Asian Vitis Species for Modern Grapevine Breeding and Wine Industry: A Review

Viticulture is one of the major horticultural industries of the world, with the area of grapevines cultivated exceeding 7.9 million hectare. The grapevines belong to the family Vitaceae, which are mostly woody, tree-climbing vines, though a few have a shrubby growth habit. They have tendrils and inflorescences opposite the leaves. The grapevine fruit is used in a wide variety of products, ranging through fresh fruit, preserves, juice, wine and raisins. This review paper attempts to address a potential Asian Vitis species, as there was no sufficient information and most of the species were ignored in modern viticulture and enology. Vitis amurensis, Vitis heyneana, Vitis davidii, and Vitis yeshanensis are the most common and most popular species in Asia. The Vitis genus contains more than 70 species, with centres of origin in South Europe, Asia Minor, East Asia, and North and Central America. Asia is one of the major gene centres of origin for more than 37 Vitis species. Asian Vitis species have strong resistance against such diseases like Anthracnose, Ripe Rot, Powdery Mildew, Crown Gall and they can withstand environmental stress. Their germplasms can easily be crossed with V. vinifera and American Vitis species. Additionally, the berries of Asian wild Vitis species do not have the undesirable “foxy” flavour compounds commonly existing in the berries of American Vitis species. As the European grapevines are not well tolerant to different diseases, Asian wild Vitis have captured scientists and breeders’ attention in the grapevine breeding and wine industry. Key words: Grape berry, grapevine, raisin, Vitis species, wine