Development of DNA markers associated with sunburn resistance in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) using bulk segregant analysis

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Production and consumption of pomegranate have been increasing in the world in recent years due to its health benefits to humans. Sunburn is an important physiological disorder caused by high temperature, light, and radiation. With the changes in climatic conditions that have occurred in recent years, the effect of sunburn is increasing and limiting the production and quality of pomegranate. Therefore, development of pomegranate cultivars resistance to sunburn is one of the main objectives of pomegranate breeding program. However, the development of a new variety takes a very long time. In order to shorten this time, molecular markers have been used in plant breeding in recent years. In this study, molecular markers associated with sunburn resistance in pomegranate fruit were developed using bulked segregant analysis technique (BSA) in a pomegranate progeny population whose morphological, pomological, and phenological evaluations were completed. Two RAPD fragments (OPAI-08-650 and OPPP-14-900) associated with sunburn resistance or sensitivity were determined and used as markers. One of these RAPD fragments was purified, cloned and sequenced to produce a more specific sequence characterized amplified regions (SCAR) marker, designated as PgSCARGYH1. The markers developed in this study will shorten the breeding process of sunburn-resistant pomegranate cultivars. In addition, it will also contribute to the increase in pomegranate production in terms of quality and quantity.