Abstract
The ampelographic and genetic analysis of grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) genotypes is important for their breeding or any crop
improvement program. This information has proved significantly helpful in maintaining germplasm and to develop new
superior genotypes by selecting suitable planting material. This study revealed the morphological (qualitative & quantitative)
traits and genetic diversity for 30 grapes genotypes, which were collected from Potohar (salt range) region of Pakistan. The
data information for ampelographic (qualitative & quantitative) traits were recorded for consecutive 3 years and data was
analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) method. Further, twelve SSR markers were used for grapes genotyping.
Two SSR primers VVS4 and VVMD25 showed monomorphism in these genotypes while remaining ten SSR primers VVMD7,
VVMD24, VMC4H6, VrZAG21, VVMD32, VrZAG25, VrZAG79, VMC4F3, VMC4A1 and VrZAG62 showed
polymorphism in 30 grapes genotypes. The highest PIC value and maximum number of alleles were observed in primers
VMC4A1, VVMD32 and VrZAG62. The result also identified a synonym genotype which showed 95.83% similarity between
genotypes, BRI-001 and Sundar Khani. The Euclidean distance metric and the Ward’s agglomeration method were used in an
unsupervised hierarchical cluster analysis of all cultivars. This cluster analysis divided the genotyped into two main groups
having further classes and subclasses between them, which revealed high potential for specific breeding goals. Hence, these
data could be used for protection or patenting processes of existing or new grapes cultivars.
