Molecular characterization of some pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) genotypes with srap markers

Pomegranate is an economically important plant species used since the beginning of human history. In addition to being consumed as a fruit, it has been used medicinally since ancient times. Pomegranate juice and pomegranate extracts are used in fruit juices and fruit syrup making. Recently, the popularity of use as fruit juice is increasing. Breeding of new pomegranate varieties, which have become increasingly important in our country and in the world in recent years, are continuing according to market needs. In this study, molecular characterization of 90 pomegranate genotypes in the Pomegranate Genetic Collection of Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Cukurova University was carried out by using SRAP molecular marker technique. Genetic relationships of pomegranate genotypes were investigated by using combinations of 5 forward and 6 reverse primers. 14 primer combinations of the 30 SRAP primer combinations were found to be successful. DNA band sizes obtained from 14 primer combinations ranged from 160-1400 bp. The evaluated 14 primer combinations produced a total of 73 bands, 60 of which were polymorphic. The total number of bands obtained per primer ranged from 2 to 9 (mean 5.2), and the total number of polymorphic bands ranged from 1 to 9 (mean 4.3). It was found that the similarity rate of pomegranate genotypes was between 65-100% and they were not grouped according to their geographical origins. As a result, it was observed that pomegranate genotypes were separated from each other genetically, however the distinction was narrow genetic diversity. Key words: Pomegranate, SRAP, Genotype identification, Molecular characterization