Grapevine in the Ancient Upper Euphrates: Horticultural Implications of a Bayesian Morphometric Study of Archaeological Seeds

The origins of the main cultivar groups Vitis vinifera, their relationships with wild grapevine populations, and use other Vitaceae are relevant issues for improvement conservation diversity. Morphometric studies, domestication indices, multivariate analyses, Bayesian hypothesis testing have been used. Eight different seed types identified in 24 samples analyzed from materials Upper Euphrates sites Tell Khâmis Qara Quzaq (Early Bronze Age to Hellenistic), ranging highly domesticated purely wild. We able establish predominance among Proles orientalis Negrul (three samples, Domestication Index = 1), existence extinct euphratica (six 0.67–0.83) numerous intermediates hybrids (eight samples). determined continued presence throughout period studied grapevines related sylvestris C.C.Gmelin V. caucasica Vavilov (5 Indices 0.17–0.5). Ampelopsis seeds was established three samples. that oldest linked human presence, Acheulense (780 myr), also belongs Ampelopsis. Finally, “stenosperms” appear associated samples), suggesting anomalies formation due intergeneric cross-pollination. Moreover, if isolated, they suggest “stenospermocarpic” vinifera raisins Sultanina type. we must reflect on role species may played possible cultivation almost 4000 years ago.