Status and ontogenetic structure of rare wild populations of Vitis vinifera (Vitaceae) in Uzbekistan

Vitis vinifera is an ancient fruit crop whose wild populations constitute a valuable genetic resource for grape breeding. In Uzbekistan, these populations are rare and fragmented, and the species is listed under Category 3 in the national Red Data Book (2019). This study assessed the ontogenetic structure, demographic characteristics, and conservation status of six wild cenopopulations of V. vinifera in Uzbekistan. All cenopopulations were classified as normal, although most had incomplete ontogenetic structures. Four ontogenetic spectrum patterns were identified: left-skewed (CPs 2 and 4), centered (CPs 1 and 5), right-skewed (CP 6), and bimodal (CP 3). Cenopopulation size ranged from 12 to 34 individuals, population density from 0.6 to 1.7 individuals m⁻², and ecological density from 0.85 to 2.12 individuals m⁻². The individual optimum index (Iio; v/g) ranged from 0.42 to 1.00, whereas the efficiency index (Iie) varied from 3.12 to 7.84, indicating differences in recruitment potential and population performance. Based on demographic and distributional data, the species was assessed nationally as Vulnerable (VU) under IUCN criterion B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v). These findings highlight the need to conserve the remaining wild populations and their habitats in Uzbekistan.

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