Genetic variability and geographic typicality of Italian former Prosecco grape variety using PCR-derived molecular markers.

This study uses PCR-derived marker systems to investigate the extent and distribution of genetic variability of 80 Italian Prosecco accessions coming from Prosecco DOC area (north-east area of Italy). The studied samples include genotypes from Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia region. In order to verify the varietal identity of the samples, analyses based on 22 SSR loci were performed, and two grape varieties were found: Prosecco tondo and Prosecco lungo. In addition to microsatellite analysis, intra-varietal variability study was performed using AFLP, SAMPL, ISSR, and M-AFLP molecular markers. This molecular approach could discriminate different Prosecco tondo accessions coming from Treviso hills, from Veneto plain, from Friuli Venezia Giulia region, and from Padua hills (Serprina samples). As concerning Prosecco lungo variety, it was possible to discriminate molecularly the accessions from Veneto region and those from Friuli Venezia Giulia region. The molecular analysis allowed a distinction of the Prosecco genotypes on the basis of their geographic origins with plant-specific markers able to differentiate all Prosecco accessions. In this paper, the studied grape variety is termed Prosecco and not Glera (which is the present name) because the sampled vineyards were established many years ago when the name of the variety was Prosecco.