Articles: Heterogeneity in Seed Samples from Vineyards and Natural Habitats Along the Eurasian Vitis vinifera Range: Implications for Domestication and Hybridization/ Genetic structure and domestication history of the grape

Our results suggest that although substantial genetic

diversity has been maintained in the grape subsequent to

domestication, there has been a limited exploration of this diversity.

We propose that the adoption of vegetative propagation was

a double-edged sword: Although it provided a benefit by ensuring

true breeding cultivars, it also discouraged the generation of

unique cultivars through crosses. The grape currently faces severe

pathogen pressures, and the long-term sustainability of the grape

and wine industries will rely on the exploitation of the grape’s

tremendous natural genetic diversity.