Which American Wild Species Could Be Used in Grapevine Breeding Programs? A Review

Plant domestication has led to a series of morphological and physiological changes aimed at making species more suitable for human use and consumption. In Vitis vinifera ssp. sativa, these changes include increased sugar content and berry size, modifications in seed morphology, and the transition from dioecy to hermaphroditism. This process, which began approximately 6000–8000 years ago in the Transcaucasian region, unfolded in multiple stages and involved the natural abandonment of wild Vitis populations. While it contributed to the phenotypic diversification of modern grapevine cultivars, it also came at the expense of biodiversity. Selection for yield and quality has resulted in the loss of resilience traits in cultivated grapevines. In this study, 23 Vitis species of American origin were examined, analyzing for each their native range, susceptibility to biotic and abiotic stresses, and their suitability for propagation. The study, characterization, and compilation of these American Vitis species provide a valuable resource for consultation and use in targeted grapevine breeding programs. These efforts aim to recover adaptive traits from wild progenitors, enhance the resilience of cultivated grapevines, and address the challenges posed by modern agriculture and sustainability.