MOLECULAR MARKERS FOR GENOTYPING GRAPEVINE AND FOR IDENTIFYING CLONES OF TRADITIONAL VARIETIES

Abstract

Several classes of markers, such as SSR, Inter SSR, AFLP and RAPD, were used for genotyping more than 1200 vines (grapevine, rootstock and Vitis species). Based on these data an identification system could be established. With six of the most polymorphic markers all grapevine cultivars were differentiated. Currently, we are using ten SSR loci to identify cultivars for grapevine nurseries and growers. Characterization of more than 300 cultivars with up to 40 SSR markers allowed a profound insight into the genetic relationship of grapevine cultivars cultivated in Austria. We were able to define the origin of several cultivars from crossings of more ancient cultivars, as a consequence we obtained information about successful hybridization strategies. We could recognize two specific incrossing events to the existing genepools in Central Europe. Furthermore, we were able to identify the grapevine families of Veltliner, Pinot and others, the reconstruction of pedigrees helps to elucidate the occurrence of numerous cultivars with genetically very similar and morphologically identical background. For regions with cool climate viticulture we could define Traminer and Heunisch as the two key cultivars, which can be seen as responsible for the development of several other cultivars. Deviations in the inheritance of SSR markers enabled us to recognise genetic modifications occurred during hybridization. Considerations on the appearance of anomalies are usually neglected although they could provide a lot of information on the development of new types or cultivars. Wine growers prefer to cultivate sensorial typical clones of traditional cultivars for wine production. In the past, however, there was no guarantee that delivered material corresponded to the ordered clone. The reason for this deficiency was the lack of an identification system for clones. Therefore, we established clonal differentiation by RAPD and Inter SSR markers. Additionally, identification of clones was possible by using null alleles of SSR markers. These null-alleles are very rare and require a large amount of markers to characterize ten clones of White Riesling.