B.N.: Vitis vinifera L. Family: Vitaceae Origin: Asia (Iran, Afganistan & Asia minor)

Grape ( Vitis vinifera) is a deciduous crop. Its natural habitat is temperate climate. It was introduced into north India from Iran and Afghanistan in 1300 AD by the Muslim invaders; and into south India in 1832 by the Christian missionaries from France. However, grape was known in ancient India though it was not commercially cultivated until the 14th century. Wild grapes grown in Himachal Pradesh were used to prepare local wine. Presently grape cultivation is concentrated in the peninsular India, accounting for 90% of the total area. Major grape-growing states are Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and the north-western region covering Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, western Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh