Abstract
This paper takes up again in extenso the text of an invited lecture made by the author during the 24th to 30th of june 2006 in Logrono (Spain). The genetic diversity of the grapevine, its origin, the molecular techniques used for characterization, and its potential applications in grape breeding are analysed at different levels: intergeneric (family of Vitaceae), interspecific (genus Vitis), intraspecific (Vitis vinifera L.), intracultivar (clonal variability) and intraplant.The need to preserve this diversity is emphasized, particularly at the inter and introcultivar level. The current use in grave breeding for disease resistance of the germplasm available in the section (sub-genus) Muscadinia of the genus Vitis is also emphasized. The future prospects open by the somaclonal variability induced by in vitro culture and the discovery of a genetic variability hidden within periclinal chimeras, are underlined