Genetic characterization of endangered grape cultivars (Vitis vinifera L.) of Reggio Emilia Province (North Italy).

Thirty-two indigenous wine grape varieties, widely cultivated or nearly extinct in the province of Reggio Emilia, (Emilia-Romagna Region, North Italy), were genetically characterized at 12 microsatellite loci, with the aim of exploiting and protecting the local germplasm. The results confirmed the high information level of the selected loci and among the investigated wine grapes, synonymous (Bianca di Poviglio/Trebbiano toscano; Bordò/Carmenere; Balsamina/Marzemino; Occhio di gatto/Tocai friulano, Scorzamara from Coviolo/Lambrusco grasparossa) and homonymous varieties (Rossara/Rossara from Trento; Fogarina/Uva Fogarina) were found. Further 8 loci were analyzed to investigate possible parentage relationships; results suggested a parent/offspring relationship between Fortana and Lambrusco Maestri, and between Uva Tosca and Lambrusco Montericco. The use of molecular markers permitted to test hypothesis of synonymy based on traditional ampelographic observations, and to investigate about the identity and the origin of the 32 studied cultivar.