapes in North America. Overwintered adults become active in early spring and may feed on grasses, weeds, and other plants before feeding on grapevines. Although eastern grape leafhopper has an extensive host range, it is only known to oviposit on wild and cultivated grapes. This multivoltine species can outbreak periodically, which has generated much research into improved monitoring and integrated pest management strategies employed throughout its native range. In this review, we describe the biology, life history, population dynamics, and phenology of eastern grape leafhopper and provide a historical account of monitoring and management strategies for this important vineyard pest.

Gastroprotective effect of leaf extract of two varieties grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) native wild and cultivar grown in North of Tunisia against the oxidative stress induced by ethanol in rats

Context: Vitis vinifera leaves are traditionally used in Tunisian folk medicine to treat digestive pathologies.Objective: We aimed to compare the gastroprotective effects of hydromethanolic leaves extracts of wild and cultivated grapes accessions native of Tunisia.Materials and methods: The phytochemical analysis of grapevine leaves extracts was performed. The gastroprotective activity was evaluated by ethanol-induced gastric-ulcer in rats pre-treated with increased doses of the extracts or with the standard omeprazole. Index of gastric secretions (volume, pH and gastric mucus production), stomach wall histology and biochemical parameters were estimated for assessment of anti-secretory and gastroprotective effects of the extracts.Results: Pre-treatment with grapevine leaves extracts decreased significantly gastric volume, gastric mucosal damage and increased significantly gastric juice pH compared with the negative control group. The extracts prevented ethanol-induced decrease of the activity of antioxidant enzymes while the levels of malondialdehyde and of reduced glutathione were decreased significantly. Moreover, the most marked effect was observed at low doses of wild ecotype ‘Nefza-I’ extracts.Conclusion: The leaves of Vitis species might be suitable as a functional food for therapeutic purpose and demonstrates gastroprotective action in gastric lesions model. Both accessions exhibited gastroprotective effects, but wild ‘Nefza-I’ ecotype was more effective than cultivar ‘Marsaoui’.