Genetic analysis of grape berries and raisins using microsatellite markers

Microsatellite markers have been used recently for the identification and pedigree analysis of grapevines with leaves and wood as sources of vine DNA. To identify grapes after harvest and their products, we applied DNA extraction protocols to grape berries and raisins. DNA was obtained from both sources, but that of raisins was highly degraded. The suitability of DNA for PCR amplification of single genetic loci was shown by amplification of 11 microsatellite markers. 18 commercially available table grape samples were genotyped, and 11 (61 %) matched the corresponding genetic profile in our reference database. Four samples were shown to be defined incorrectly and 4 samples did not match any of the generic profiles present in the database. The investigated raisins were found to be cv. Sultanina. The results demonstrate that DNA-based cultivar identification methods can be applied to harvested grapes and raisins.