Morphologic and molecular assessments of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) landraces

In this study, 90 locally grown cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) landraces were collected and morphologically characterized using 20 descriptors derived from UPOV (International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants). Genetic diversity and relationships of the genotypes were revealed using 20 sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) marker combinations. The discrimination power of each polymorphic marker (estimated by the polymorphism information content) ranged from 0.15 to 0.99 with an average of 0.73. Dice's similarity coefficient ranged between 0.00-1.00. The cluster analysis that was conducted using the unweighted pair group method of arithmetic averages (UPGMA) for both molecular and morphologic data showed that all of the genotypes fell into two main groups and many subdivisions. According to morphological data, fruit length, diameter and weight of the genotypes were determined between 6.5 - 32.5 cm, 25 - 52 mm and, 28 - 625 g respectively. It is clear from the results, a moderate level of genetic diversity, which has the potential for broadening the genetic base, was observed among the Turkish cucumber landraces.