SCoT marker-based evaluation of genetic diversity in selected walnut (Juglans regia L.) accessions

İngilizce (OpenAlex)

This study investigates the genetic diversity among different walnut (Juglans regia L.) genotypes using the SCoT (Start Codon Targeted) marker system. A total of 136 bands were obtained from 15 markers, of which 106 were polymorphic, with an average of 9.07 bands per primer. The SCoT markers yielded a polymorphism rate of 77.9%. In order to interpret the genetic distance among Juglans regia L. genotypes, a UPGMA dendrogram was constructed using MVSP 3.22 software. According to the resulting dendrogram, the lowest similarity (0.593) was observed between samples W6 and W26, while the highest similarity (0.970) was observed between W1 and W4, followed by 0.962 between W4 and W5. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was also conducted using MVSP 3.22. The PCA results revealed a homogeneous distribution and wide variation. The UPGMA dendrogram and PCA analysis were consistent with each other. The SCoT analyses conducted on walnut genotypes provide highly valuable information for assessing the level of genetic diversity, understanding population structure and selecting superior individuals. Such studies contribute to the conservation of genetic resources and support the development of new cultivars with high yield, disease resistance and strong adaptation to climate change in future breeding programs. Based on this study, SCoT analyses demonstrate that the Sivas province constitutes an important genetic diversity reservoir and that walnut genotypes possess rich genetic variation.