The muscadine grape (Vitis rotundifolia Michx) is a species native to the Southeast U.S. and the first to be cultivated in North America. While the native Muscadine grape shares some similarities with its European (Vitis vinifera) cousins, these grapes have a unique flavor and color, which ranges from green, to deep purple, to bronze. This hue is the result of their high levels of pigments and polyphenols, which also contribute to their exceptional health benefits. Additionally, growing them is relatively stress-free since they have a natural tolerance to pest insects and diseases that prevent large-scale production of the European grape. Homeowners can grow muscadine grapes right at home without using pesticides. Read how to grow muscadine grapes from UF Gardening Solutions: Muscadine Grapes.
Grapes in Florida
The European grape (a.k.a. the bunch grape, table grape) adapted to a different set of growing conditions, so they often struggle to survive the hot, humid conditions our Sunshine State offers. These conditions are harsh for the bunch grape and can lead to disease infection, especially Pierce’s disease, and the death of the vines.
Despite the difficulties of growing grapes in Florida, the state ranks second in wine consumption in the U.S. Researchers are working to enhance disease resistance to Pierce’s disease in European grapes, enabling the Florida agricultural industry to strengthen and expand its wine production capacity. Visit this UF/IFAS Extension Resource to read more.
The Table Grape: Origins
It is thought that wild European grape vines were first domesticated and farmed in the Southern Mediterranean by the Greeks, Etruscans, and Phoenicians, and then spread and refined by the Romans. Bunch grapes remained the most common fruit throughout the Iron Age, Roman Age, and Middle Ages in southeastern France (Bouby et al.).
The wild grapevines differ from cultivated varieties because humans altered them during the domestication process. Humans intentionally selected for desirable traits like size, shape, and color of berries to improve yield and fruit quality in each successive generation. Over time, the grapes developed preferred traits, along with others that weren’t directly selected for – like decreased seed size. (Terral et al.)
The Muscadine Grape
This is comparable to what the team at the Grape Breeding and Fruit Crop Production at FAMU’s Center fror Viticulture envisions for the muscadine grape (V. rotundifolia Michx). Florida A&M University (FAMU) is leading research for muscadine grapes, and through their research and work, the team is improving and even inventing new muscadine grape varieties – holding the patent for two new varieties. This is groundbreaking work, since bunch grapes cant be grown well in this area.
Groundbreaking Research
Associate Professor of Grape Breeding and Fruit Crop Production at FAMU’s Center For Viticulture, Islam El-Sharkawy, Ph.D., says, “We are the first in the nation to create the whole genome sequence for muscadine grapes.” Translation: the team is working to improve muscadine grapes and cultivation, like ancient humans once domesticated wild grapevines, with a possibility of creating seedless muscadine grapes with a crispy skin.
The goal is to increase their popularity in the gardens of residents, communities, and growers and their appeal to consumers and the fruit production industry. Muscadine grapes are edible and packed with health-boosting phytochemicals and bioactive compounds, making them a great snack and addition to any garden.
The center’s research shows that muscadine grapes have a role in improving human health by fighting obesity, aging, some cancers and the effects of treatments. But the team, renowned for its grape studies, isn’t stopping there. They’re working toward improving the thick, leathery skin and shelf life of muscadine wine. This is great news from a consumer standpoint, residential gardener, or commercial grower.
Hope for the Industry
Florida is known for citrus, holding the No. 1 spot in U.S. production of Valencia Oranges in 2023 according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Over the past two decades, Florida’s agricultural landscape and agri-tourism have suffered considerable setbacks due to the challenges impacting the citrus industry. Yet, this sector remains a vital component of Florida’s economy and agricultural landscape, which makes the developments to grape species all that more exciting for growers, farmers, and consumers. Read more about this: UF News: Natives & Wine in Florida.
It is a good rule of thumb to choose a plant suited to the conditions where it will be grown. To learn more about smart gardening, visit the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program website. Utilize the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Plant Guide to find UF-recommended plants that are adapted to growing in Florida landscapes. Plants suited to their preferred conditions are typically low-maintenance and require little care once established. Want to know more about Florida natives? Read our native series.
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