Tigray’s old grapevines have survived against the odds: new research uncovers their genetic and historic value
Researchers are studying ancient grapevines in Ethiopia's Tigray region to determine if they are descendants of crops cultivated during the Aksumite kingdom. These vines have been preserved through generations of household cultivation and hold significant genetic and historical value.
Why it matters
Preserving these ancient landraces provides insight into agricultural history and potential genetic resources for modern viticulture.
Harvesting grapes from one of the two founder vines of the Rubaksum Tsellim landrace, trained over a household pergola in Aksum, Tigray. Yemane Hailu Fissuh , Author provided (no reuse) https://theconversation.com/tigrays-old-grapevines-have-survived-against-the-odds-new-research-uncovers-their-genetic-and-historic-value-286393 https://theconversation.com/tigrays-old-grapevines-have-survived-against-the-odds-new-research-uncovers-their-genetic-and-historic-value-286393 Link copied Share article Share article
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The northern highlands of Ethiopia are among Africa’s oldest agricultural landscapes. Some of the world’s most important crops originated here, particularly pulses and grains, including teff . Yet another crop has a less well-known history in Ethiopia’s Tigray region: the grapevine .
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