Distinguishing a protected geographical indication vegetable (Almagro eggplant) from closely related varieties with selected morphological traits and molecular markers

BACKGROUND: Certification of the authenticity of local landraces having a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status is essential when fake exotic varieties can be used to replace authentic local varieties. The Almagro eggplant (Solanum melongena) is a landrace used for making pickle products recognized by PGI status. Other pickling varieties from the region of Andalusia that are closely related have been detected in fields of the Almagro region. We have studied the diversity of Almagro and Andalusian accessions with morphological traits and molecular markers (amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) and simple sequence repeats (SSRs)) with the aim of obtaining a characteristic fingerprint of the Almagro eggplant. RESULTS: Almagro eggplants have smaller plant parts and greater prickliness than Andalusian eggplants. No overlap in the ranges of variation was found between Almagro and Andalusian accessions for three traits (fruit pedicel width at the proximal end, fruit calyx length, and fruit calyx prickles). AFLP characterization showed that Almagro and Andalusian accessions are genetically diverse and share a common genetic background. On the other hand, SSR, allowed a clear distinction of Almagro and Andalusian varieties, and for two SSRs we found alleles exclusive of Almagro eggplant and universal to all Almagro accessions. CONCLUSION: By using selected morphological descriptors and specific molecular markers we have been able to distinguish the PGI Almagro eggplant from closely related varieties. SSRs have proved useful for detecting differences between the closely related Almagro and Andalusian accessions. The approach followed by us can be used for the protection and enhancement of other PGI vegetable crops. (C) 2008 Society of Chemical Industry