Molecular characterization of promising almond genotypes obtained by selection breeding, propagation by tissue culture method, determination of their tolerance to lime and drought

This study was conducted to select genotypes thought to be resistant to drought and lime in almond populations spreading under natural conditions from Nevşehir, Niğde and Mersin-Mut regions and then to determine the level of drought and lime resistance. 9 genotypes were selected from Nevşehir, 14 from Niğde and 38 from Mersin-Mut regions. In addition, 20 local varieties and genotypes from Alata Horticulture Research Institute almond genetic resources parcel were included in the thesis study in order to compare the selected almond genotypes. The genetic relationships of all these genotypes with some Prunus species, rootstocks and varieties were investigated using 18 SSR markers. When the results of 18 primers were examined, the highest number of bands was obtained from MA014 primer with 11, and the lowest number of bands was obtained from MA040, BBCT025, BBCT021, BBCT019, BBCT016, BBCT014, BBCT012 and BBCT010 primers with 1 (average 3.38). The average polymorphic bands per primer were determined as 2.5. Eighteen SSR primers produced a total of 61 bands, 45 of which were polymorphic. The average polymorphism was determined as 33.33%. The polymorphism rate was determined as 100% in primers 1, 2, 4, 14, 16 and 18. When the dendogram was examined according to the result obtained from the SSR analysis, clustering based on Jaccard's similarity coefficient and a UPGMA revealed 2 main clusters. The Rootpac-R genotype was separated from all other genotypes and clustered on the first main branch. All other genotypes were clustered in the second main branch. The second main branch was divided into two branches. While Pabuç and Gülcan-2 were located in the first branch, all remaining genotypes except Pabuç, Gülcan-2 and Rootpac-R genotypes were located in the second branch. For stress studies, almond genotypes were grafted onto GF-677 rootstock. Some morphological and physiological parameters were examined within the scope of drought and iron testing studies in grafted seedlings. According to the results of the study, almond genotypes showed adaptation to drought and lime, but the degree of this adaptation showed significant differences among genotypes. A sterilization protocol was established for almond genotypes. Micropropagation and rooting performances were examined. An effective sterilization protocol was determined with an infection rate of 0.73%. In addition, the selected almond genotypes were protected and a garden was established in the parcel of Çukurova University Department of Horticulture. With this study, the selected almond genotypes were defined in many ways and successful results were obtained. The information obtained will help and shed light on the correct planning and execution of future breeding studies. Thus, it will enable the obtaining of almond genotypes with the desired characteristics.