Molecular characterization of Vitis vinifera L. local cultivars from volcanic areas (Canary Islands and Madeira) using SSR markers

Aim: This study characterises and identifies 79 grapevine accessions from the Canary Islands and 14 from Madeira using simple sequence repeat (SSR) analysis. Methods and Results: A kit of 20 microsatellites or simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were used to obtain the molecular profiles of the 93 accessions in this study. The results allowed us to identify four new cultivars (Bienmesabe tinto, Burra volcanica, Vallera, Verijadiego negro), two new colour mutations (Listan rosa, Mollar cano rosado) and two unknown molecular profiles from Madeira. Furthermore, we propose that eight names of varieties be included in the Vitis International Variety Catalogue (VIVC) as prime names, and 38 accession names as synonyms, 19 of which are regarded as new synonyms of the 12 varieties. Finally, we also reported eight cases of mislabelling. The study of genetic structure shows that the cultivars from the Canary Islands and Madeira are strongly influenced by the Iberian Peninsula. We propose that 14 varieties and three sports (mutations) at are local to the Canary Islands: Albillo criollo, Bermejuela, Bienmesabe tinto, Burra volcanica, Albillo forastero, Huevo de gallo, Listan negro, Listan rosa, Malvasia di Sardegna rosada, Malvasia volcanica, Mollar cano rosado, Torrontes volcanico, Sabro, Uva de aflo, Vallera, Verijadiego, and Verijadiego negro. Conclusions: It has been reliably shown that these cultivars have a characteristic genome: phylloxera never reached the Canary Islands so mutations, hybridations and human selection have been able to accumulate over 500 years. It is of great importance that this local plant material be conserved, given that it is part of our vine heritage. In the case of Madeira, it has not been possible to propose any local varieties because phylloxera did reach the island; this devastated the vineyards and there was a drastic reduction in local varieties. However, one unknown cultivar was the most characteristic genotype from this region. Significance and impact of the study: This study shows the existence of non well-known varieties of Vitis vinifera L. that may be used to elaborate original wines, offering therefore new organoleptic sensations for the consumers. Furthermore, these results suggest that this volcanic area could be considered as one centre of origin of new cultivars of Vitis vinifera L. (Biodiversity Centre).