Conservation and sustainable use of grapevine genetic resources in the caucasus and northern black sea region

Conservation of grapevine biodiversity in the Caucasus and Northern Black Sea Region is particularly urgent because of: 1) the large number of traditional local varieties out of cultivation; 2) the relevance of these resources for the development of European modern cultivars; 3) the financial difficulties in the countries; 4) the occurrence of Vitis vinifera ssp. silvestris throughout the region; 5) wine production as a major potential source of income for the local population in the region. In 2004- 2005, significant progress has been made within a collaborative project aimed at strengthening the capacity of the countries of the region (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Russia, and Ukraine) to ensure the long-term maintenance of Vitis genetic resources, including the cultivated traditional varieties and the wild resources. The activities include identifying, collecting, characterizing, and conserving the diversity of grapevine genetic resources as a basis to improve local viticulture and winemaking industry.