Genetic studies on Trebbiano and morphologically related varieties by SSR and AFLP markers

Several grapevine varieties are named Trebbiano and have similar phenotypical characteristics (e.g. whitish berries, late ripening, vigorous growth). Other vines share many of the morphological characteristics of Trebbiano but have different names. In order to clarify the relationships between some of these varieties, a study was carried out with 7 Trebbiano varieties and 17 cultivars that are morphologically similar to Trebbiano. AFLP and SSR analyses were performed to define genetic similarity among the Trebbiano cultivars as well as between the Trebbiano cultivars and related varieties. Results show a large degree of variability between most of the cultivars and suggest that they do not share a common ancestor. Genetic analysis revealed that cv. Verdicchio is identical with Trebbiano di Soave which is very similar to Trebbiano di Lugana.