Initiated in 2005, the Swiss Vitis Microsatellite Database (SVMD) aimed at setting up an online database containing the genotypes of all grape cultivars, rootstocks and wild grapevines growing in Switzerland, in collaboration with Agroscope Changins-Wädenswil ACW and the computer science department (IIUN) of the University of Neuchâtel. Switzerland is one of the countries with the highest density of cultivars in the world (> 100 varieties for 15'000 Ha). Dr. José Vouillamoz analysed 555 samples at six microsatellite markers usually genotyped for grape identification (VVMD5, VVMD7, VVMD27, VVS2, VrZAG62, VrZAG79). After discarding identical genotypes, the SVMD contained microsatellite data for 171 Vitis individuals (103 cultivars, 20 interspecific hybrids, 16 rootstocks and 32 wild grapevines) freely available at:
http://www.unine.ch/nccr/svmd. In addition to the genotypes, the SVMD reports a) the source where the sample comes from, b) the berries colour, c) the species within the genus Vitis, d) the pedigree, when available, e) the area of cultivation in Switzerland (in hectares) and f) the most common synonyms. Queries can be made by names, synonyms or allele size, and all accessions can be listed alphabetically. Differences in allele size with other labs can be harmonised with the genotypes of four standard cultivars ('Cabernet Sauvignon', 'Syrah', 'Pinot', 'Chasselas') routinely provided. Thus, the SVMD can be helpful for the harmonisation of grape collections. It offers a useful tool for the selection of material in research against pathogens or other biotic or abiotic stress, and for breeding programmes. It also offers a reliable service for identification of Swiss and international grape varieties and rootstocks where ampelography reaches its limits (early stage of development or individuals with diseases).
