Genetic diversity in Vitis vinifera ssp sylvestris gmelin from Europe, the Middle East and North Africa

Wild grapevines V. vinifera ssp sylvestris are being endangered in their natural habitats and high priorities are given to the collection and preservation of Vitis germplasms. Relictual Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris species need to be secured to conserve and provide genetic ressources. Seventy five wild Vitis vinifera ssp sylvestris and five Vitis ssp. accessions were analyzed for genetic diversity and differentiation using polymorphisms generated by AFLP-PCR and SSR-PCR molecular markers. A total of 315 markers were applied showing extensive polymorphisms among the accessions. Multivariate relationship among the accessions revealed five loosely clustered groups referring to their geographic origin (Tunisia, Afghanistan, France, Turkey, Rhine valley). Accessions from former Yugoslavia could not be individually grouped. The major part of the genetic diversity was locked within the groups, indicating high variabiltiy within the genotypes of groups.