Molecular characterization of Moroccan grapevine germplasm using SSR markers for the establishment of a reference collection

Aims: This study aims to characterize the SODEA ampelographic collection in Meknès, the only germplasm repository in Morocco. To assess the usefulness of this germplasm, a study was conducted to verify the trueness to type of the genotypes and to provide the first database for a reference collection in Morocco. A core collection was then established to define a small sample easier to handel further characterization. Methods and results: Ninety-four grapevine samples from the collection were analyzed using 20 nuclear SSR markers. From these samples, we identified 67 grapevine genotypes. The nuclear SSRs revealed a high diversity within the SODEA collection: 202 alleles were detected with a mean of 10.1 alleles per locus. Analysis of molecular data with the software DARwin was used to classify the genotypes into six groups according to their origin or their genetic relatedness. The 18 autochthonous cultivars were differentiated according to geographical origin (North vs. South). We established a core collection among this germplasm using MSTRAT: the complete diversity present in the collection was captured with only 34 individuals. Nevertheless, an optimal core collection representing 89% of the diversity was constituted by only 17 cultivars. Among these 17 individuals, 5 are autochthonous. Conclusion: The collection of SODEA represents a unique resources of grapevines for Morocco. It contains several important autochthonous cultivars in terms of diversity and agronomic utilisation. Significance and impact of the study: The study showed potential and interest of the cultivars present in the collection of SODEA, suggesting that their utilisation may be important for the farmers