Use of sequence-tagged microsatellite site markers for characterizing table grape cultivars

A collection of 43 table grape cultivars, Vitis vinifera L., was studied with sequence-tagged microsatellite site (STMS) markers. The amplified loci were VVS1, VVS2, VVS3, VVS4, VVS5, VVMD5, VVMD6, and VVMD7. These loci had been previously described and used with good results by several authors. The number of alleles observed per locus ranged from 2 (VVS3) to 8 (VVS2 and VVMD7), and the number of observed genotypes from 3 (VVS3) to 19 (VVMD5). Expected heterozygosity ranged from 38% (VVS1) to 80% (VVMD5). The 43 cultivars were clearly identified with the allelic combinations of the 8 loci. In 14 cultivars, the allelic sizes were identical to the values reported in previous studies with these markers, indicating the good reproducibility of this method in different laboratories.