DNA and isoenzyme analyses were used to characterize 20 table grape cultiva
rs including Moscato d'Amburgo, Italia, Sultanina, Bicane and some recently
released new varieties. GPI and PGM isoenzyme systems were able to separat
e the cultivars into 9 groups whereas the 8 microsatellite loci that were a
nalysed revealed a higher discriminating power. In fact, all the cultivars
could be distinguished by DNA profiles except Sugraone from its sport Sugra
five. Parentage analysis confirmed that the cultivar Italia was obtained fr
om the crossing Bicane x Moscato d'Amburgo. A difference was observed at on
e microsatellite locus between Sultanina and the published data for Thompso
n Seedless, considered to be its synonym. The different microsatellite loci
were evaluated for their informativeness.