Use of DNA Markers for Grape Phylloxera Population and Evolutionary Genetics: From RAPDs to SSRs and Beyond

Abstract

Grape phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae Fitch) is a major pest of cultivated grapevines (Vitis spp.), occurring in virtually all viticultural regions around the world. Different grape phylloxera strains can be found at varying levels on leaves and roots on both own-rooted plants and in plants grafted onto partially resistant rootstocks. Considering its relevance for the adequate management of the pest in infested vineyards, the analysis of its genetic diversity has received considerable attention from the scientific community in the last decades. Here, we review 25 years of DNA-based molecular markers applied to the analysis of the genetic structure and the reproductive mode of grape phylloxera in its native range and in different introduced regions. The use given to RAPD, AFLP, mtDNA sequencing and microsatellite (SSR) genetic markers for the analysis of grape phylloxera diversity is discussed, and an overview of the main findings obtained after their application to different populations collected in diverse regions all around the world is shown. Lastly, we explore how recent advancements in molecular biology and in modern high throughput genotyping technologies may be applied to better understand grape phylloxera natural diversity at a molecular level.