Morphological and molecular characterization of some cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) genotypes

In this study, it was aimed to determine the morphological, pomological, and biochemical contents of 11 cucumber genotypes of Egyptian origin and to reveal their molecular characterization. Accordingly, seeds of the genotypes were cultivated in the greenhouses of the Applied Sciences University of Isparta, Faculty of Agriculture, and 23 different characteristics of the genotypes were analyzed. As a result of the studies, it was determined that the highest fruit weight was in the Rahaf genotype (337.39 g), the highest fruit length was in the Rahaf genotype (23.257 cm), and the highest fruit width was in the Rahaf genotype (53.97 mm). Additionally, the biochemical analyses of the genotypes revealed that the highest total phenolic content was in the Madayin genotype (1938 mg gallic acid equivalent/100g), the highest total antioxidant content was in the C.5 genotype (59.253), and the highest total flavonoid content was in the Gazir genotype (752.78 m catechin equivalent (CE)/100g ). The highest Chlorophyll (a) content was in the Madayin genotype (4.33728 mg g-1), the highest Chlorophyll (b) content was in the Iskay genotype (6.59514 mg g-1), and the highest Chlorophyll (a+b) content was in the Madayin genotype (20.9215 mg g-1). Furthermore, the highest soluble solids content (SSC) was in the Hayil genotype (2.700), the highest pH determination was in the AB.47 genotype (7.5933), and the highest titratable acidity (TA) was in the Iskay genotype (0.1929). Additionally, morphological analyses of the genotypes revealed that the highest plant height was in the Iskay genotype (136.11 cm), the highest plant width was in the Ofister genotype (3.857 mm), the highest leaf number was in the Iskay genotype (44.33), and the highest number of branches was in the Sakir genotype (21.557). In conclusion, the genetic differences among different genotypes are crucial for the preservation and enhancement of genetic diversity in breeding programs. This genetic diversity allows for the development of cucumber varieties that are resilient, productive, and of high quality against diseases, pests, and environmental stresses. Furthermore, the significant differences among genotypes enable the selection of plants with desired traits for breeding programs. Therefore, there has been no scientific research conducted on the genotypes examined in the study until now. Hence, the data obtained will serve as a valuable resource for future breeding programs involving these genotypes.