Determination of Genetic Diversity in Some Pumpkin Genotypes Using SSR Marker Technique

Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) is one of the important vegetables in the Cucurbita genus of the Cucurbitaceae family. DNA markers can be used in the selection studies carried out on vegetables. Microsatellite DNA sequences, which are a very good source of polymorphisms for eukaryotic genomes, are used in the investigation of genetic diversity, the creation of genetic maps and variety determination. In this study, genetic characterization determined by using 16 SSR markers in 47 pumpkin genotypes. A similarity coefficient between 0.68-1.0 was determined between genotypes. It was determined that three genotypes clustered separately from the others. It was concluded that SSR (Simple Sequence Repeats) markers are a good choice for assessment of genetic diversity and differentiation between genotypes. As a results of this study genetic structures of the pumpkin genotypes, important data were obtained that can shorten the duration of breeding studies.