Introduction: Grapevine Gene Bank at the University of Debrecen
In spring 2014, the Institute of Horticulture at the University of Debrecen launched a grapevine gene bank at the DTTI AKIT Pallag Horticultural Experimental Site. This initiative focuses on collecting and preserving the historical grapevine varieties (Vitis vinifera conv. pontica) of the region. The project has received official recognition through registration in the Regional Value Inventory.
Historical and Scientific Background
Since the 17th century, the gardens and vineyards of Debrecen’s 11 districts (such as Homokkert, Tégláskert, and Csapókert) and its surroundings have been closely linked to the Érmellék wine region. However, this connection was significantly disrupted by the 20th century: first by the territorial changes following the Treaty of Trianon, and later by the socialist cooperative system and the spread of direct-producing hybrids (e.g., Othello, Noah, Elvira, Isabella, Jacques) after the phylloxera epidemic at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.
During the socialist era, native varieties were replaced by more commercially viable cultivars like Jubileum-75, Chasselas, Olaszrizling, Ezerjó, Leányka, and Hárslevelű. After the regime change, cooperative vineyards around the city were dismantled, the local processing plants were closed, and major wine companies (e.g., Egervin) withdrew from the area.
Despite these setbacks, a few old varieties have survived in isolated private gardens on sandy soils around Debrecen, which are naturally resistant to phylloxera. These gardens, often maintained by elderly growers, represent a unique living legacy of the region’s historical viticulture (Vitis vinifera).
“Csokonai used to retreat to these hills for rest and inspiration.” Bagamér
The caretakers of the indicated gardens are typically ageing, and generational continuity is rare. At the same time, local governments are making efforts to improve the increasingly unsustainable social conditions of these areas. The replacement of vineyards with black locust trees (Robinia pseudoacacia), combined with the passing of the older generation of growers, makes preservation efforts increasingly urgent.
The first usable descriptions of local grape varieties only date back to the second half of the 19th century. Therefore, identifying varieties collected from the pre-Trianon period based on morphological traits remains highly uncertain. The gene bank established in 2014 at the Horticultural Experimental Site in Pallag, managed by the University of Debrecen, offers the possibility of rediscovering ancient, perhaps even undocumented varieties that may have existed since the early Middle Ages.
It is also important to note that the collected samples were not subjected to the clone selection practices of socialist-era centralised agriculture, which focused on yield optimisation. As a result, and due to their centuries-long isolation, it is reasonable to assume that many of these specimens can be considered unique clones, even in comparison to their original parent varieties.
"Erdei vállas, Hajdúhadház"
Objectives of the Gene Bank
The main objective of the gene bank is to collect and preserve the historical grapevine varieties native to the Debrecen region and its surroundings. This is not only a scientific endeavor to safeguard biodiversity but also a cultural mission: to rescue and restore the grapevines once grown by our grandparents.
Key aims include:
- Identifying old grapevine varieties, potentially dating back to the early Middle Ages.
- Preserving varieties that were never subjected to mass clone selection under socialist agriculture.
- Providing a basis for future research into genetic relationships among Carpathian Basin grapevines.
- Contributing data on the origin and evolution of local varieties.
Because many of the collected specimens have not undergone modern selection, they may be considered natural clones of original, now-lost varieties. Their preservation offers valuable insight into ancient viticultural practices and biodiversity.
Key documents and resources include: