Molecular approach to assess the origin of Marzemino

The relationships within the Vertzami / Marzemino /Barzemino / Balsamina group were investigated with the aim to recover intra-variety biodiversity. Vertzami is a variety grown in Lefkas (a Greek Ionian island) considered to be very close to Marzemino, which is grown in north-eastern Italy as well as Barzemino and Balsamina, which at the present are germplasm relics. More than fifty accessions were sampled including: Vertzami from different sites in Lefkas; Marzemino from different localities and germplasm collections; Barzemino from germplasm collection or from old and marginal vineyards; Balsamina from germplasm collections. Accessions were analysed by molecular (SSR and AFLP markers). Results showed that Vertzami / Marzemino-Barzemino / Balsamina are different varieties even if phylogenetically related. Vertzami accessions did not show any genetic diversity and very low phenotypical differences. Marzemino accessions displayed a minor genetic and phenotypic diversity. Results support the idea that Vertzami is a distinct member of this cultivar family, which had origin in Italy and that was introduced in Lefkas by Venetians during their dominion of the Ionian islands (XIV-XVIII centuries).