Inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) based genetic and morphological polymorphism of Azerbaijani grape (Vitis vinifera) genotypes

The assessment of genetic diversity within and between grapevine populations is routinely performed at the molecular level using various laboratory-based techniques. Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) markers have been widely used for plant varietal fingerprinting analysis, assessment of hybridization as well as detection of clonal variations and identification of cultivars. The objective of the present study was to reveal the ISSR-based genetic and morphological diversity among different grapevine genotypes, analyse polymorphism level of ISSR primers used, and determine genetic relationship of some Azerbaijani, introduced cultivars and hybrids. Twenty-one cultivars were analysed via ten polymorphic ISSR primers.. Morphological and ampelography data of genotypes studied according OIV descriptors to provide complete information of accessions. ISSR primers produced a total of 56 bands of which 44 were polymorphic. Resolving power of the ISSR primers ranged between 1.61 (UBC 826) and 4.09 (UBC 840). PIC (Polymorphism Information Content) values varied from 0.211(UBC 842) to 0.401 (UBC 810) respectively. The grapevine genotypes were grouped into five major kinship groups. Considering morphological and high genetic similarity value Khalbasar and Apoi Khagog genotypes showed highest genetic similarity index (0.923) and could be theoretically identical. Our results revealed that ISSR genetic markers combined with morphological and ampleography data could be a better tool for evaluation of genetic diversity among the grapevine genotypes.