Molecular diversity assessment among the pomegranate genotypes belonging to diverse genetic background using microsatellite markers

The genetic diversity of 25 pomegranate genotypes, including widespread genotypes, mutants, clonal selections and wild forms, was assessed using 23 pomegranate microsatellite markers in this study. A total of 117 alleles were found, with 5.09 ± 0.47 alleles per locus on average. The number of alleles per marker (Na) ranged from 2 to 10, demonstrating that these microsatellites are highly informative. The predicted and actual heterozygosity mean values were 0.55 and 0.34, respectively. The polymorphic information content of selected SSR loci ranged from 0.08 to 0.80, with an average of 0.51, showing its usefulness in distinguishing the genotypes under study. Based on the PIC value, the locus PGKVR 153 was discovered to have the highest polymorphism levels (0.80). The 25 genotypes were divided into two main clusters and multiple sub and sub-sub clusters within the main clusters using the un-weighted pair-group method with arithmetic average (UPGMA) approach. Principle coordinate analysis (PCoA) clustering of genotypes was also consistent with UPGMA clustering. The findings confirm that the genotypes have a high genetic diversity and a broad genetic background, indicating that their inclusion into future crop breeding programmes would be successful.