Analysis of Genetic Diverity Among Different Melon Accessions Using Peroxidase Gene Markers

Abstract

Plant peroxidases encoded by a broad multi gene family have important roles in many physiological events such as salt tolerance, auxin metabolism, seeding, protection against pathogens and oxidative stress. In this study the genetic diversity and population structure of 45 different melon (Cucumis melo L.) genotypes from a variety of regions in Turkey and different countries were investigated using peroxidase gene polymorphism markers. 12 polymorphic primers were used to obtain 97 scorable bands for the 45 melon genotypes. Of these bands, only 62.9% were determined to be polymorphic. The number of bands per primer ranged from 6 to 11 and the average number of bands was 8.08. The lowest and the highest polymorphism information contents (PIC) were 0.49 (Pox 12 FaRa) and 0.99 (Pox 13), respectively. The mean PIC value was 0.75. The lowest genetic similarity was found between CU-365 (conomon) and CU-247 (0.143), on the other hand, the highest genetic similarity was observed between CU-360 (cantalopensis) and CU-389 (cantalopensis) (0.875). Using the STRUCTURE computer program, all melon accessions were determined to separate into two subpopulations. These results support the usability of the PDX gene marker system in genetic diversity studies. Also, the data obtained are considered to be a guide for other studies to be performed on melons in the future.