| Popis: |
Background Plant genetic resources constitute the most valuable assets of countries. It is of great importance to determine the genetic variation among these resources and to use the data in breeding studies. Cucurbita maxima species in the cucurbitaceae family have high genetic diversity, but its genetic diversity at the molecular level is inadequately characterized. Methods and Results To determine the genetic diversity among genotypes of Cucurbita maxima species of squash, which is widely grown in Erzincan, 14 different squash genotypes collected were examined based on the morphological parameters and molecular characteristics. SSR (Simple sequence repeat) markers were used to determine genetic diversity at the molecular level. The analysis of morphological characterization within genotypes showed a wide variability in morphological traits of plant, flower, fruit, and leaf. Seven SSR markers yielded a total of 23 polymorphic bands, the number of alleles per marker ranged from 2 to 5, and the mean number of alleles was 3.286. Polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.00 (GMT-M61) to 0.202 (GMT-P25), and the mean PIC value per marker was 0.130. Cluster analysis using Nei's genetic distance determined that 14 genotypes were divided into 3 major groups. Conclusions The SSR markers used were effective in distinguish among similar winter squash or pumpkin and therefore can be beneficial for consideration of Cucurbita maxima species diversity, screening of genetic resources and their selection. |
