Genetic variability and incidence of systemic diseases in wild vines (Vitis vinifera ssp. silvestris) along the Danube

In the riparian woods of Danube and March east of Vienna 87 wild specimens of Vitis vinifera ssp. silvestris were genetically analysed and compared. The silvestris population can be split into 6 distinct groups, but this clustering cannot be explained solely by the geographical distance. The unique genetic variability observed represents a strong case for preservation of wild grapevines.The incidence of bacterioses, viroses and nematodes transmitting nepoviruses to these vines were registered. None of the analysed specimens suffered from Agrobacterium vitis-induced crown gall. Only some vines were infected by viral pathogens such as GLRaV I and SLRV. Thus the wild vines do not constitute a risk for the surrounding commercial vineyards. On the other hand, diseases spread from cultivated grapevines may seriously harm the wild vine population. Four species of nematodes transmitting nepoviruses were registered. Samples of Xiphinema vuittenezi and Longidorus attenuatus from the Lobau (natural forests, north of the Danube in the area of Vienna) differ morphometrically from others found on arable soils or isolated from the research area.