Molecular linkage maps of Vitis vinifera L. and Vitis riparia Mchx.

Two linkage maps for grape (Vitis spp.) have been developed based on 81 F(1) plants derived from an interspecific cross between the wine cultivar Moscato bianco (Vitis vinifera L.) and a Vitis riparia Mchx. accession, a donor of pathogen resistance traits. The double pseudotest-cross mapping strategy was applied using three types of molecular markers. The efficiency of SSRs to anchor homologous linkage groups from different Vitis maps and the usefulness of AFLPs in saturating molecular linkage maps were evaluated. Moreover, the SSCP technique was developed based on sequence information in public databases concerning genes involved in flavonoid and stilbene biosynthesis. For the maternal genetic map a total of 338 markers were assembled in 20 linkage groups covering 1,639 cM, whereas 429 loci defined the 19 linkage groups of the paternal map which covers 1,518 cM. The identification of 14 linkage groups common to both maps was possible based on 21 SSR and 19 AFLP loci. The position of SSR loci in the maps presented here was consistent with other published mapping experiments in Vitis.