M.A. Lodhi and B.I. Reisch

Theoretical and Applied Genetics 90:11-16 (1995)

Abstract

Nuclear DNA content was analyzed in Vitis species, hybrid cultivars and genera of Vitaceae using flow cytometry. Significant variation was found among Vitis species, hybrids and other genera of Vitaceae (Ampelopsis and Parthenocissus). DNA content was estimated to range from 0.98 to 1.05 pg/2C within V. labrusca (ns) and 0.86 to 1.00 pg/2C within V. vinifera (ns). Genotypes from Vitis and Parthenocissus were similar in nuclear DNA content (approx. 1.00 pg/2C) whereas they differed significantly from Ampelopsis (1.39 pg/2C). No correlation between DNA content and center of origin of genotypes of Vitaceae was noted. Based on the present study, Vitis genome size is 475 Mbp, 96% of which is non-coding. Knowledge of DNA content is useful in order to understand the complexity of the Vitis genome and to establish a relationship between the genetic and physical map for map-based cloning.