Determination of genetic diversity in persimmon accessions using morphological and inter simple sequence repeat...

Area of Science:

• Plant genetics and breeding
• Horticultural science
• Agricultural sustainability

Background:

• Persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) belongs to the Ebenaceae family.
• This study focuses on 100 persimmon accessions from Hatay province, Türkiye.
• Genetic diversity is crucial for crop improvement and resilience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the genetic diversity of persimmon accessions from Hatay, Türkiye.
• To identify promising accessions for future breeding programs.
• To understand the genetic basis of morphological and pomological traits in persimmons.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 42 morphological and pomological traits for evaluation.
• Employed inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers for genetic analysis.
• Applied multivariate statistical analyses, including principal component and cluster analysis.

Main Results:

• Significant genetic differences were observed among accessions (ANOVA, p < 0.05).
• High variability was detected across most traits, with notable variation in fruit weight, length, and diameter.
• ISSR analysis revealed 128 polymorphic bands, indicating substantial genetic variation within the germplasm.

Conclusions:

• The persimmon accessions from Hatay exhibit significant genetic diversity, supporting adaptability and resilience.
• Positive correlations among traits, particularly fruit weight, are valuable for breeding efforts.
• The study underscores the importance of local germplasm for developing resilient persimmon cultivars and sustainable agricultural practices.