Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, cilt.71, sa.6, ss.3151-3162, 2024 (SCI-Expanded)
Watermelon, one of the most important vegetable species in the world, is grown mostly for its fruit. However, there are also genotypes grown for their seeds in some parts of the world and that have snack potential due to their seed characteristics. This study was carried out to determine the morphological-molecular variation of edible-seeded watermelon genotypes and to identify markers associated with seed characteristics. Morphologically, 11 parameter measurements were made repeatedly. The highest value of the number of seed/fruit was determined in the HMKU-KR-15 genotype, and the highest value of 1000 seed weight was determined in the HMKU-KR-6 genotype. The lowest ease of cracking value and the highest weighted scaling score were detected in the HMKU-KR-20 genotype. In molecular research, a total of 135 bands in 24 genotypes were obtained using the inter-primary binding site (iPBS) marker technique and the polymorphism rate was calculated as 79.70%. Three main clusters emerged in cluster analysis. In structure analysis, it was determined that the genotypes consisted of two subpopulations. Seven markers were identified at levels of 29–46% related to seed characteristics. It has been determined that edible-seeded watermelon genotypes can be genetically distinguished using iPBS techniques. The results of this study can be used in breeding strategies to improve edible-seeded watermelon cultivars.