Genetic diversity in gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa), as estimated with SSR markers

• Two hundred forty two gooseberry accessions were analysed by 15 SSR markers enabling the identification of 153 unique genotypes. The genetic diversity indicated a slightly negative assortative mating as expected for an outcrossing species. Cultivars that have been wide spread in cultivation sweden had large number synonymous samples. studied genotypes clustered into four posterior groups corresponding to three priori anticipated groups: old cultivars, modern eastern and additional northern swedish cluster. Pedigrees cultivars confirmed supported true-to-typeness involved accessions. Additionally likely parent-parent-offspring relationships identified. European ( Ribes uva-crispa L. ) is popular berry crop many countries, including Sweden, Denmark Ukraine. There no active breeding programme either Sweden or Denmark, but successful operating In research on gooseberries primarily focused collection phenotypic evaluation resources. As part these activities, inventory finds collected not yet characterised morphologically molecularly. goal this study was thus characterise germplasm with simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. From 242 analysed, widespread such Finnish ‘Hinnonmäen Keltainen’ Punainen’, relatively numbers While identifiable synonyms known several found constitute within studied. well groups, consisting originating before after American mildew Sphaerotheca mors-uvae outbreak around 1900 from territory former Soviet Union. A fourth cluster mainly central also addition, it possible verify recorded stipulated parentages some identify parent-parent-child trios. Thus, inventories local subsequent genotyping proved finding genotypes, potential adaptation. data obtained provide foundation future studies resources, while illustrating importance well-curated phenotypically set reference studies.