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An automatic determination of grape must ingredients during the harvesting process would support cellar logistics and enables an early termination of the harvest if quality parameters are not met. One of the most important quality-determining characteristics of grape must is its sugar and acid content. Among others, the sugars in particular determine the quality of the must and wine. Chiefly in wine cooperatives, in which a third of all German winegrowers are organized, these quality characteristics serve as the basis for payment. They are acquired upon delivery at the cellar of the cooperative or the winery and result in the acceptance or rejection of grapes and must. The whole process is very time-consuming and expensive, and sometimes grapes that do not meet the quality requirements for sweetness, acidity, or healthiness are destroyed or not used at all, which leads to economic loss. Near-infrared spectroscopy is now a widely used technique to detect a wide variety of ingredients in biological samples. In this study, a miniaturized semi-automated prototype apparatus with a near-infrared sensor and a flow cell was used to acquire spectra (1100 nm to 1350 nm) of grape must at defined temperatures. Data of must samples from four different red and white Vitis vinifera (L.) varieties were recorded throughout the whole growing season of 2021 in Rhineland Palatinate, Germany. Each sample consisted of 100 randomly sampled berries from the entire vineyard. The contents of the main sugars (glucose and fructose) and acids (malic acid and tartaric acid) were determined with high-performance liquid chromatography. Chemometric methods, using partial least-square regression and leave-one-out cross-validation, provided good estimates of both sugars (RMSEP = 6.06 g/L, R2 = 89.26%), as well as malic acid (RMSEP = 1.22 g/L, R2 = 91.10%). The coefficient of determination (R2) was comparable for glucose and fructose with 89.45% compared to 89.08%, respectively. Although tartaric acid was predictable for only two of the four varieties using near-infrared spectroscopy, calibration and validation for malic acid were accurate for all varieties in an equal extent like the sugars. These high prediction accuracies for the main quality determining grape must ingredients using this miniaturized prototype apparatus might enable an installation on a grape harvester in the future.

Leaf removal (LR) treatments improve the photosynthetic capacity of the remaining leaves and induce flavonoid synthesis as a stress response in the common grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.). However, excessive exposure of grape berries to UV-B radiation as a result of cultural practices in the Mediterranean climate may have negative effects on berry composition. This 2-year study determined the effects of defoliation on the autochthonous red grape variety ‘Babica’ in a Mediterranean climate (wine-growing region Dalmatia, Croatia). Six leaves were removed before flowering (FLR) and at the end of véraison (the onset of grape ripening ; VerLR) and were compared to the untreated control. Yield parameters, sugar content, grape must pH, total polyphenols (TP), total anthocyanin (TA) content, and individual anthocyanin compounds were measured in grape skin extracts and wines. However, the greater mean daily temperature during the vegetation period and lesser rainfall before harvest in 2018 increased yield per vine, average cluster weights, density, and total acidity, compared to 2017. Both defoliation treatments significantly reduced TP in grape extracts, but these differences were not observed in wine. Compared to the control (NLR), VerLR treatment significantly reduced TA in grape skin extracts and wine. Significantly lesser TP concentrations, in grape skin extracts and wine, as well as TA were noticed during the 2017 season. VerLR treatment reduced the concentration of nine individual anthocyanins compared to the control in grape skin extracts, while this effect was not observed in wine. Season year was a statistically significant source of variability of the individual anthocyanin contents in wine. Under specific environmental conditions LR can decrease polyphenols, especially anthocyanins, and negatively impact grape and wine quality.

'Riesling Weiss' is a white grapevine variety famous worldwide for fruity wines with higher acidity. Hardly known is 'Riesling Rot', a red-berried variant of 'Riesling Weiss' that disappeared from commercial cultivation but has increased in awareness in the last decades. The question arises of which variant, white or red, is the original and, consequently, which cultivar is the true ancestor. Sequencing the berry color locus of 'Riesling Rot' revealed a new

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of defoliation performed in the Babica red grape variety on the volatile compounds in produced wine. Three treatments were performed during 2017 and 2018: the removal of six leaves before flowering (FL) and at the end of veraison (VER), as well as control (C). Volatile compounds were analyzed using a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrophotometric detector. Results were statistically evaluated by analysis of variance (ANOVA at the p = 0.05 level) and principal component analysis (PCA). Defoliation treatments were affected by the concentration of several compounds, but only in one year. The VER2017 treatment significantly increased the concentration of three aliphatic esters up to 8 C atoms and octanoic acid ethyl ester. The FL2017 treatment increased the concentration of three aliphatic alcohols. The FL2018 treatment has significantly enhanced the concentration ethyl cinnamate but decreased the concentrations of eugenol and dihydro-2-methyl-3(2H)-thiophenone. Both defoliation treatments reduced the concentration of γ-decanolactone in 2017. Aldehydes, monoterpenoles, and monoterpenes remained unaffected by the defoliation treatments. Vintage was found to be the largest source of variability for most volatile compounds under investigation, which was confirmed by PCA. The effect of defoliation in the mild-Mediterranean climate was found to mostly depend on seasonal weather conditions.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of defoliation performed in the Babica red grape variety on the volatile compounds in produced wine. Three treatments were performed during 2017 and 2018: the removal of six leaves before flowering (FL) and at the end of veraison (VER), as well as control (C). Volatile compounds were analyzed using a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrophotometric detector. Results were statistically evaluated by analysis of variance (ANOVA at the

In the middle of the 20th century, varieties of Vitis vinifera locally grown in the Balkans were crossed with varieties from Western Europe with the aim of improving wine quality. The variety 'Probus' originated from the crossing of 'Kadarka' and 'Cabernet Sauvignon' and was released in 1983. The acreage of 'Probus' has recently increased in Serbia, along with the reputation of its wine. A detailed characterisation of this variety is therefore desirable. Traits with high heritability such as phenology, leaf morphology, anthocyanin profile, and microsatellite DNA were compared between 'Probus' and its parents were compared. 'Probus' and 'Cabernet Sauvignon' showed a synchronized phenology and highly similar leaf shape. The anthocyanin composition of 'Probus' wines was more similar to 'Cabernet Sauvignon' than to 'Kadarka', due to high anthocyanin content and high relative abundance of tri-substituted monoglucosides and acetylated conjugates, which are usually associated with deeper and more durable colour during the ageing of red wines. For total anthocyanin content, 'Probus' performed even better than 'Cabernet Sauvignon' in the environmental conditions of Northern Serbia. 'Probus' has compact bunches and large berries typical of the high-yielding 'Kadarka'. DNA analysis confirmed the alleged parentage of 'Probus' and revealed the high heterozygosity of its genome, as result of the cross between distantly related parents. These results confirm that 'Probus' is a promising variety for the production of quality red wines in Southeastern Europe.

BackgroundGrapevine cultivars of the Pinot family represent clonally propagated mutants with major phenotypic and physiological differences, such as different colour or shifted ripening time, as well as changes in important viticultural traits. Specifically, the cultivars ‘Pinot Noir’ (PN) and ‘Pinot Noir Precoce’ (PNP, early ripening) flower at the same time, but vary in the beginning of berry ripening (veraison) and, consequently, harvest time. In addition to genotype, seasonal climatic conditions (i.e. high temperatures) also affect ripening times. To reveal possible regulatory genes that affect the timing of veraison onset, we investigated differences in gene expression profiles between PN and PNP throughout berry development with a closely meshed time series and over two separate years.ResultsThe difference in the duration of berry formation between PN and PNP was quantified to be approximately two weeks under the growth conditions applied, using plant material with a proven PN and PNP clonal relationship. Clusters of co-expressed genes and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected which reflect the shift in the timing of veraison onset. Functional annotation of these DEGs fit to observed phenotypic and physiological changes during berry development. In total, we observed 3,342 DEGs in 2014 and 2,745 DEGs in 2017 between PN and PNP, with 1,923 DEGs across both years. Among these, 388 DEGs were identified as veraison-specific and 12 were considered as berry ripening time regulatory candidates. The expression profiles revealed two candidate genes for ripening time control which we designatedVviRTIC1andVviRTIC2(VIT_210s0071g01145 and VIT_200s0366g00020, respectively). These genes likely contribute the phenotypic differences observed between PN and PNP.ConclusionsMany of the 1,923 DEGs show highly similar expression profiles in both cultivars if the patterns are aligned according to developmental stage. In our work, putative genes differentially expressed between PNP and PN which could control ripening time as well as veraison-specific genes were identified. We point out connections of these genes to molecular events during berry development and discuss potential candidate genes which may control ripening time. Two of these candidates were observed to be differentially expressed in the early berry development phase. Several down-regulated genes during berry ripening are annotated as auxin response factors / ARFs. Conceivably, general changes in auxin signaling may cause the earlier ripening phenotype of PNP.

Wine flavour and aroma are derived from a large range of volatile compounds (e.g. esters, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, terpenes, etc.) and their interactions. The outcome of defoliation on wine volatiles profile was associated with many factors: vegetation period, levels and zones of treatment ; as well as time and weather conditions during harvest.[1] The objective of this two years study (2017 and 2018) was to determine the effects of defoliation on grape variety Babica in condition of warm Mediterranean climate (wine- growing region Dalmatia, Croatia). Defoliation was performed before blooming (BLR), and at the end of verasion (VerLR), observing the concentrations (μg/L) several groups of volatile compounds: monoterpenes ; monoterpenols ; aromatic esters and aromatic alcohols ; aliphatic alcohols ; aliphatic esters ; aldehydes ; and ketones. Volatile compounds were analysed using gas chromatograph (GC) coupled to a mass spectrophotometric (MS) detector along with stir bar sorptive extraction with polydimethylsiloxane phase. Identification of the separated compounds was performed by retention indices and MS spectra compared with mass spectral database. Comparisons of volatile compounds concentrations between different treatments, and between years, were made using analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) with the least significant different (LSD) test used to examine the means at the p = 0.05 level. The two most abundant volatiles found in wines is 2-methyl-1- butanol and 3-methyl-1-butanol (average concentrations (175.58 and 295.03 μg/L, respectively). Treatments of defoliation significantly increased the concentrations for 2- hydroxy-propanoic acid-ethyl ester and octanoic acid ethyl ester, especially by VerLR, but only in the 2017 year.

Vitis vinifera L. has been highlighted by its many positive effects on human health, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity due to its rich phytochemical content. Removing six basal leaves has great potential to influence the production of phytochemicals. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of different terms of defoliation on the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of grape skin extracts of the Blaufr&auml, nkisch and Merlot varieties. The total phenolic concentration, total and individual anthocyanin concentration, antioxidant activity and antibacterial activity on gram-positive and gram-negative human pathogens have been determined. The study was conducted on three treatments (control treatment without defoliation, defoliation immediately after bloom and defoliation before the start of the v&eacute, raison phase). The results showed statistically significant enhancement of the total phenolic concentration as well as the antioxidant and antibacterial activity in both studied cultivars. Defoliation just after blooming was the preferable defoliation term in the Merlot variety for achieving the highest total anthocyanin concentration, antioxidant activity and significant increase of antibacterial activity against all four investigated bacteria. Defoliation before the start of the v&eacute, raison phase was the preferable defoliation term for achieving the highest total anthocyanin concentration in the Blaufr&auml, nkisch variety. In general, treatment of defoliation immediately after bloom was more beneficial compared with the defoliation before the start of the v&eacute, raison phase.

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera) teinturier cultivars are characterized by their typical reddish leaves and red-fleshed berries due to ectopic anthocyanin formation. Wines of these varieties have economic importance as they can be used for blending to enhance the color of red wines. The unique and heritable mutation has been known for a long time but the underlying genetic mechanism still is not yet understood. Here we describe the association of the red-fleshed berry phenotype with a 408 bp repetitive DNA element in the promoter of the VvmybA1 gene (grapevine color enhancer, GCE). Three different clones of &lsquo, Teinturier&rsquo, were discovered with two, three and five allelic GCE repeats (MybA1t2, MybA1t3 and MybA1t5). All three clones are periclinal chimeras, these clones share the same L1 layer, but have distinct L2 layers with different quantities of GCE repeats. Quantitative real time PCR and HPLC analysis of leaf and berry samples showed that the GCE repeat number strongly correlates with an increase of the expression of VvmybA1 itself and the VvUFGT gene regulated by it and the anthocyanin content. A model is proposed based on autoregulation of VvmybA1t to explain the red phenotype which is similar to that of red-fleshed apples. This study presents results about the generation and modes of action of three MybA1t alleles responsible for the red-fleshed berry phenotype of teinturier grapevines.

Organic acids are an important determinant for wine quality. A mapping population from a cross between the breeding strain Gf.Ga-47-42 (?Bacchus? × ?Seyval?) and the cultivar ?Villard Blanc? (?Seibel 6468? × ?Subereux?) was investigated in detail regarding differences in the acidity level of the must. The acidity profile was recorded in three consecutive years under field conditions at Geilweilerhof (Palatinate, Germany). The obtained data were subjected to QTL analysis in order to identify genetic regions involved in acidity regulation. Investigated traits included total acidity, tartaric and malic acid levels as well as pH values in musts and wines. The identification of genomic regions which carry genes with a significant influence on these traits will give new insights into the acidity characteristics of grape cultivars. Newly identified trait-linked molecular markers are intended for application in marker-assisted selection (MAS) during the breeding process. This will contribute to accelerate grapevine breeding by early selection for quality traits.

Plasmopara viticola causes downy mildew of grapevine, one of the most important diseases in viticulture. Resistance to this oomycete is present in American and Asian Vitis species, while traditional European Vitis vinifera cvs. for wine and table grape production are susceptible. Breeding aims to achieve resistance through introgression, but the molecular mechanisms are still unknown. Therefore, the differential display approach was used to detect grapevine genes involved in defense. P. viticola sporangia were applied to the lower leaf surface of in vitro plants of the resistant Vitis riparia selection ‘Gloire de Montpellier’ and susceptible cv. ‘Riesling’. Controls were treated with sterile water. Messenger RNAs extracted 12 h post infection were subjected to differential display. Seven transcripts appeared specifically induced during the incompatible interaction. Sequencing showed that they build three classes. One of them, named VRP1, represented by three transcripts of almost identical sequence but differing lengths, showed clear homology to resistance genes of the NBS-LRR type from other plants. Northern hybridizations confirmed its elevated expression in the resistant ‘Gloire de Montpellier’. Redundancy of VRP1 PCR products from V. riparia prevented PCR-walking, so the VRP1 genes were isolated from a BAC-library of the resistant cv. ‘Regent’. Three genes matching the original VRP1 sequences were found within a BAC clone carrying a 134,392 bp insertion. These were referred to as VRP1-1, 1-2 and 1-3. They encode proteins of 798, 811 resp. 813 amino acids and exhibit the structure of CC-NBS-LRR resistance genes. They were genetically mapped to linkage group 10.

International audience; Grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.) form the basis of viticulture, and are susceptible to diseases such as downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) and powdery mildew (Erysiphe necator). Therefore, successful viticulture programs require the use of pesticides. Breeding for resistance is the only eco-friendly solution. Marker-assisted selection is currently widely used for grapevine breeding. Consequently, traits of interest must be tagged with molecular markers linked to quantitative trait loci (QTL). We herein present our findings regarding genetic mapping and QTL analysis of resistance to downy and powdery mildew diseases in the progenies of the GF.GA-47-42 ('Bacchus' x 'Seyval') x 'Villard blanc' cross. Simple sequence repeats and single nucleotide polymorphisms of 151 individuals were analyzed. A map consisting of 543 loci was screened for QTL analyses based on phenotypic variations observed in plants grown in the field or under controlled conditions. A major QTL for downy mildew resistance was detected on chromosome 18. For powdery mildew resistance, a QTL was identified on chromosome 15. This QTL was replaced by a novel QTL on chromosome 18 in 2003 (abnormally high temperatures) and 2004. Subsequently, both QTLs functioned together. Additionally, variations in the timing of the onset of veraison, which is a crucial step during grape ripening, were studied to identify genomic regions affecting this trait. A major QTL was detected on linkage group 16, which was supplemented by a minor QTL on linkage group 18. This study provides useful information regarding novel QTL-linked markers relevant for the breeding of disease-resistant grapevines adapted to current climatic conditions.

A set of 47 SNP (single nucleotide polymorphisms) markers (Cabezas et al. 2011) was tested for their usefulness to improve a genetic map from the cross of GF.GA‑52-42 x 'Solaris' previously established with SSR markers (Schwander et al. 2012). 55.3 % of the SNPs showed informative segregation and 26 SNP markers were localized on 16 of the 19 linkage groups of grapevine. Five chromosome regions with large gaps of recombining SSR markers could be equipped by positioning a SNP marker there. One SNP marker, VV10992, was found linked to the major resistance locus Rpv10 and should be applicable for marker-assisted selection., VITIS - Journal of Grapevine Research, Vol. 54 No. 1 (2015): Vitis

North American Vitis labrusca vines carry properties such as disease resistances, morphological cluster ad berry traits or flavors which make the species interesting for grapevine breeding. Using it as a source for resistance breeding, undesired metabolic properties like off-flavors will also be inherited. On the other side, organoleptic analysis revealed also interesting flavor expressions. This study aimed at characterizing genetically and morphologically 21 V. labrusca hybrid accessions available in the germplasm collection at Geilweilerhof as well as defining their relations. Genetic fingerprinting was conducted by SSR marker analysis. For phenotypic characterization, mainly leaf and bunch morphology were considered. Furthermore total anthocyanin and phenol content of the berry skins were analyzed. The juices were examined concerning quality determining parameters. Amongst others, data of the sugars, acids and aroma compounds were obtained. Additionally, sensory evaluations were performed by an experienced test panel. Data for 18 of the accessions from Geilweilerhof are also available in the USDA database at Geneva, United States. Both sets of data were compared in terms of genetic fingerprint and morphology. This comparison elucidated some inconsistencies suggesting misnaming of some accessions in the germplasm collection of the Institute for Grapevine Breeding Geilweilerhof. But also formerly supposed ancestries were confirmed to be incorrect as the pedigree `Concord´ x `Catawba´ for the variety `Caco´. These findings enrich our knowledge about genetic resources of V. labrusca and put it closer to be used in grapevine resistance breeding.

INTRODUCTION – Common limits for phenotyping are costs in terms of equipment, specialized researchers, and time. Moreover, phenotyping requires specific methods in relation to the studied traits, and each method is generally designed to highlight very specific characteristics of the singular trait. Thus, the obtained results are not easily comparable between different institutions. However the data sharing is clearly the most powerful approach to limit the costs and efforts optimizing the obtained results in term of number of studied accessions. It should be stressed that funds are another great limit in research, especially in East countries, where the most interesting cultivar variability is preserved. 28 AIMS AND SCOPES – The main purpose of this work is the establishment of a phenotyping network able to produce comparable data among the Pan-European grapevine collections. MATERIALS AND METHODS – Two protocols were proposed: one for phenology and, the other, for enocarpological traits. Data were recorded in two consecutive vintages: 2012 and 2013. Concerning phenology, the extended BBCH scale (universal and flexible) was adapted to our objects by moving it into a chrono- phenological scale. Then, a cubic curve was selected for modelling the phenological courses. Thus, computing for each accession specific coefficients, it was possible to obtain the relative phenograms. Considering the different site climatic conditions, it was possible to spatialize the results, obtaining reference phenological maps. Concerning eno- carpological traits, the attention was focused on characteristics with a clear impact on the production quality, such as berry morphology (weight, diameters, number of seeds …) and composition (sugar, titratable acidity, anthocyanin and phenolic contents …). The protocol was organized to concatenate the data acquisition, with the objective to generate new derived variables. The methods were selected to be easily reproduced in all the involved collections, without the necessity of expensive facilities. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS – The first year of dataset was used to evaluate the methods. Two publications are already available confirming the protocols quality. Concerning phenology, both the variability between accessions grown into the same collection and the phenological shifts between the reference varieties cultivated in different areas were highlighted by the protocol. Matching climatic and phenological information of reference cultivars, phenophases maps were obtained. The performances obtained by the eno-carpological protocol were satisfactory both in a global point of view and in a singular collection evaluation. The project obtained an impressive participation, considering the volunteer contribution without any material funding to cover the work costs. Twenty-four institutions collaborate to the data collection. 1724 accessions were evaluated: 931 (583 in 2012 and 348 in 2013) for phenology and 793 (424 in 2012 and 369 in 2013) for eno-carpological descriptions. CONCLUSIONS AND POSSIBLE APPLICATIONS – The protocol sharing allows the data comparison among different grapevine collections. The possible future application for this dataset could be related to scientific studies of genetic associations. Moreover, the improved knowledge of minor and neglected cultivars could have a direct impact on the industrial production, giving information concerning new varieties for future introduction in viticultural areas.

A population derived from a cross between grapevine breeding strain Gf.Ga-52-42 and cultivar ‘Solaris’ consisting of 265 F1-individuals was genetically mapped using SSR markers and screened for downy mildew resistance. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis revealed two strong QTLs on linkage groups (LGs) 18 and 09. The locus on LG 18 was found to be identical with the previously described locus Rpv3 and is transmitted by Gf.Ga-52-42. ‘Solaris’ transmitted the resistance-related locus on LG 09 explaining up to 50% of the phenotypic variation in the population. This downy mildew resistance locus is named Rpv10 for resistance to Plasmopara viticola. Rpv10 was initially introgressed from Vitis amurensis, a wild species of the Asian Vitis gene pool. The one-LOD supported confidence interval of the QTL spans a section of 2.1 centi Morgan (cM) corresponding to 314 kb in the reference genome PN40024 (12x). Eight resistance gene analogues (RGAs) of the NBS–LRR type and additional resistance-linked genes are located in this region of PN40024. The F1 sub-population which contains the Rpv3 as well as the Rpv10 locus showed a significantly higher degree of resistance, indicating additive effects by pyramiding of resistance loci. Possibilities for using the resistance locus Rpv10 in a grapevine breeding programme are discussed. Furthermore, the marker data revealed ‘Severnyi’ × ‘Muscat Ottonel’ as the true parentage for the male parent of ‘Solaris’.

The oomycete Plasmopara viticola is one of the most important pathogens of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.). All traditional European cultivars used for wine production are highly susceptible. Therefore a great quantity of fungicides is necessary to enable high quality production of grapes. Newly bred resistant cultivars generated via marker-assisted selection (MAS) are a major contribution toward reducing fungicide applications for more sustainable viticulture. Identification of specific markers linked to resistance loci is crucial to facilitate high throughput screening in a breeding program. Many North American Vitis species carry resistance genes due to co-evolution with Plasmopara viticola. Some Asian Vitis species also exhibit such resistances although their evolutionary origin is not yet understood. Among others, the two loci Rpv3 (American origin, e.g., ?Regent?) and Rpv10 (Asian origin, e.g., ?Solaris?) have been identified in earlier studies. Analysis of the genomic DNA sequence of ?Solaris? at the Rpv10 locus and ?Villard Blanc? at the Rpv3 locus revealed several candidate genes which might be responsible for the expression of resistance against Plasmopara viticola. These candidates include six genes with protein domains similar to resistance proteins known from other plant species. The aim of the study is the elucidation of the cellular defense mechanisms and the development of gene-linked markers for high throughput screening in grapevine breeding.

Marker-assisted selection is an important tool of current grapevine breeding which aims to improve cultivars for more sustainable viticulture. Markers genetically linked to traits of interest are hence required. These can be identified by QTL (quantitative trait loci) analysis scanning genetic maps elaborated from controlled crosses for marker genotypes correlating with segregating phenotypes. Major traits of interest are resistances to pathogens like powdery and downy mildew (Erysiphe necator resp. Plasmopara viticola) of leaves and fruits. In addition, phenological traits have recently acquired special attention. Breeders wish to select grapes with a better defined “window” of ripening time as ripening behavior affects both pathogen susceptibility and fruit quality. Ripening time needs to be considered within the context of the climate change debate. To identify genomic regions carrying loci affecting resistance traits and ripening time we constructed a genetic map using 151 individuals from the cross of grapevine breeding line Gf.GA- 47-42 (‘Bacchus’ × ‘Seyval’) with ‘Villard blanc’ (‘Seibel 6468’ × ‘Subereux’). Both parental lines are resistant to powdery and downy mildew and vary considerably in “véraison” time as an indicator of ripening. While Gf.GA-47-42 is rather early, ‘Villard blanc’ exhibits middle to late “véraison” and this trait segregates clearly in the cross. Linkage/recombination analysis for map construction was based on more than 350 simple sequence repeat (SSR)-derived markers. Many of these loci were newly extracted from the Vitis reference genome sequence of PN40024 (http://www.genoscope.cns.fr/externe/GenomeBrowse r/Vitis/). In addition, the mapping included 210 newly developed SNP (single nucleotide polymorphisms) markers. A subset of these was analyzed with two different techniques permitting to assess the reliability of SNP genotyping with both methods. The resulting map was scanned for QTL influencing powdery and downy mildew disease resistance and the time of “véraison”. Several major QTL were identified.