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Journals / Black Sea Journal of Agriculture / 2026 / Cilt: 9 Sayı: 1

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Local Melon (Cucumis melo L.) Genotypes from Central Anatolia

Nursal Koca(KIRIKKALE ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0002-6332-6230
Mustafa Paksoy(SELÇUK ÜNİVERSİTESİ, ZİRAAT FAKÜLTESİ, BAHÇE BİTKİLERİ BÖLÜMÜ)0000-0002-6852-8659
Pages
36–44
Publication Date
2025-12-21
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

These findings indicate that although the molecular diversity of Central Anatolian melon populations is relatively narrow, the phenotypic variation remains valuable for breeding efforts.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is one of the most diverse species within the Cucurbitaceae family, exhibiting remarkable morphological and genetic variation across different ecological regions.
📊
Key Findings & Data:In this study, a total of 56 local melon genotypes collected from Kırıkkale, Ankara, and Kırşehir provinces of Central Anatolia were evaluated using both morphological descriptors and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers.
💡
Conclusion & Impact:These findings indicate that although the molecular diversity of Central Anatolian melon populations is relatively narrow, the phenotypic variation remains valuable for breeding efforts.
🔬Design:Araştırma Makalesi
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Cucumis melo · Genetic diversity · SSR markers

Abstract

Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is one of the most diverse species within the Cucurbitaceae family, exhibiting remarkable morphological and genetic variation across different ecological regions. In this study, a total of 56 local melon genotypes collected from Kırıkkale, Ankara, and Kırşehir provinces of Central Anatolia were evaluated using both morphological descriptors and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Morphological data revealed significant variation in fruit weight, soluble solid content (SSC), rind and flesh color, and ripening period, leading to the classification of the genotypes into three main clusters. Molecular analysis with 10 SSR loci generated 22 alleles, with an average of 2.20 alleles per locus and a mean polymorphism information content (PIC) value of 0.28. Four markers (CM05, CM16, CM21, CM55) were polymorphic, while the remaining loci showed monomorphism. The clustering based on SSR data was largely consistent with the morphological classification, although some discrepancies highlighted the influence of environmental factors on phenotypic traits. Genotypes S11 (highest fruit weight, 4360 g) and KRŞ2 (highest SSC, 10.9%) were identified as promising candidates for future breeding programs. These findings indicate that although the molecular diversity of Central Anatolian melon populations is relatively narrow, the phenotypic variation remains valuable for breeding efforts. The study emphasizes the importance of conserving local melon germplasm and integrating it into modern breeding strategies, particularly for improving quality traits and developing resilient cultivars.

Özet

Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is one of the most diverse species within the Cucurbitaceae family, exhibiting remarkable morphological and genetic variation across different ecological regions. In this study, a total of 56 local melon genotypes collected from Kırıkkale, Ankara, and Kırşehir provinces of Central Anatolia were evaluated using both morphological descriptors and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Morphological data revealed significant variation in fruit weight, soluble solid content (SSC), rind and flesh color, and ripening period, leading to the classification of the genotypes into three main clusters. Molecular analysis with 10 SSR loci generated 22 alleles, with an average of 2.20 alleles per locus and a mean polymorphism information content (PIC) value of 0.28. Four markers (CM05, CM16, CM21, CM55) were polymorphic, while the remaining loci showed monomorphism. The clustering based on SSR data was largely consistent with the morphological classification, although some discrepancies highlighted the influence of environmental factors on phenotypic traits. Genotypes S11 (highest fruit weight, 4360 g) and KRŞ2 (highest SSC, 10.9%) were identified as promising candidates for future breeding programs. These findings indicate that although the molecular diversity of Central Anatolian melon populations is relatively narrow, the phenotypic variation remains valuable for breeding efforts. The study emphasizes the importance of conserving local melon germplasm and integrating it into modern breeding strategies, particularly for improving quality traits and developing resilient cultivars.

🔖

Cite This Article

Koca, N., Paksoy, M. (2025). Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Local Melon (Cucumis melo L.) Genotypes from Central Anatolia. Black Sea Journal of Agriculture, Cilt: 9 Sayı: 1, 36–44. https://doi.org/10.47115/bsagriculture.1799864

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