Evidence of gene flow between wild and cultivated grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) in France.

The wild grapevine, Vitis vinifera subsp. silvestris, is an endangered species. In 1999, we initiated an inventory and a characterization of wild grapevine in France. Since this subspecies is dioecious and since in many cases wild grapevine have been identified near vineyards, we have been concerned about gene flow between cultivated and wild grapevines. In order to identify such a gene flow, we sampled individuals issued from open pollination in natural environment of the same mother. We identify pollinators by parentage analysis using the 20 SSR markers. Most of the pollen originated from male wild individuals, but evidence of gene flow, even if at a low level was revealed.