Genetic Diversity Study of Melon Native Landraces Using ISSR Markers in Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Considering the ancient cultivation of various numbers of melons, it seems that there is a valuable and rich gene pool of melon in Kifri city of Kurdistan region of Iraq. In this research, the genetic diversity of 15 indigenous melons of Kifri and 7 non-native melons was analyzed using inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. A total of 6 primers were used to amplify parts of the genomic DNA of the samples. Genomic DNA was extracted using Salting out method, and polyacrylamide gel was used to separate DNA fragments. In this study, 65 bands were scored and 34 bands had polymorphisms. To evaluate the genetic similarity between the samples, cluster analysis was used using the Jaccard similarity coefficient with the UPGMA method. The average genetic distance between the samples using the Jaccard similarity coefficient was 0.74, and the average polymorphic information content (PIC) was 0.78. The primer (AC)8 G had the highest PIC (0.93). Cluster analysis indicated wide range of diversity across the genotypes used. These genotypes have high diversity which could be used in breeding programs.