To assess the different origins of Portuguese grapevine varieties, we used six nuclear and four chloroplastidal microsatellites as molecular markers, in order to compare the genetic structure of native wild-vines with native grapevine varieties. Both native subspecies have a great diversity, and a high interrelationship across the six nuclear microsatellites. Although identical numbers of alleles were found in each population, their distribution was different in the <I>vinifera </I>and <I>sylvestris </I>subspecies. Portuguese wild-vines have only chlorotypes A and B; A being the most frequent. The fifty-seven analysed Portuguese varieties have chlorotypes A, B, C, and D. The most frequent was the chlorotype A (75%), followed by D (21%). The results obtained reinforced the idea of Western Europe as having been one of the domestication centres for the grapevine, with contributions from the Eastern European gene pool. The observed genetic structure is a starting point from which to clarify the high number of native cultivars found in Portugal, and reinforces their probable origin in the Iberian Peninsula.
A survey of Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris (Gmeli) Hegi in Portugal has revealed the existence of wildvine populations that occur only in riparian wood habitats on river margins, as is the case for other European populations. The genetic diversity of four populations has been evaluated using nuclear and chloropastidial microsatellites as molecular markers. An analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), showed that most of the genetic diversity was attributable to differences among individuals within populations. Only 7% of the total variance was attributable among populations; suggesting the existence of a low level of population differentiation. Chloroplastidial microsatellites revealed the expected situation for the Iberian Peninsula, (i.e. the presence of only chlorotypes A and B; with chlorotype A as the most frequent within the wild-vine populations). The diversity obtained is a starting point for the management and conservation of wild-vines in situ and ex situ. Several measurements have to be taken to maintain their natural habitat, and in order to preserve its diversity.
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