Comparative analysis of wild and cultivated grapevine (Vitis vinifera) in the Basque Region of Spain and France

Twenty-six populations of Vitis vinifera subsp. silvestris, a wild dioecious relative of cultivated grapevine, were found in the autonomous Basque Region in Spain and the Department of the Pyrénées Atlantiques in France. Of these populations, 76% had less than 10 individuals. Similarly to most European populations of wild grapevines, these were found on forest edges, where human pressure is enormous. Despite considerable pest and pathogen loads on the surrounding vineyards, wild grapevines were not particularly affected. In some cases, ecological conditions were not sufficient for the development of the pests and pathogens, but in most cases this low infestation seemed to be due to different degrees of tolerance. The level of susceptibility varied between individuals of the same population. Additionally, tolerance of wild grapevine to salt and calcareous was detected.