Genotypic and Sanitary Characterization of Minority Grapevine Varieties Prospected in Andalusia, Spain

Andalusia is a Spanish region that is home to numerous minority varieties due to its diversity and territorial extension, offering the local viticulture the possibility of diversifying its wine production. The genotypic characterization of 98 specimens from six areas with a winemaking tradition in Andalusia was carried out between the years 2020 and 2022, by means of thirteen microsatellite markers, including the nine recommended by the OIV. A total of 33 different genotypes were obtained, 20 of which corresponded to profiles of already described varieties (11 of them are of 6 minority cultivars in Andalusia: 'Rojal Tinto', 'Beba', 'Zurieles', 'Rome', 'Heben', 'Mollar Cano', 'Listan Prieto', 'Listan del Condado', 'Jarrosuelto', 'Negra Dorada', and 'Mantuo de Pilas'), while the other 12 profiles did not match with previously identified varieties. These profiles were registered in the database of the IFAPA Rancho de la Merced Germplasm Bank. The eco-geographical groups of the new identified genotypes were determined through an analysis of genetic diversity. The presence of grapevine fanleaf virus, grapevine fleck virus, and grapevine leafroll-associated viruses was also determined due to the requirement of healthy clones of the new varieties for their potential interest to be authorized for cultivation in Spain.

Automated summary

Andalusia, a Spanish region known for its diversity, is home to various minority wine varieties. This study conducted genotypic characterization of 98 wine specimens from six areas in Andalusia using thirteen microsatellite markers. The analysis revealed 33 different genotypes, including 12 previously unidentified varieties. The study also determined the eco-geographical groups of the new identified genotypes and tested for the presence of grapevine viruses.