Identification of microsatellite sequences in Vitis riparia and their applicability for genotyping of different Vitis species

A Vitis riparia genomic library was screened for the presence of (GA), simp le sequence repeats (SSR) and 18 primer pairs yielding amplification produc ts of the expected size were designed. Heterologous amplification with the primer pairs in related species (V. rupestris, V. berlandieri, V. labrusca, V. cinerea, V. aestivalis, V. vinifera, and interspecific hybrids) was suc cessful in most primer-species combinations. Therefore, the new markers are applicable to the genotyping of a range of Vitis species. Variations in th e SSR flanking sequence were detected between and within the species. The d egree of polymorphism and performance of the markers were determined in up to 120 individuals of V. vinifera. Four of fifteen alleles per locus were d etected and expected heterozygosity ranged between 0.37 and 0.88. Null alle les were shown to be present at two loci by a lack of heterozygous individu als and by transmission of the null alleles in a controlled cross. Regular Mendelian inheritance is indicated for all but one loci by a preliminary se gregation analysis in 36 offspring. Thirteen of the markers were found suit able for the genotyping of grapevines (V. vinifera).