Evaluation of the genetic diversity of pomegranate accessions from Turkey using new microsatellite markers

Abstract

Turkey has many valuable genetic resources for pomegranate; however, there have not been many studies on the identificationand characterization of these important genetic resources. New microsatellite markers were used to characterize a set of 78 pomegranateaccessions from Turkey. Using six SSR primers, a total of 41 alleles were characterized with an average of 4.6 alleles per locus andmean probability of identity (PI) value of 0.366. These data indicated a high level of polymorphism in pomegranate germplasm. Fivesynonymous groups could be detected among 30 accessions. This microsatellite-based key is a first step towards a database for markerassisted identification of pomegranate accessions in Turkey. The present study provides essential information to devise a pomegranatecore germplasm collection without duplication of plant material, to sustainably manage pomegranate breeding programs, and toestablish conservation strategies for preserving local pomegranate genetic resources.