(GATA)4 DNA fingerprinting identifies morphologically characterised �San Marzano� tomato plants

Currently, registration, protection and breeding of the San Marzano tomato cultivar rely on a number of morphological descriptors. Its correct identification is essential in order to preserve this variety, which is highly valued and known worldwide, from an increasing number of similar cultivars with inferior organoleptic features. However, the identification of this cultivar on the exclusive basis of morphoagronomic traits has some intrinsic limits and therefore, molecular signatures are required to efficiently discriminate plants and their fruits, and to characterize and make profitable use of the traditional accessions. The phenotype and genotype of 25 San Marzano tomato accessions cultivated in the traditional area are characterized, along with the most popular peeling tomato cultivars, using a combination of DNA molecular analysis and morphological descriptors. (GATA)4 DNA fingerprinting proved to be a powerful tool for the analysis of the San Marzano cultivar and in the description of the genetic inconsistencies present in the locally cultivated traditional San Marzano collections.