Authentication of valuable grapevine varieties from Romania through molecular markers.

Twenty two grapevine cultivars were genotyped at six microsatellite loci (VVMD5, VVMD7, VVMD27, VVS2, VrZAG62, VrZAG79) in order to characterize their genetic diversity and to establish the maintenance of their identity and purity throughout two different national germplasm collections and one private collection from Romania. A total of 62 alleles were detected, giving a mean of 5.94 alleles per 6 loci. The total number of alleles per locus varied between 8 to 12 and the polymorphism information content ranged from 0.72 to 0.85, indicating that these loci were highly informative. We established that the genetic identity of the analyzed cultivars was well preserved in both germplasm banks but not always in the private collection. Genetic characterization of grapevine cultivars can certify their authenticity and purity, two features that are of prime importance, especially in relation to quality control and consumer information. Where possible results were compared and proved to be consistent with those existing in the European Vitis Database.