Ampelographic and molecular characterisation of grapevine varieties in the gene bank of the experimental vineyard ‘Radmilovac’ – Serbia

Characterisations of thirty grapevine varieties (Vitis vinifera L.) from the experimental vineyard ‘Radmilovac’ were conducted using a large number of OIV descriptors and eight highly polymorphic microsatellite loci. The ampelographic description contained 45 features. Molecular characterisation of selected microsatellite loci was performed using capillary electrophoresis fragment analysis. Dendrograms based on ampelographic and genetic data resulted in three groups of varieties. Qualitative ampelographic characteristics tended to manifest significant differences. The most common deviation among varieties within the group was in the characteristic OIV 051 (colouration of the upper side of a young leaf). Genetic characterisation of SSR markers through analyses of a large number of varieties contributes to better organisation of grapevine collections and simpler identification of varieties, as well as data exchange. When identifying the varieties, the results of the DNA analysis should be combined with the ampelographic descriptors, in order to select grapevine varieties with desirable viticultural and oenological traits. Integration of the obtained genetic data with the ampelographic data is of utmost importance for accurate identification of the varieties and offers a significant means for the preservation and use of the varieties.