Determination of characteristics and molecular characterization of table plum (Prunus cerasifera Ehrh.) genotypes selected in Mersin province

This study was carried out on Can plum (P. cerasifera Ehrh.) genotypes growing in the natural environment in Mersin province and where the population is dense. Fruit quality criteria, fruit biochemical contents, morphological and phenological observations of the genotypes and molecular characterization of the genotypes were examined in the fruits of the selected genotypes between 2022-2025. As a result of the selection studies carried out in the first year, 31 genotypes were selected and 3 genotypes were included at the end of the second year and 34 genotypes were selected in total. The harvest dates of the genotypes varied between April 25 and September 6, and the total water soluble dry matter content ratios were between 7.10% and 20.44%. The highest antioxidant content was 1532.53 (mg/100 g) FeSO4 in genotype '34'. The highest phenolic content was measured as 1912.00 mg/100 g GAE in genotype '14'. Genetic relationships of plum genotypes were determined using SRAP (Sequence-Released Amplified Polymorphism) markers. In the study, 12 different combinations were tested using a total of 19 primers. It was determined that the total number of DNA bands per primer obtained as a result of SRAP analysis varied between 5 and 9, and the number of polymorphic DNA bands varied between 4 and 8. The total number of DNA bands was 80 and the total number of polymorphic DNA bands was 65. The genetic similarity index of the genotypes ranged between 0.44 and 0.92 and the genetic diversity value was 80.86%. In this study, many different characteristics of the selected plum genotypes were determined and successful results were obtained. These results will guide future breeding studies and will be useful for the protection of our genetic resources. In addition, it is thought that it will be useful to protect the prominent genotypes by grafting them on suitable rootstocks in order not to lose them and then to determine their field performances. Keywords: Prunus cerasifera, Molecular, Selection, Antioxidant, Can plum