Methods for conservation of intra-varietal genetic variability in ancient grapevine varieties

Abstract

Conservation of intra-varietal genetic variability is a crucial strategy to preserve traditional viticulture and to face future challenges. Conservation can be performed through two processes: (1) conservation without other immediate objectives; (2) conservation which simultaneously ensures the evaluation of important quantitative traits (such as yield, must quality traits, tolerance to abiotic stresses). The second strategy permits the quantification of intra-varietal genetic variability for important quantitative traits and the selection of a superior group of genotypes (polyclonal selection). Based on the results obtained from the conservation of ancient Portuguese varieties, the abovementioned methods for conservation of intra-varietal diversity are compared, and the advantages and disadvantages of each one are discussed.