DNA-Based Technologies for Grapevine Biodiversity Exploitation: State of the Art and Future Perspectives

Abstract

The cultivated grapevine, Vitis vinifera subsp. vinifera L., is represented by an enormous population of varieties and clones. They arise from the accumulation of gametic and somatic mutations during centuries of sexual and asexual propagation. These varieties represent a vast reservoir of traits/alleles that could be useful in improving the berry quality as well as against environmental stresses. However, most of them are still unexploited. For this reason, an efficient characterization system is essential to define the varietal identity, avoid cases of synonymy (identical genotypes but different names) and homonymy (same names but different genotypes) and deepen our understanding of the existing diversity within the grape germplasm. The plethora of DNA-based high-throughput technologies currently available provides promising tools for the analysis of diversity, overcoming many of the limitations of phenotypic-based diversity analyses. However, the analysis of intra-varietal diversity remains challenging. In this scenario, after summarizing the causes and consequences of grapevine genetic inter- and intra-varietal diversity, we review the DNA-based technologies used for varietal genotyping, emphasizing those able to distinguish clones within a variety. This review provides an update on the technologies used to explore grapevine diversity, the knowledge of which is necessary for an efficient exploitation and conservation of the grapevine germplasm.

Efficient Assessment and Large-Scale Conservation of Intra-Varietal Diversity of Ancient Grapevine Varieties: Case Study Portugal

“…The origin of intra-varietal diversity has already been justified by several molecular mechanisms of variation [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. In this work, genetic differences in yield were found within all the 59 varieties studied, separating the different sources of variation of yield phenotypic data through the fitting of a linear mixed model and using quantitative genetic tools.…”

“…At a given time after domestication, a plant started to be vegetatively multiplied and variability has gradually been created over the centuries through the accumulation of somatic mutations and other DNA instability mechanisms. Molecular understanding and detection of intra-varietal diversity has been the subject of many studies [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. However, the purposes of conserving intra-varietal diversity for the future and exploiting it for satisfying the immediate needs of the grape and wine sector have been insufficiently considered in current approaches applied to grapevine worldwide.…”

Biotechnologies and Strategies for Grapevine Improvement

“…The genus Vitis [2n = 38] exhibits significant genetic diversity among cultivars, wild subspecies, and hybrids [29,30]. This is mainly due to their asexual reproduction, wide range of suitable planting, and frequent communication among grape accessions [31].…”

“…In spite of the passport data available for approximately 35,000 accessions from European countries, the problem of cultivar synonyms and the presence of duplications need to be solved [35]. Therefore, a proper identification system, cultivar registration and protection, seed certification, and plant variety rights are essential in grapevine germplasm management for breeding programs but also for economic interests, trade, and scientific knowledge [30,36].…”

Genetic diversity of some autochthonous white grape varieties from Romanian germplasm collections

“…The complete characterisation of the accessions involves: (a) the characterisation of morphological features following the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) Descriptor list for grape varieties and Vitis species' (OIV 2001), with 48 descriptors and the standardised methodology reported by Rustioni et al (2014); (b) a genetic characterisation with at least nine SSR markers (VVS2, VVMD5, VVMD7, VVM25, VVMD27, VVMD28, VVMD32, VrZAG62, VrZAG79), recommended by Maul et al (2015). During the last 30 years, among the molecular markers, the microsatellite ones were the most widely used tool for identification of grapevine accessions, for the correct detection of synonyms, homonyms, or misnomers, and are considered the most efficient to highlight the degree of heterozygosity existing in a grapevine collection as well (Sancho-Galán et al 2019;Bibi et al 2020;Villano et al 2022). Moreover, bringing concrete and striking proof, microsatellite markers overcome many of the limitations of phenotypic-based diversity analyses.…”