Genetic characterization of endangered grape cultivars of Reggio Emilia province.

Thirty-two indigenous winegrape varieties, widely cultivated or nearly extinct in the province of Reggio Emilia (Emilia-Romagna region, northern Italy), were genetically characterized at 12 microsatellite loci. The results found a number of synonymous (Bianca di Poviglio/Trebbiano toscano; Bordò/Carmenere; Balsamina/Marzemino; Occhio di gatto/Tocai friulano, Scorzamara from Coviolo/Lambrusco grasparossa) and homonymous varieties (Rossara/ Rossara from Trento; Fogarina/Uva Fogarina). An additional eight loci were analyzed to investigate possible parentage relationships; results suggested a parent/offspring relationship between Fortana and Lambrusco Maestri and between Uva tosca and Lambrusco Montericco.