Paola Ruffa

Genetic Characterization of Grape Cultivars from Apulia (Southern Italy) and Synonymies in Other Mediterranean Regions

Forty-five grape accessions, traditional and historically mentioned in Apulia (southeastern Italy), were genotyped at 13 microsatellite (SSR) markers and observed for their morphological features with the aim of characterizing and identifying the local grape diversity relevant for economic or historical significance and for endangered germplasm conservation. Twelve of the 45 accessions examined were found to be synonyms or somatic mutants, leaving 33 distinct genotypes. Attempts were then made to verify the true identities of the accessions investigated and to determine their appropriate denominations. This entailed comparing them with published allelic profiles and morphological features of cultivars from Apulia and from surrounding areas linked historically to the region. While confirming the identity of the major Apulian cultivars, further matches with varieties from other Mediterranean regions were revealed. Approximately half of the Apulian cultivars investigated were found to have a foreign counterpart mainly along the Adriatic Sea (Croatia), in Greece, or in other southern Italian regions. The new synonymies found with cultivars traditional to other areas shed light on the migration of cultivars following the settlement of colonies and the historical establishment of Mediterranean trade routes.

The key role of “Moscato bianco” and “Malvasia aromatica di Parma” in the parentage of traditional aromatic grape varieties

A great number of flavored grape varieties, of significant oenological potential, are traditionally cultivated in north-western Italy, besides the renowned “Moscato bianco” (syn. “Muscat à petits grains blancs”). Understanding their origin, besides its historical and scientific interest, would help to increase market appeal and consequently facilitate the commercial exploitation of these products. Twenty-four aromatic genotypes were investigated for their identity, kinship relations, and genetic origins through molecular markers (SSR and SNPs) supported by plant morphology and historical information. Flavored grape genotypes from other regions, possible ancestors, and reference cultivars of known pedigree were also included in the analysis. Kinship analysis used a likelihood-based approach (IBS, IBD, relatedness coefficients, and likelihood ratios) to achieve strong statistical support. The analyses revealed two possible leading genitors, in turn closely related by a parent/offspring relationship: “Moscato bianco” and “Malvasia aromatica di Parma,” a female grape cultivar that is today almost extinct. The outlined molecular and statistical approach could be applied for the investigation on the origin of ancient traditional cultivars of other vegetative propagated species.