The historical roots of ampelography and the ways to preserve the grapevine gene pool at the institute "Magarach" of the Russian Academy of science
Historical records are given on the development of ampelographic research and creation of grapevine collections from ancient times until today. The importance of preserving the grapevine gene pool for native vitivinicultural industry and solving significant fundamental problems in the field of grape breeding and genetics has been highlighted. The current state of the ampelographic collection of the Institute “Magarach” was described. For a number of objective and subjective reasons its present condition leaves much to be desired. The need for urgent action for its recovery and sustenance was substantiated. At the same time, measures were proposed to strengthen the material and technical base of the Institute in order to improve the situation in research areas related to grape breeding, genetics and ampelography through creation of a selective biotechnological complex, re-establishment of «Magarach» ampelographic collection, creation of a breeding-nursery center for the production of 250 thousand pieces of certified grape seedlings of the Institute «Magarach» selection and autochthonous grapes of Russia. Furthermore, steps to further improve the selection process and raise it to a new scientific and technical level with the use of innovative technologies were identified.