The use of RAPD markers for differentiation of grapevine varieties registered in the Czech Republic

Abstract

Fifty-one grapevine cultivars registered in the Czech Republic were a subject of RAPD analysis. Nine grapevine varieties which were supposed to be genetically distant, were analysed by means of 120 Operon primers during the initial screening of RAPD method. Sixteen primers producing reproducible and polymorphic bands were then used for amplification of all registered varieties. A dendrogram of genetic relationships and a methodology of identification of each variety were created. The resultant dendrogram mostly corresponds with known information about the origin and genetic relationships of the varieties. It is necessary to use the combination of RAPD markers for identification of each variety. It was possible to identify 26 out of 51 varieties registered in the Czech Republic by RAPD markers without any problems. Nine varieties were identifiable only on the basis of present and absent markers. Some varieties were very close relatives – they formed remote clusters. It was not possible to distinguish between them by RAPD method. Two varieties were not identifiable by the designed key.