Polymorphism in ancient Tempranillo grapevine clones detected using microsatellite and retrotransposon markers

Abstract Tempranillo is one of the most widely cultivated grapevine varieties in Spain. After several years of clone selection, some highly recommended old clones have been identified in terms of both their qualitative and production characteristics. This study was designed to discriminate among 28 ancient clones of the cultivar Tempranillo (Vitis vinifera). DNAs from clones were analysed using two different molecular markers; microsatellites (SSR) and retrotransposons. Our results indicate that one variant genotype was expressed as three alleles. Further analysis revealed the presence of a chimera, in which the third allele was present in leaf but not root or wood tissue, indicating a functionally double-layered apical meristem. We also report here that one retrotranposon marker was able to discriminate one grapevine clone (VP1) from the remaining clones.