Molecular approach to assess the origin of cv. Marzemino

DNA marker analysis was used to determine the varietalidentity of Marzemino accessions in public collectionsand private Italian vineyards; relationships among this varietalgroup and Vertzami, a traditional Greek cultivar, werealso investigated through SSR and AFLP approaches. Molecularresults strongly support the relationship amongVertzami cultivars growing in Greece, Marzemino and severalItalian accessions selected on the basis of etymologicalsimilarity. SSR data exclude a direct descent of Marzemino,or other related Italian varieties, from Vertzami; onthe other hand the level of similarity among Vertzami,Marzemino and some related varieties indicates a possiblecommon ancestor. None of the accessions is considered ascommon ancestor but on the basis of genomic variability inthe Marzemino group and of the relationships with the otherItalian cultivars a probable Italian ancestor is supposed.