Uncovering the Genetic Identity and Diversity of Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) in La Palma Island (Canary Archipelago, Spain) Through SSR-Based Varietal Profiling and Population Structure Analysis

The primary challenge facing modern agriculture, including viticulture, is the impact of climate change. The scientific community recommends exploring and utilizing both inter-varietal and intra-varietal variability of local grapevines within each region. The goal is to prioritize planting local varieties over international and imported ones to mitigate the effects of climate change. Within this context, La Palma Island has undertaken a comprehensive assessment evaluating its viticultural heritage. A total of 96 individuals were collected and subjected to genotyping utilizing 20 simple sequence repeats (SSRs). This analysis yielded 44 unique molecular profiles, of which 3 represent new varieties reported for the first time (Aromatica Eufrosina, Cagarruta de oveja, and Viñarda rosada). Additionally, fourteen previously unreported mutations were identified, of which two contain triallelic SSRs. Consequently, the present population of local grapevines on La Palma Island comprises seven varieties (Albillo criollo, Aromatica Eufrosina, Bienmesabe tinto, Cagarruta de oveja, Gual Mazo, Sabro, and Viñarda rosada). The Bienmesabe tinto variety is possibly an interspecific cross. The varieties Aromatica Eufrosina and Viñarda rosada also presented somewhat particular behavior. The distinctiveness of this grapevine population from La Palma Island reinforces the notion that the Canary Archipelago represents a significant center of grapevine biodiversity. The volcanic activity of Tajogaite (2021) did not have a significant impact on grapevine biodiversity on the island.