Molecular characterization of Coruh Valley pears (Pyrus spp.)

In this research it was aimed to characterize genetic relationship between 65 Coruh Valley pear genotypes and standart cultivars at molecular level. Pear genotypes were selected from Coruh Valley biodiversity between 2011-2012 years within the scope of the project "Investigation of Fruit Genetic Resources in Eastern Anatolian Region" which started in 1994 year. These genotypes preserved in the collection parcel in Erzincan Horticultural Research Station. Some international pear cultivars (Santa Maria, Coscia B PLMO, Williams and Kieffer) and Turkish local pear cultivars (Mustafabey, Limon, Ankara and Deveci) were used as referance cultivars. SSR method was used for molecular chracterization. SSR markers NH0021a, NH0027a, BGT23b, NH004A, KA4B and KA14 which were derived from pear genome and CH02d11, CH02b10, CH02f06 which were derived from apple genome were used because of their high polymorphism and defining properties. For 74 pear genotypes (including standard cultivars) used in the study, the average expected heterozygosity value was found 0,552, the average observed heterozygosity value was found 0,425 and the mean Shannon Information Index value was calculated as 0,892. CH02f06 loci was the most identifying loci (PIC:0,557, Shannon Information Index:1,073, FIS:0,047). Triple allelles were observed in 2 genotypes (Arpa Pear, Boşkova Pear). The genetic relationship dendogram between genotypes was constructed according to UPGMA method. In the dendogram, 6 subgroups were formed. 2 synonyms (genotypes 12-21 and 51-56) and 5 homonymous (genotypes 3-21-43, 31-41, 51-56, 57-58 and 26-38) were identified. In this research genetic relationships between Coruh Valley pear germplasm and some important standard cultivars were determined. It is considered that the obtained data will contribute to the study of next genetic origin studies, advanced breeding studies, protection of genetic diversity in terms of country economy and management of genetic resources.