Over the last 20 years, the reputation of minor grape cultivars has increased considerably. Grower magazines and wine journals have reported the renaissance of neglected and even threatened grape cultivars, raising awareness and promoting their cultivation by vine-growers. Minor cultivars represent huge value with respect to cultural heritage, adaptation to ecological conditions, diversification of products and marketing of specialities with a higher economic benefit. Recognizing the heritage and value of traditional crop genetic diversity maintained on farms, in 2017, the European Cooperative Program for Plant Genetic Resources (ECPGR) published a "Concept for on-farm conservation and management of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture". ECPGR described a future strategy for the preservation of genetic resources. Priority actions defined are transmissible to grapevine. They encompass the development of descriptors, inventory of on-farm vineyards, definition of threat categories and overcoming of legal obstacles, ensuring that obsolete cultivars can be grown. Focus on these four issues took place under the scope of the ECPGR grant scheme activity "On-farm inventory of minor grape varieties in the European Vitis Database" in 2017. Twelve researchers from ten countries (Albania, Austria, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, Montenegro, Portugal, Serbia, Spain) participated. Descriptors were selected for the grower (12 descriptors), cultivar preserved (17 descriptors), vineyard description (17 descriptors) and commitments (six descriptors). To date, 191 vineyards have been registered: in Spain (105), Albania (16), Montenegro (14), Croatia (13), Germany (13), France (17), Portugal (5), Serbia (5) and Austria (3). An on-farm database was developed (http://www.eu-vitis.de/on-farm/index.php). Criteria for four threat categories were defined and used to initiate a process for legal inclusion of rare historical cultivars in national cultivar catalogues. Preservation under practice conditions provides deeper knowledge of agronomic features and wine quality of traditional grape cultivars and relieves stress on grapevine collections.

On a site with carbonate containing brown soil on flysch-marl the effect of 31 rootstock varieties on the parameters must weight, acidity of the must, yield, bunch weight and pruning wood weight was determined with the grapevine variety "Zweigelt". On the average over the twelve experimental years the rootstocks 41 B, Ru 140 and G 9 caused a significant reduction of the must weight by 0.47 degrees KMW, 0.26 degrees KMW and 1.13 degrees KMW, resp., compared to K 5BB. With the rootstocks 1616 C and 3309 C, however, the must weight was significantly increased by + 0.4 degrees KMW and + 0.34 degrees KMW. The annual mean values of the must weight ranged from a minimum of 16.6 degrees KMW to a maximum of 19.1 degrees KMW. The acidity of the must was increased with the rootstocks 41 B, Binova and G 9 by about 0.49 g/l, 0.64 g/l and 0.5 g/l, resp., compared with K 5BB. The lowest annual mean value of titratable acids was 5.4 g/l and the highest was 7.8 g/l. The yield was significantly reduced with the rootstocks SO4, Cosmo 10, 99 R, G 9, Aripa, 101-14 MG, 1616 C, 3309 C and Riparia Portalis. Binova and 225 Ru A2 caused a significant increase in yield by 0.5 kg/vine and 0.41 kg/vine, resp., compared to K 5BB. The annual mean values of the yield were between 0.58 kg/vine in the first harvest year and 1.97 to 5.96 kg/vine in subsequent years. Bunch weight also showed a significant correlation with the rootstock. The average of all years showed that the bunch weight was positively influenced by K 125AA, G 26, 41 B and Binova. On the other hand the rootstocks G 9, 99 R, 101-14 MG and 3309 C caused a reduction of the bunch weight compared to K 5BB. The annual mean values ranged from a minimum of 149 grams to a maximum of 318 g. The pruning wood weight was significantly affected by the rootstock, K 125AA, Binova, 225 Ru A2, 1103 P and Fercal causing increases between 0.014 kg/m(2) and 0.03 kg/m(2) compared to K 5BB; the rootstocks G 9, Riparia Portalis, 101-14 MG, 1616 C and Aripa, however, caused a reduction in pruning wood weight. The annual mean values were 0.03 kg/m(2) and 0.094 kg/m(2) in the first two years, and in subsequent years they were between 0.112 kg/m(2) and 0.243 kg/m(2). Microvinifications and tastings were carried out in a very limited extent with variants from selected rootstocks. In the sensory evaluation the wines from the rootstocks K 5BB, SO4 and T5C were rated the best.

Auf einem Standort mit carbonathältiger Braunerde auf Flyschmergel wurde bei der Sorte “Zweigelt” der Einfluss von 31 Unterlagsrebsorten auf die Parameter Mostgewicht, Säuregehalt des Mosts, Ertrag, Traubengewicht und Schnittholzgewicht ermittelt. Im Durchschnitt der zwölf Versuchsjahre bewirkten die Unterlagen 41 B, Ru 140 und G 9 eine signifikante Reduktion des Mostgewichts um 0.47∘ KMW, 0.26∘ KMW und 1.13∘ KMW im Vergleich zu K 5BB. Bei den Unterlagen 1616 C und 3309 C war das Mostgewicht mit + 0.4∘ KMW und + 0.34∘ KMW hingegen signifikant höher. Die Jahresmittelwerte des Mostgewichtes lagen zwischen einem Minimum von 16.6∘ KMW und einem Maximum von 19.1∘ KMW. Der Säuregehalt des Mostes war bei den Unterlagen 41 B, Binova und G 9 um 0.49 g/l, 0.64 g/l und 0.5 g/l im Vergleich zu K 5BB erhöht. Der geringste Jahresmittelwert des Säuregehalts im Most lag bei 5.4 g/l und der höchste Wert bei 7.8 g/l. Der Ertrag war bei den Unterlagen SO4, Cosmo 10.99 R, G 9, Aripa, 101–14 MG, 1616 C, 3309 C und Riparia portalis signifikant verringert. Binova und 225 Ru A2 bewirkten eine signifikante Ertragssteigerung um 0.5 kg/Stock beziehungsweise 0.41 kg/Stock im Vergleich zu K 5BB. Die Jahresmittelwerte des Ertrages lagen zwischen 0.58 kg/Stock im ersten Ertragsjahr und 1.97 bis 5.96 kg/Stock in den Folgejahren. Das Traubengewicht wies ebenfalls einen signifikanten Zusammenhang mit der verwendeten Unterlage auf. Im Durchschnitt aller Beobachtungsjahre wurde das Traubengewicht durch K 125AA, G 26, 41 B und Binova positiv beeinflusst. Hingegen führten die Unterlagen G 9, 99 R, 101–14 MG und 3309 C im Vergleich zu K 5BB zu einer Verringerung des Traubengewichts. Die Jahresmittelwerte lagen zwischen einem Minimum von 149 g und einem Maximum von 318 g. Das Schnittholzgewicht wurde signifikant durch die Unterlage beeinflusst, wobei die Unterlagen K 125AA, Binova, 225 Ru A2, 1103 P und Fercal im Vergleich zu K 5BB zu Erhöhungen zwischen 0.014 kg/m2 und 0.03 kg/m2 führten; die Unterlagen G 9, Riparia portalis, 101–14 MG, 1616 C und Aripa bewirkten hingegen eine Reduktion des Schnittholzgewichts. Die Jahresmittelwerte betrugen 0.03 kg/m2 und 0.094 kg/m2 in den ersten beiden Ertragsjahren und lagen in den Folgejahren zwischen 0.112 kg/m2 und 0.243 kg/m2. Mikrovinifikation und.

Several certified 'Pinot blanc' clones available at a local market were evaluated under specific viticultural conditions. Small but relevant differences in agronomic behaviour could be recognized. Clones A9-1, Fr74, H31 and N81 showed higher yield, while clones Lb16 and 18, Fr70 and 74 and N81 reached higher berry sugar contents. Clone Fr74 showed the most vigorous growth. Clones Fr70 and Dreher209 produced wines with the highest quality ratings. Analysis of essential aroma compounds by HS-SPME-GC-SIM-MS reveals that the clone Dreher209 is characterized by high values of terpenes and floral aroma. Pear-specific odour activity values (OAVpear) presented as sensorial-analytical typograms were calculated from the analysed concentrations of eight esters in clones. The overall OAVpear of the wines ranged from 37.5 (H31, 2016) to 84.3 (N81, 2017). The largest contributors to the pear OAV were the impressions for “exotic pear candy” and “oily waxy pear-like”. The sum of OAV “fresh pear” and “overripe pear” ranged from 6.9 (H31, 2016) to 16.1 (N81, 2017). However, an influence of vintage on the sensorial descriptors “overripe pear” and “OAV pear” was determined. A positive correlation between sugar content °Babo KMW and the descriptors for “fresh pear” and “overripe pear” is likely. Thus, clone H31 showed the lowest sugar content and lowest OAV fresh pear and OAV overripe pear content. The genetic variability was estimated by applying fingerprints with simple sequence repeat (SSR), inter-SSR and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. The certified clones are characterized by less variability compared with some other candidate genotypes involved in this study. No stable differences could be found in A9-1, A9-3, A9-4, C311, Fr70, or N81. That means that the clones investigated do not cover the broader genetic base of the cultivar, and that some of these clones are almost identical.

Using chloroplast markers ccmp 2, 3, 4 and 10 as well as ccSSR 4, 5, 6, 9, 12, 13, 15, 17 and 19 about 200 accessions were analysed. Due to the occurrence of seventeen different chlorotypes we were able to characterize several grapevines. According to their maternal inheritance chloroplast markers are useful to proof part of the parentage. We were able to verify the kinship of cultivars like 'Zweigelt', 'Blauburger' and 'Roesler' derived from younger crossings. Ancient parentages could not fulfil the demands of a perfect heritage of markers as observed for the cultivar 'Sylvaner'. Finally, this cross was confirmed by more than 40 SSR markers. Nevertheless, the polymorphism is also very weak between some European cultivars and genetic far distant rootstocks based on American Vitis species. For instance 'Pinot noir' and 'Kober 5BB' deliver the same profile with chloroplast markers despite numerous different chlorotypes within Vitis vinifera. When we analysed several accessions of different old cultivars we could detect within 'Traminer', 'Sylvaner' and 'Pinot gris' samples some variability of chloroplast markers. In the case of 'Traminer' we verified the differences by cloning and sequencing the fragments. Despite high stability of the chloroplast genome mutations can never be excluded. On the other hand it can be supposed that cultivars with more than one chlorotype were propagated very frequently in the past and were spread more than others. Hence, differences of chlorotypes in grapevine derived more from intensive vegetative propagation than from natural evolution.

Ten European clones and selections of 'Muscat blanc' were investigated about their variability in genetic and enological behavior. The SSR profile of about 120 loci allowed to differentiate most of them. Nevertheless the differences within the variety are rare and do not reflect the heterogeneity of observed variability. One of the clones (B41/5) represents an earlier ripening type where the overall quality was independent from sugar content. A 27-1 clone was one of the clones with steady high rating concerning wine quality. An interesting alternative for early ripening areas could be the late ripening 'Goldmuskateller' due to the higher stability against Botrytis. One of the samples was not true to type and represented this cultivar.

Grapevine genetic resources of Austria represent the development of Mid Europe's viticulture as today's cultivars are the most successfully adapted varieties that have been selected during centuries. Viticulture has a long tradition at the slopes of the eastern edge of the Alps and has been documented since the times of the Roman Empire. Nevertheless, the local growers are interested in new cultivars and clones to improve their economic situation and sustainability. As the origin of several traditional cultivars was clarified to be a result from crosses influenced by the key donor cultivars Traminer, Heunisch, or Veltliner, the acceptance of new cultivars has improved. Recent releases such as Roesler, Rathay, and Donauriesling have already been accepted by many growers and now have to get established in the wine market. Future activities are focused in developing a Veltliner type with high wine quality and sufficient resistance against mildew diseases. While transgenic grapevines are not accepted by the customer, molecular markers were successfully introduced in the breeding and selection process. Genetic analysis allows accelerating selection for specific traits, whereas evaluation of quality is still carried out with traditional methods.

The Near East and the Caucasus regions are considered as gene and domestication centre for grapevine. In an earlier project “Conservation and Sustainable Use of Grapevine Genetic Resources in the Caucasus and Northern Black Sea Region” (2003-2007) it turned out that 2,654 accessions from autochthonous cultivars maintained by Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Russian Federation and Ukraine in ten grapevine collections may belong to 1,283 cultivars. But trueness to type assessment by morphology and genetic fingerprinting still needed to be done. In COST Action FA1003 a first step in that direction was initiated. The following countries participated: Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Croatia, Georgia, Hungary, Latvia, Moldova, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Ukraine. Mainly Vitis vinifera accessions (1098 samples) and 76 Vitis sylvestris individuals were analyzed by nine SSR-markers (VVS2, VVMD5, VVMD7, VVMD25, VVMD27, VVMD28, VVMD32, VrZag62, VrZag79). Cultivar identity confirmation/rejection was attempted for 306 genotypes/cultivars by comparison of the generated genetic profiles with international SSR-marker databases and ampelographic studies. The outcome proved unambiguously the necessity of morphologic description and photos (a) for comparison with bibliography, (b) for a clear and explicit definition of the cultivar and (c) the detection of sampling errors and misnomers. From the 1,098 analyzed accessions, 997 turned out to be indigenous to the participating countries. The remaining 101 accessions were Western European cultivars. The 997 fingerprints of indigenous accessions resulted in 658 unique profiles/cultivars. From these 353 (54 %) are only maintained in the countries of origin and 300 (46 %) unique genotypes exist only once in the Eastern European collections. For these 300 genotypes duplicate preservation needs to be initiated. In addition, the high ratio of non redundant genetic material of Eastern European origin suggests an immense unexplored diversity. Documentation of the entire information in the European Vitis Database will assist both germplasm maintenance and documentation of cultivar specific data.

Embryoid structures showing epidermal layers have been regenerated from isolated Vitis microspores. Experiments were carried out on 8 genotypes of Vitis including different donor plant growth conditions, chilling of microspores (4 degrees C), heat shock (35 degrees C) and colchicine exposure (10, 25 and 50 mg/l) as induction treatments and incubation of the cultures on 87 different solid and liquid NN and LS media. The reactions of the cultured microspores included enlargement and thickening of the exine, formation of microcalli, calli, globular proembryos and embryoid structures displaying cell differentiation. Callus formation took place mainly on solid LS media with 3 % or 12 % sucrose, whereas most of the embryoids developed on NN media with 3 % sucrose. Both, callus and embryoid formation, were promoted by colchicine treatment. 8 months after transfer of calli and embryoids to subculture media, 4 embryoids still showed cell proliferation.

The objective of the European Vitis Database is to safeguard and enhance germplasm by monitoring its preservation. Two issues are strongly related to that purpose: (1) participation of collections covering almost all grape biodiversity and (2) assessment of accessions trueness to type. In the scope of the European project GrapeGen06 efforts have been made towards both objectives. The 35 participating grape germplasm repositories are found between the Iberian Peninsula and Transcaucasia, thus covering a broad range of grape diversity. Altogether they maintain 32,410 accessions. However with respect to biodiversity, gaps are still evident and further collections need to be included and trueness to type assessment absolutely needs to be pursued to organize duplication of endangered genotypes. Within the GrapeGen06 project focus was laid on the establishment of a database conferring the collection holders a high degree of responsibility and independence. Hence for the first time in a European Central Crop Database an on-line uploading application and an interactive modification system for data administration was implemented. These innovations disburden the database manager and offer the curators of collections more flexibility. Prerequisites for data import, descriptors applied, access levels, database contents, uploading, export and search functions are described.

'Gruener Veltliner' is the main cultivar in Austrian viticulture. About 30% of the national production is derived from this grapevine. Recently, in some wine districts, 'Gruener Veltliner' has been used for producing monovarietal wines with controlled origin (Districtus Austriae Controllatus, DAC). In order to reach a typical sensorial profile of the wine, linked to the cultivar from which the wine is derived, two of the most decisive steps are to improve the homogeneity of the material and to use the recommend clones. Therefore, we analysed clones and types of 'Gruener Veltliner' according to their sensorial behaviour, their differences in aroma compounds, and their genetic profiles. Sensorial description was done by a panel test. The desired prototype is a spicy and peppery wine with stone-fruit aroma. The aromatic compounds that differentiated the clones were mostly found in acids, phenolics, and sulphur related compounds. The genetic differences of the clones were investigated using 270 SSR markers. Based on these data, the relationship between the types was calculated and their differences were demonstrated.

Three biological races of Erinose (Eriophyes vitis Pgst. sin Colomerus vitis Pgst.) commonly attack vineyards every year. A genetic map Welschriesling x Sirius (Mandl et al. 2006) was used as the basis of QTL (quantitative trait loci) analysis for Erinose. The symptoms were evaluated in five consecutive years in 92 individuals from this segregating population and other OIV traits related to the density of hairs in different tissues were also scored. QTL analysis was performed on all data using Plabqtl version 1.1. A major QTL for Erinose sensitivity was identified and reproducible every year on linkage group 9d close to the SSR marker VMC5c1. Two additional smaller QTLs could also be identified in linkage groups 5 and 17. The fact that some OIV traits related to the density of hairs were linked to the same group of the genetic map, is also discussed.

Sixteen accessions of the grapevine cultivar 'Wildbacher' coming from different European repositories and from Styrian and Italian private vineyards were analysed by genetic fingerprinting with SSR markers. Five different molecular profiles were found, confirming that the name 'Wildbacher' is commonly used as a homonym. Several new genotypes could be linked to the previous list of the 'Wildbacher' family. In particular, in Italian commercial vineyards two main 'Wildbacher' varieties defined by A and B genetic profiles were found. They correspond to the two reference genotypes from Styria, 'Wildbacher Blau' ('Blauer Wildbacher)' and 'Wildbacher Spatblau'. In both countries 'Wildbacher Blau' represents the most spread and better performing type and it is earlier ripening compared to 'Wildbacher Spatblau'. They were morphologically and genetically very similar to each other and they shared at least one allele at each of the 11 SSR loci analyzed for cultivar identification. Three different other 'Wildbacher' genotypes from a German collection were identified as individual cultivars. While 'Rotblattriger' (genotype C) and 'Fruhblau' from Germany (genotype D) showed some genetic similarity with A and B genotypes, E 'Wildbacher', coming from Hungary, proved to have a distinct genetic profile. Close relationship to the key variety (for the development of European diversity) 'Heunisch' is indicated by sharing one allele at all loci investigated so far. There exist some indications that the second parent is an extinct wild vine. Evaluation of morphological parameters resulted in some differences among all five genotypes.

Ein beträchtlicher Anteil der österreichischen Weinbaubetriebe hat bis 2006 mit Verzicht auf Herbizide im Weinbau nach den ÖPUL-Richtlinien (Österreichisches Programm zur Förderung einer umweltgerechten, extensiven und den natürlichen Lebensraum schützenden Landwirtschaft) gearbeitet. Im neuen Agrarumweltprogramm 2007 wird diese Maßnahme nicht mehr unterstützt. Es liegt nahe, dass sich viele Winzer in Zukunft wieder für einen Herbizideinsatz entscheiden werden. Einerseits wurde durch die Aufhebung der Förderung und andererseits durch den Strukturwandel in den letzten Jahren, die Vergrößerung der Bewirtschaftungsfläche, der Anreiz dazu geschaffen. Zusätzlicher Effekt dürfte aber das Einsparungspotential bzw. die Minimierung der Arbeitszeit sein.