Recovering ancient grapevine cultivars in the Spanish provinces of Alicante and Valencia

Abstract

[EN] The provinces of Alicante and Valencia, located on the Mediterranean coast of Spain, have been important viticulture areas since historical times. In the context of the research project CGL2015-70843-R, we initiated different approaches in order to recover ancient cultivars threatened with disappearance, and we developed in-vitro protocols for virus sanitation and in-vitro conservation of the recovered germplasm. Among the historic cultivars, we localized several accessions of cultivars that were commonly grown in the pre-phylloxera era in the provinces of Alicante and Valencia (`Valencí blanc¿, `Valencí negre¿, `Planta Mula¿, `Botó de Gall¿ and `Raïm del Clotet¿). Microsatellite profiles were obtained to confirm or identify the surveyed germplasm, and genetic variability was observed. In addition, a survey was carried out covering the main area of `Monastrell¿ cultivation in the Vinos de Alicante Protected Designation of Origin. This ancient cultivar, also known as `Mourvèdre¿, is cultivated mainly in the southeast of Spain, and is highly adapted to the dry and warm climate of this area. Genotyping by sequencing (GBS) was used to estimate its genetic diversity, and high variability was found. This analysis will provide a large number of high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), well distributed across the genome, suitable for genotyping of clones, which will allow the design of strategies to optimize their conservation and use.