Molecular and ampelographic characterization of some grape hybrids (Vitis vinifera L.)

Abstract

23 hybrids were selected as potential cultivar candidates due to their superior characteristics and were created at the Ataturk Horticultural Central Research Institute (AHCRI) or the TekirdaAŸ Viticulture Research Institute (TVRI). In this study, the ampelographic and molecular characteristics of 23 grapevine hybrids created in two different breeding studies were determined. Ampelographic data were collected during two vegetation periods in Yalova, Turkey. Total of 68 ampelographic characteristics were identified for 23 hybrids. Polymerasechain reaction (PCR) - based microsatellite technique was used to analyse 23 hybrids and 2 standard varieties. The genetic relationships were defined with 20 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, and genetic similarity indices, principal component analysis graphs and phylogenetic relationship dendrograms were produced depending on the hybrid and SSR marker size of the allele which ranged from 88 to 294 bp. Additionally, ampelographic and molecular scores were evaluated together. After evaluation of molecular and ampelographic data together, similarity ratio was increased and ampelographic characterisation was dominated by molecular characterization. It may be related using more ampelographic characters in the study. Variety candidates which were obtained from different Institutes were characterized and taken under protection with this study. The information in the obtained database can be used for cultivar identification, parentage analysis, and legal protection. Also, some ampelographic characterization results will be used in determining the priority of registration. Key words: Ampelography, characterization, hybrids, simple sequence repeat (SSR), Vitis vinifera L.