Summary: Georgian grapevine germplasm is one of the richest germplasms in the world: the total number of native varieties is over 500 and including new breeding varieties and clones its number exceeds 600. Conservation and investigation of this genetic resources has high importance as a guarantee for preservation of Georgian agricultural heritage. 

Management of Skra (Gori district) and Vachevi (Zestaponi district) collections, preservation of Georgian varieties in them and mobilization of new accessions, investigation and characterisation of the varieties, selection of the best ones for cultivation and breeding programs, promotion of the Georgian germplasm is of topical importance and our project was aimed at this task.

OBJECTIVES: Mobilization and conservation of Georgian varieties to Skra and Vachevi collections; Multipart investigation of varieties by methods of ampelography, cytogenetics, embryology, biochemistry,  agronomy and oenology; Enlargement databases on Georgian germplasm; Preparation of a catalogue; Increasing of public awareness about Georgian grapevine germplasm by publications, presentations, participation in conferences.

RESULTS: The management of Skra and Vachevi collections were organized during three project years. About 200 varieties were characterized. More than 100 varieties were evaluated for resistance of Perenospora. Prospective genotypes were recommended for cultivation and for breeding programs; The obtained ampelographic and agronomic data was included in the databases; Two catalogue of varieties were prepared; The promotion of Georgian grapevine germplasm was actively done. Due to the interest of the Georgian grapevine genetic resources our research team were invited to participate in the European projects COST FA1003 and YESVITE.