SSR molecular marker analysis of the grapevine germplasm of Montenegro

Abstract

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Aim</strong>: Given that the information about the origin, genetic relationships, and diversity of Montenegrin grapevines is still partial, we performed a detailed analysis of the germplasm in this country using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Our main goal was to determine the identity of cultivars unique to Montenegro and those shared with other countries, especially the neighbouring ones.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Methods and results</strong>: Seventy samples were collected and 14 genotypes were found. After SSR profile comparison with available molecular databases and literature data, the identity of each genotype was established. Five well-known cultivars were found, the others being minor, lesser-known cultivars.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Conclusion</strong>: This research provides an overview of the Montenegrin grapevine assortment. There are cultivars shared with other countries, mainly the neighbouring ones, while others are likely native to Montenegro. The Kratošija population (<em>alias</em> Primitivo, Zinfandel and Crljenak Kaštelanski) has a large number of different names in Montenegro and also a wide morphological variability. Therefore, Montenegro is the best candidate as the origin and spreading point of this cultivar.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Significance and impact of the study</strong>: The present study adds information on the identity, origin, diffusion and variability of some grapevine cultivars, allowing us to reconstruct the history and evolution of national and transnational ampelographic assortment of Montenegro.</p>

Ampelographic and Genetic Characterization of Montenegrin Grapevine Varieties

“…In Table 3, SSR markers of identified varieties are presented. Also, all 17 biotypes of Kratošija were confirmed to have the same genetic profile as Zinfandel/Primitivo [33]. According to Maras et al [33] the variety Muškaćela is identical to a variety Muscat bianco-Muscat a petits grains.…”

“…Also, all 17 biotypes of Kratošija were confirmed to have the same genetic profile as Zinfandel/Primitivo [33]. According to Maras et al [33] the variety Muškaćela is identical to a variety Muscat bianco-Muscat a petits grains. Trojka accession has the same profile as Muscat rouge de Madere (alias Moscato violetto), another important member of the Muscat family.…”

“…Research on Montenegrin grapevine diversity continued and further analysis of 70 samples revealed 14 different genotypes. The results showed already identified genotypes: Vranac, Kratošija, Krstač, and Žižak and 10 new identified genotypes [33]. In Table 3, SSR markers of identified varieties are presented.…”

“…Trojka accession has the same profile as Muscat rouge de Madere (alias Moscato violetto), another important member of the Muscat family. Based on analysis, it can be concluded that Plavina is [33]. Bearing in mind the importance of grapevine germplasm in Montenegro, the research was continued through two international projects SEEDNet and SEE.ERA NET.…”

The Impact of Oenological Means on Glycerol Content in Montenegrin Wines Vranac and Kratošija

“…According to many literature data, Kratošija cultivar appeared earlier and was introduced into cultivation quite earlier than Vranac (Maraš et al, 2012). Work on autochthonous grapevine cultivars is of huge interest considering the fact that it is shown that Vranac and Kratošija are in close relationship (parent-offspring) and it is proposed that Montenegro is the best candidate for the origin and spreading centre of Kratošija and its group of synonyms (Primitivo, Zinfandel and Crljenak Kaštelanski) (Maraš et al, 2014). Wines of these cultivars are of premium quality, Vranac has dark red ruby colour, full body, fruity taste and pleasant astringency with aging potential in oak barrels.…”