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Unearthing Genetic Treasures: Exploring Lost Autochthonous Vitis vinifera Varieties in Lebanon
Carole Saliba1, Alba María Vargas2, María Teresa de Andrés2
1Laboratoire Biodiversité et Génomique Fonctionnelle, Faculté des Sciences, Université Saint-Joseph, Campus Sciences et Technologies, Mar Roukos, Mkalles, P.O. Box 1514, Riad el Solh, Beirut 1107 2050, Lebanon.
Lebanon harbors significant grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) genetic diversity, with 34 new genotypes identified. This discovery highlights the region as a hotspot for unique grape varieties, crucial for future wine innovation and conservation efforts.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Genetics
- Horticulture
Background:
- Lebanon possesses a rich history of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivation and associated biodiversity.
- The Lebanese wine industry predominantly uses international grape varieties, endangering local cultivars.
- Unique topography and cultural history contribute to Lebanon's distinct grapevine genetic resources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the genetic identity and diversity of grapevine samples from Lebanon.
- To identify and characterize local grapevine varieties, including those potentially new to science.
- To evaluate the genetic distinctiveness of Lebanese grapevines in the context of global databases.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 202 grapevine samples from diverse Lebanese origins.
- Utilized 21 microsatellite markers for genetic profiling.
- Compared identified genotypes against European Vitis Database and Vitis International Variety Catalogue (VIVC).
Main Results:
- Identified 67 distinct grapevine genotypes, with 34 novel profiles not found in existing databases.
- Cluster analysis confirmed rich local grapevine diversity and revealed instances of synonymy, homonymy, and misnaming.
- High levels of genetic variation were observed, with 228 alleles across all polymorphic loci.
Conclusions:
- Lebanon is a significant hotspot for grapevine genetic diversity, evidenced by the discovery of numerous uncatalogued genotypes.
- The identified unique genetic variations, including synonyms, offer potential for developing distinctive wine profiles.
- Further research and documentation are essential to conserve and leverage Lebanon's valuable grapevine genetic heritage.
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