Detection of in silico SSR Markers Specific to Uzun and Kırmızı Cultivars in Pistachio

Abstract

In the current paper, it was aimed to detect the SSR markers that can be used in the prevention of confusion that may occur in breeding or nurseries, and directly genetically separating Uzun and Kırmızı pistachio cultivars from other commercial cultivars. A total of genotypes of 16 Pistacia vera species, one P. atlantica, one P. eurycarpa and two P. terebinthus species were obtained from the farmer's orchard in Nizip district of Gaziantep province for genetic characterization. Genetic diversity and clustering analyzes were performed with UPGMA (Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Average) and STRUCTURE 2.3.4 programs using the scored SSR loci. Genetic relationship and population structure of genotypes were defined using common and distinct polymorphic PCR fragments. Cultivar-specific markers to be used in identifying and distinguishing the genetic structure of Uzun and Kırmızı cultivars were carried out in the current research. CUPOhBa2127 marker has the highest allele number (Na=10). In addition, 11 out of 25 SSR markers were explained as cultivar-specific SSRs that can distinguish Uzun and Kırmızı cultivars. These markers can be used directly by breeders and geneticists without any preliminary screnning of the markers. A quite serious providence will be achieved in the cost and time that will occur with the preliminary analysis, and thus, the confusion that may occur in large scale orchard establishments or nurseries will be reduced to pretty low levels with DNA analysis.