Vitis vinifera L. germplasm diversity: a genetic and ampelometric study in ancient vineyards in the South of Basilicata region (Italy)

The evaluation of the existing grapevine biodiversity in several areas still unexplored in Basilicata region has been carried out. A four year's survey in ancient vineyards of Potenza was performed to investigate grapevine biodiversity. 85 collected accessions were subjected to genetic characterization through nine microsatellite markers. A total of 42 genotypes were obtained. The comparison with national and international databases allowed the identification of 26 accessions corresponding to new autochthonous genotypes and minor/local cultivars, in addition 16 international and national cultivars commonly cultivated in several Italian regions were found (data not shown in this work). Results indicated that minor/local cultivars were mainly cultivated in the near regions. The genetic profile of 9 new autochthonous grapevines was described here for the first time. Comparison of the genotypes, allelic frequencies, allelic sizes and ampelometric traits on mature leaves are highlighted. Conservation of new autochthonous and minor/local cultivars in germplasm collections has been carried out by including them in the germplasm collection of CREA-VE in Arezzo in order to save grapevine biodiversity and allowing further agronomical and enological evaluation.