Characterization of genetic variation within table grape varieties (Vitis vinifera L.) based on AFLP markers

AFLPs were used to characterize a collection of 35 table grape varieties. A single AFLP reaction with a single combination of selective primers yielde d an average of 50 polymorphic and scorable amplified bands in this collect ion and was enough to unequivocally identify each analyzed variety, Genetic similarity between different varieties was estimated, based on the results obtained with two primer combinations, to be between 0.65 and 0.90, while sibling varieties derived from the same cross showed a genetic similarity h igher than 0.80, The analysis of several samples belonging to the same vari eties, yet from different origins, showed stability of the AFLP patterns as to unequivocally and reproducibly identify them. Furthermore, some specifi c primer combinations detected a low level of variation that could be due t o somatic variation and would be useful in clonal identification.