Centuries-Old Results of Cultivation and Diversity of Genetic Resources of Grapes in Azerbaijan

The Azerbaijan Republic is an ancient country located on the South-East of the Caucasus Mountains and on the North-West of the Iranian Plateau, at the crossroads of Eastern Eu‐ rope and Southwest Asia. Extreme diversity of the soil and climatic conditions of Azerbaijan support a very rich diversity of plant genetic resources. More than 4700 higher plants have been registered here, 237 of which are endemic. Historically wild fruits are used by people for food, as medicinal crops and for other purposes. Azerbaijan is considered one of the evo‐ lution centers of cultivated plants. Practically all present-day major cultivated plants ap‐ peared for the first time in Azerbaijan several millennia B.C. As an example, evidence of ancient horticulture was discovered in a settlement west of Goy-Gol in the early second mil‐ lennium B.C. Fruit crops (apple, pear, apricot, pomegranate, quince, fig, almond, walnut, ha‐ zelnut etc.) and grape have been cultivated to meet the demands of the population for foodstuff and other products. Most of these crops are still considered major agricultural crops in the country. In the book of the ancient Greek scientist Strabon “Geography” was indicated a high prevalence of fruits in Azerbaijan: “The whole country is rich in wild and cultural fruits, evergreens, even olive grows here”.


Introduction
The Azerbaijan Republic is an ancient country located on the South-East of the Caucasus Mountains and on the North-West of the Iranian Plateau, at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Southwest Asia.Extreme diversity of the soil and climatic conditions of Azerbaijan support a very rich diversity of plant genetic resources.More than 4700 higher plants have been registered here, 237 of which are endemic.Historically wild fruits are used by people for food, as medicinal crops and for other purposes.Azerbaijan is considered one of the evolution centers of cultivated plants.Practically all present-day major cultivated plants appeared for the first time in Azerbaijan several millennia B.C.As an example, evidence of ancient horticulture was discovered in a settlement west of Goy-Gol in the early second millennium B.C. Fruit crops (apple, pear, apricot, pomegranate, quince, fig, almond, walnut, hazelnut etc.) and grape have been cultivated to meet the demands of the population for foodstuff and other products.Most of these crops are still considered major agricultural crops in the country.In the book of the ancient Greek scientist Strabon -"Geography" was indicated a high prevalence of fruits in Azerbaijan: "The whole country is rich in wild and cultural fruits, evergreens, even olive grows here".
The territory of Azerbaijan has very favourable conditions for improvement of Vitis and development of vine-growing.Primitive men who primarily utilized hunting and fishing to provide sustenance also collected wild fruits and berries, including wild grape.
In 1963 in the western part of Bozdagh (Goy Gol region) while conducting geological investigations, Azerbaijan scientists discovered an abundance of plant remains in Absheron sediments which formed 1-2 million years ago.Most of the residues were impressions of wild grape leaves on stone.Formation of wild grape in this area (approximately 500.000 years ago) was demonstrated by grape leaf impressions found in Nakhchivan [7].This discovery proves that the region is one the ancient vine-growing centers (Figure 1.).These discoveries are very valuable, not only for historians, but also for specialists of other sciences -paleobotany, ampelographics, fruit-growers, geologists, soil scientists.Researchers indicated that the origin of cultivated grape was within geographic areas where wild grape was endemic.According to N.I.Vavilov, like animals, plant domestication is also possible in areas that are enriched with available wild species.Through his long term inves- The Mediterranean Genetic Code -Grapevine and Olive tigations, he determined that Azerbaijan and the Southern Caucasus Mountains are the main centers of crop origin, including grape [8,9,10].
Archaeological materials are considered important sources in highlighting the socio-economic life of people, and also for studying the historical development of vine-growing.There are a number of findings on the vine-growing culture of ancient Azeri people in the archaeological record.In some cases, parts of grape bunches dried in soil or rotted, but the majority of grape bunches only became charred and kept its form and size when discovered in ancient pots or storage vessels.
The oldest examples of findings on vine-growing in Azerbaijan territory date to the V-IV millennium BC.In these noted millenniums an important event occurred in the lives of ancient families, our ancestors passed from a hunter/gatherer society to a sedentary life and husbandry culture.
During archaeological excavations near Aghstafa region in 1962, various plant remains, including grape seed, were found in "Shomutepe" monument and were dated to V-IV millennium BC.Investigations had shown the culture and year parameters of grape seeds.Mainly on the basis of this finding it was shown that the history of cultured vine-growing in Azerbaijan has at least 7 millenniums.
Grape seeds, stone tools for vine production and different cultural material samples which were found at Uzerliktepe monument, Goy Gol region, and ancient monuments in Nakhchivan during archaeological excavations near Aghdam region showed that vine-growing had played an important role in farmers' lives.Grape seeds found in Uzerliktepe date to 3500 years ago.Scientists determined that they were table grape varieties.Grape seeds found in Uzerliktepe were of different sizes.The biggest seed was 6.5 mm, separate seeds of grape were nearly 18-20 mm.Findings in Ganjachay territory show that the people were occupied with horticulture, as well as vine-growing during the Bronze Age.Chemical analysis of remain which were found in earthenware crockery belonging to last Bronze Age proved that it consisted of wine sediments and grape seeds.Wine pitchers were also found in tombs from the end of the Bronze Age in Mingechevir region.Besides jewelleries, weapons, kitchen utensils and food, as well as wine bottles had been found in Bronze Age grave monuments in Goy Gol region and Haloylutepe.In the bottom of crockery, grape seed sediments and wine remains were observed.It was determined that all these were put near the deceased person in connection with confidence to 'The Hereafter.'During archaeological excavations in old Saritepe settlement in the west part of Gazakh region, big pitchers were discovered that contained grape seed and seed fragments.Professor A.M. Negrul who investigated the grape seeds determined that they belonged to a cultivated grape variety.Those investigations concerned artifacts dated to II millennium BC.The big pitchers found in Saritepe have a great importance as proof of grape juice extraction and wine production.One of the grape juice pitchers with a height of 2m and 1000 litre capacity is being kept in the historical museum of Azerbaijan.Cultivated grape seeds were also found at approximately 5 m depth in Meydantepe from II millennium BC in Kultepe settlement in Nakhchivan.
During a 1970 excavation, other cultural samples, as well as lots of burnt grape seed remains belonging to the first half of I millennium AD (app.IV-V centuries) were discovered in Galagah.In Galagah, a piece of stone crockery used in grape juice extraction was found.Separate seeds of grape and stone crockery proved that this place was a production center for wine-making.
In III-VIII centuries, wine-making played an important role in the economic life of the Mingechevir population.In Mingechevir the main archeological discoveries had been grape seeds.A number of wineskin remains were discovered here.In these wineskins there were grape seeds and ancient wine remains.
While conducting archaeological excavations it was determined that urban population of Beylagan were also occupied with vine-growing.First period stratums of Beylagan (VI-VIII centuries), were vine-growers as evidenced by numerous discoveries of grape seeds.At the result of 1962-68 excavation,s burnt grape bunches were discovered in a building complex characterizing XI-XIII century settlements.
Different fruit remains, as well as grape seeds, were found in ruins of Gabala region of Azerbaijan.Grape seeds were found in economic wells and basin-shaped earthenware crockery.
All of these archaeological excavations provide good evidence on grape remains, economic pitchers and tools (hoe, spade, hook, gardening shears, trough), as well as dishes (strainer, jug, basin, glass, bowl and etc.) which are endemic to any given region.Populations used the grape for juice extract, prepared non-alcoholic drinks and made various food stuffs of these juices and syrups.
Grape squashing stones were found in cultured stratum of settlements and places belonging to III-VIII centuries of Ganja, Pirhesenli village of Aghsu region and Mingechevir.
Vine-growing provided the Azerbaijan population with grape juice and syrups, currants, bakmaz, vinegar, abgora and other products.The production of these required great experience, a large labour force and a variety of differently formed dishes.During excavations lots of potteries were unearthed.Clay strainers had been used in juice filtering.Clay strainers belonging to II millennium BC and VII century were found in II Kultepe and Julfa region, Bronze Age cultured stratum of Mingechevir and Gabala region.Earthenware crockery used as a strainer in wine-making which belonged to III-II centuries was discovered in a graveyard near Gubakhalili settlement of Ismayilli region.Such strainers were also obtained in Seyfeli village and places throughout the Shamkir region.
Paleobotanical findings, artificial irrigation ornamental remains, differently sized and formed potteries, also glass wares and tools which were found through archaeological excavations show the high degree of development of vine-growing in Azerbaijan.
Written sources of information (Latin, Greek, Syrian, Arabic, Persian, Turkish) are very important in determining the developmental history of vine-growing, as well as the husbandry culture of Azerbaijan population.There is plenty of information in ancient scholars' works on these issues.The Greek scholar Herodotus, who lived in V century BC, gave information about events relative to VI century on vine-growing in Azerbaijan.Abundance and quality of Azerbaijan grape is even more significant than in Iran, Babylon or Greece.The Roman scholar Great Plini (23-79 years BC) admired inexhaustible resources and advanced farming culture of Azerbaijan territory: "I have never seen such sweet grape anywhere.This nation can cultivate the land better than Egyptians".
The famous Greek geographer Strabon (I century BC-I century AD) noted the great role of vine-growing in the economic life of Azerbaijan: "There (in Azerbaijan) grapevines were cut off once in five years, new grapevines began to yield fruit from the second year, yield was higher and even some parts of grape stayed on grapevines".
In some zones of Azerbaijan planting of grapevines in winter is connected with climate.In some regions of Azerbaijan, especially in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic covering viticulture.In recent years, cultivation of grapevines is more widely spread in "Khiyaban" in Azerbaijan.Grapevines that are cultivated in "Khiyaban" not have to do pruning every year.A higher yield is obtained though cutting off the dried parts and useless shoots once every 5-6 years.Strabon's information on high yield of grape is also connected with grapevine productivity.It is known tha, grape mainly is harvested in the months of September-October.If taking into account comparative climate changes, in ancient Azerbaijan the grape was collected in September-October months too.In certain years, the productivity of grapevines was higher, and it had been impossible to harvest everything until December.When Strabon noted not collecting part of the grape harvest, he namely intended this issue.
In modern Azerbaijan vine-growing and wine-making are considered among the most profitable fields of agriculture.Although local grape varieties are cultivated on big farms, they are an insignificant part of the national grape collection.And this cannot provide sustainable and safe preservation of local valuable grape varieties.Therefore, local grape varieties and wild grape forms spread in our republic (in old vineyards, little peasant-farmer households, courtyards, etc.) should be collected, included in the collection, and evaluated for their possible utilization.
Recently, new ampelographic collections have been established and enriched with local and introduced grape varieties and wild grape species in Genetic Resources Institute of ANAS.
At the conclusion of our latest investigations, it was known that of the more than 600 local and introduced grape varieties spread throughout Azerbaijan, 75 of them had already been lost, with more than 100 varieties currently being threatened.
Most of threatened local grape varieties were collected as a result of expeditions (in old vineyards, peasant-farmer households and courtyards) organized in different regions of our Republic.

Materials of research work consisted of grapevines and yields of local grape varieties and wild grape forms.
Ampelographic description of grape varieties and wild grapevines had been implemented on the basis of common methods [11,12,13,14,15].Phytopathological and immunological descriptions and assessments of grapevines on natural background were carried out by appropriate methods [16].
Finally, varieties and forms were evaluated by modern methods [17,18] for their reaction to various stresses.
Total genomic DNA was isolated from young grape leaves.The leaves were ground in liquid nitrogen.For DNA isolation the CTAB based extraction procedure was used [19].When necessary, extracted DNAs were purified with GenElute columns (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO).In the case of silica dried leaves DNA was isolated by Plant genomic DNA extraction miniprep system (VIOGENE, USA).Sequence diversity polymorphisms of wild grape samples were investigated at two non-coding plastid DNA regions (the trnH-psbA intergenic spacer and the rpl16 intron).
PCR conditions included 1 minute denaturing at 94°C, 30 cycles of 94°C denaturing (1 minute), 55°C annealing (1 minute), and 72°C extension (2 minutes), followed by a final extension step at 72°C (5 minutes).PCR products were purified with GenElute PCR Clean-Up Kits (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO), dye-labeled using a Big Dye Terminator Kit (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA) and analyzed on either Applied Biosystems 3100 or 3700 genetic analyzers (Biology Department of Washington University, St.Louis, MO and Laboratory Services Division of the University of Guelph, ON, Canada).MEGA and SeqMan softwares were used for sequence analysis.
While on expeditions, the coordinates of wild grapevines areas were defined by GPS.Relevant photos were taken with digital cameras, some ampelographic indicators and phytocenotic traits were described.

Results and Discussion
Recently, world interest in wild grape has increased and this resulted in a widening of investigations in this field.By studying wild grape, we can infer some questions on grape phytogenesis and use the varieties which possessed positive bio-agricultural traits and different biotic-abiotic factors resistant genes as donor in grape selection.For this purpose, research on collection, improvement, investigation and sustainable utilization of genetic resources of wild grape are being implemented in Azerbaijan Republic and organized joint expeditions in different regions.
In our Republic wild grape samples are spread widely in large areas and along the banks and shores of river, lake and sea, and on mountain slopes of Absheron, Nakhchivan AR, Ganja-Gazakh, Garabagh, Mil-Mughan, Shirvan and Talysh regions.A number of studies were implemented in Khachmaz, Guba, Khudat, Nabran, Gusar, Shamakhi, Ismayilli, Aghsu, Oghuz, Gabala, Shaky, Zagatala, Lankaranand Fuzuli regions for studying the genetic resources of grape.
At the same time it may be concluded that wild grape spread throughout the whole territory of Azerbaijan in a very ancient form.Wild grape -V.vinifera L. subsp.The geographic origins of grapevine domestication are not currently known.According to many researchers, the Caucasus region (north-western Turkey, northern Iraq, southern Russia, Azerbaijan, Georgia) and adjacent areas (Anatolia, modern day Syria, Lebanon, Israel), are the geographic areas where grapes were most likely were first domesticated [10,22,23,24].Special climate conditions in this area occurred which were favorable for the diversification of wild varieties from which cultivated grapes were domesticated.At the same time, having extraordinary abundance of the wild species of grape (V.vinifera L. subsp.sylvestris (C.C. Gmel.)Hegi.), Azerbaijan and the whole South Caucasus region are regarded as the potential places for domestication of cultivated grapes.It is here that the natural distribution of V.vinifera most closely approaches the probable origin of Western agriculture [24].This assumption is proven by the recent chemical analysis of archeological pottery from Georgia and Eastern Anatolia which showed that winemaking dates back to early VI millennium BC in these regions (McGovern, in preparation).Distribution area of V.vinifera L. subsp.sylvestris (C.C. Gmel.)Hegi. is very wide: It's a Europe, northern Africa and the Middle East, including Mediterranean, Black and Caspian Sea Basins from Spain to Turkmenistan [25].
The main goal of the proposed study was the investigation of plastid DNA sequence diversity in a geographically diverse set of South Caucasian V.vinifera L. subsp.sylvestris (C.C. Gmel.)Hegi.To date no study has broadly assessed DNA sequence variation of wild grapevines in this way.The greater Caucasus region is widely believed to be the area in which grape domestication began [22,26], and the study of genetic diversity in this region is viewed as key to understanding grape domestication in general.This information is of great interest from an ethno-botanical standpoint, but also relates to crop improvement.It's well known that cultivated varieties of grapevine differ greatly in their resistance to pests and diseases, and ancestral wild populations are obvious first targets for use in breeding and genetic engineering.For clarification of some questions and characteristics of domestication of wild grapes of the South Caucasus, we studied samples of the wild grape of the South Caucasus region.Fortyfive wild grape (V.vinifera L. subsp.sylvestris (C.C. Gmel.)Hegi.) samples from the South Caucasus were analyzed.This group included 19 samples from the Republic of Georgia, 10 samples from Azerbaijan, 2 samples from Armenia and 14 samples from Turkey.A plastid DNA sequence variation study revealed the presence of three polymorphic sites in DNA: one in trnH-psbA intergenic region and two in the rpl16 intron area.According to this observation investigated samples of Caucasian V.vinifera L. subsp.sylvestris (C.C. Gmel.)Hegi.were divided into four different haplotypes: AAA, ATT, GTA and ATA [27].For each haplotype the first nucleotide represents single polymorphism at the trnH-psbA intergenic region and another two nucleotides at two targeted sites from rpl16 intron area.The AAA haplotype is restricted to East Georgia and Azerbaijan, the ATA haplotype is distributed randomly across the entire study area, the ATT haplotype is distributed in the southern part of the study area from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea.The single GTA haplotype was only found in the South-West part of Georgia (Figure 3).The AAA haplotype is observed in both wild and cultivated (V.vinifera subsp.vinifera) grape samples from the Caucasus.This observation and the presence of all other plastid haplotypes observed in a previous study of worldwide set of grape cultivars highlight both unique and high levels of genetic variation in wild grape (V.vinifera L. subsp.sylvestris (C.C. Gmel.) Hegi.) from the greater Caucasus region.In Nabran forests of Guba-Khachmaz region black and dark purple coloured grape forms were found.
In forests of Khachmaz (Pir forest), Shaky (Oraban), Lankaran (Seligavul) and Gabala (Shongar) regions small seedy black-skinned wild grape varieties were also observed.On the banks of Kondalanchay River in Fuzuli region black, dark red and dark purple coloured grape (seeded forms) were observed.
In general, more than 3000 samples of wild grapes were found in explored regions and phytocenotic features of their geographic areas were described.
In  Wild grape samples distinguish each other for their biomorphological traits.As a rule, male grapevines are strong, functional female grapevines are weak.All samples of wild grape can be divided into 4 groups for leaves size: very small (length up to 4,0-8,0 cm), small (length up to 8,0-12,0), medium (length 12,0-15,0 cm) and large leaved (length more than 15 cm).Most of studied varieties involved small and medium leaved group.Wild grape samples can be divided into 3 groups for leaves sub-sections: whole, medium and cross-section leaves.Some samples are covered with white net-shaped blooms, but in some cases lower leaf surfaces are bare.Samples are distinguished by leave margins.Sides are mainly sharp, triangular and round shaped.Stalk hollows are namely lira-shaped, but rarely sides are parallel and bottoms are flat.Wild grape samples are two of two sexes, that is they have male or female flower groups [28].
Self-pollinated perfect flowered groups of wild grape samples were not observed.According to some researchers' opinions, types of flower groups of wild grape are very important morphological trait for defining grape origin, because wild grape is divided into two subspecies.Bunch flowers of wild grape can be distinguished from each other through their forms, they are small or medium sized.As a rule, the bunch flowers of male grapevines are big and cone-shaped.But bunch flowers of female grapevines are small, cone-shaped-cylindrical or cylinder-shaped.
Bunches of wild grape are small, the length being 7,0-13 cm and the width from 6-8 cm.
There are 1-2 bunches on productive shoots.Bunches are mainly set on 3 rd -5 th churn-stuffs of new shoots.Skin of grape is black or reddish black.Seeds are oval-shaped.The surface is covered with a thick wax layer.Most wild grape varieties are resistant to mildew and oidium disease.
More famous local varieties of grapevine are cultivated in Absheron, Garabagh, Ganja-Gazakh, Shirvan, Guba-Khachmaz regions and Nakhchevan AR of Azerbaijan.Hundreds (according to some sources, more than 600) of landraces of grapevine are grown in the Republic.At the present time the total area of vineyards in Azerbaijan more than 16,000 hectares.
A number of grape varieties in current use were the material resources of our ancestors.Each biomorphological trait of these varieties was selected corresponding with land and climatic condition of our republic.These varieties are named for their size, colour, view of bunches, form, taste and quality, as well as names of areas, villages and persons.
Up to the period of adoption of Islam the vine-growing was mainly developed in direction of wine-making, therefore technical varieties dominated in vineyards.At that time Medrese, Meleyi, Agh aldere, Gara uzum, Khetmi, Henegirna and other varieties were cultivated widely in these areas.After adoption of Islam wine-making was prohibited and cultivation of table grapes was stopped.In historical sources it was noted that in these areas lots of kishmishi and table varieties had been cultivated.Some of them (Agh Shani, Gara Shani, Sarigile, Tebrizi, Kishmishi, Khelili, Kurdeshi, Bendi, Nahkchivan huseynisi, Misgali, Nakhchivan gizil uzumu, Shefeyi, Gulabi, Inekemceyi and other varieties) are national selection samples of our ancestors.Different products such as dried raisins and movuc (dried grapes with seeds) were produced and even these products were exported to Near Eastern countries.Formerly, a number of grape varieties had been observed by travellers, merchants and these varieties had spread widely to other regions, several countries of the world and had been named with appropriate synonyms.
Expeditions and investigations were implemented for the purpose of identification, collection and inventory of local grape varieties in Azerbaijan.Areas of local grape varieties and wild grapevine expansion were found through expeditions and investigations, etiquette of grapevines were noted and their morphological-biological and immunological characteristics were determined and mechanical and chemical investigation (in lab condition) of yield were carried out.
During expeditions and studies arranged in Absheron region, Gavangir, Fatmayi, Haji Abbas, Sarigile, Absheron gelinbarmaghi and Ala shani table grape varieties were sampled fresh.Gavangir and Sarigile varieties exhibited higher juice extraction yield than others.Therefore doshab and grape juice are produced of them.It was known that bunches and seeds of these varieties are medium and large-sized and this is characteristic for It was known at the result of phenological observations that studied varieties ripen averagely (Sarigile, Fatmayi, Absheron gelinbarmaghi) and lately (Gavangir, Haji Abbas, Ala shani) (table 2).
It was determined through phytopathological evaluation of above-mentioned varieties against mildew, oidium and grey rot diseases in natural situation that Agh Beylagani and Gelinbarmaghi varieties were not resistant to mildew disease (4 points), but showed average resistance (3 points) to oidium and grey rot diseases.Surmeyi variety was tolerant (3,5 points) to mildew and oidium diseases, but bunches were intolerant (5 points) to grey rot disease.Other varieties showed resistance (3-3,5 points) to mildew and oidium diseases.It was also defined that Nubari, Ari uzumu, Arayatli gara uzumu, Agh Gavra, Gozel uzum, Alikhanli kechimemesi, Bey uzumu varieties were resistant (2,5 points) to grey rot disease (table 4).Above-mentioned varieties are local and they are mainly used fresh.Agh Beylagani, Gelinbarmaghi, Agh Gavra, Fuzuli kechimemesi, Gozel uzum, Alikhanli kechimemesi, Bey uzumu can be stored for a long time and sometimes clusters are kept on grapevines till winter.Blackseeded Arayatli gara uzumu and Ari uzumu varieties possess high juice extraction and sweetness; therefore, red table wines are made of these varieties by local people [28].
Research studies on evaluation of biological-agricultural traits of grape varieties and forms (local, introduced) cultivated in ampelographic collection gardens and experimental fields were implemented.While evaluating disease and pests resistance of 74 studied varieties and forms, it was determined that a number of varieties were infected by oidium disease.Among them 17 varieties -Agh uzum, Fuzuli kechimemesi, Gara Asma, Parkent, Sari Karan, Oktyabrski, Vishnyoviy, Tozlayici, and others showed tolerance (3-3,5 points).Only Bayanshire variety was tolerant to mildew disease.4 varieties and forms -Nakhchivan gulabisi, Gara Nakhchivan Khatini, Kishmish Khishrau and form number 2 were resistant to pests and were less infected (1 point).
Salt and drought resistance of 25 table and seedless (kishmish) grape varieties were studied for their main physiological traits (stress depression of pigment complex in osmotic solution (sucrose 2% NaCL) in complete formation stage of leaves).It was known that studied varieties demonstrated different reaction to stress factors and plants showed unlike attitude to salt and drought.And it was possible to select resistant varieties on these bases.Experimentation yielded those varieties with sufficient salt and drought resistance were Gırmızı kishmish, Kishmish Yangiyer, Belqradskiy bessemyannıy, Qara Qushureyi, Ruşaki, Kishmish Batır, Zerefshan kishmishi, Kishmish Batır, Sarı kishmish, Gırmızı turkmen kishmishi varieties and these varieties were distinguished for non-stress depression in chlorophyll [31,32,33].It was defined that, since ancient times people had engaged with cultivation of new varieties and forms possessed different biological-agricultural traits.This tradition is also being continued today.Though the abundance of grape varieties of traditional breeding in Azerbaijan Republic, selection of new, of highly productive varieties, with big berries, with a high biologically active substances in berries, with a valuable economic characteristics, resistant to pests and diseases, as well as to stressful environmental factors were continued and some results were obtained in this field.

Conclusions
For the purpose of collecting ancient naturally selected varieties and their wild relatives of grape, a number of expeditions were organized in different regions of our Republic, their areal was determined, biological-agricultural traits of collected varieties and forms were evaluated, and for the first time ampelographic descriptions of newly threatened varieties were given and collected varieties were certificated and included in database.Some phytopathological, immunological and physiological parameters of grape varieties conserved in collection were evaluated and new resistant varieties were selected.Collected materials were included in gene pool, enriching the collections.Taking into account economic efficiency the growing of above mentioned grape varieties can have great perspectives, not only in Azerbaijan, but also in countries with similar climatic conditions.Therefore conservation of plant genetic diversity of grapes existed in Azerbaijan Republic, selection of productive samples, evaluation and protection are one of the most important problems in modern time.

Figure 2 .
Figure 2. Formation of wild grape in Nabran.Coastal Area of the Caspian Sea.

Figure 3 .
Figure 3.The distribution of haplotypes in the SouthCaucasus.

Table 1 .
Sample information of sequenced samples from Azerbaijan

Table 2 .
Some morphological and technological traits of local grape varieties collected through expeditionThe Mediterranean Genetic Code -Grapevine and Olive

Table 3 .
Some morphological and agro-technological traits of variations of Agh shani varietyIt was determined through immunological assessments of local grape varieties from Absheron that they were resistant to oidium disease (2-2,5 points) and tolerant (3-3,5 points).The climate of Absheron is dry-subtropical and therefore in most cases development of mildew disease is not a major problem there.Thus mildew disease was not observed in evaluated varieties.At the result of observations it was known that Gavangir and Fatmayi (3-3,5 points), Haji Abbas, Sarigile, Absheron gelinbarmaghi, Ala shani varieties (2,5 point) were tolerant to grey rot disease (table4).

Table 4 .
Resistance of local grape varieties to main fungus diseases on the natural background found through expedition, pointThe Mediterranean Genetic Code -Grapevine and Olive