Molecular and Morphological Characterization of Turkish Local Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) Populations

This study was conducted for molecular and morphological characterization of 28 local eggplant genotypes (so-called “Yamula” eggplant) collected from Kayseri province, 3 Kemer eggplant, and 1 Manisa eggplant genotype, commonly cultivated in Turkey. Molecular analyses were carried out with the use of 10 ISSR and SRAP primers and 30 morphological characteristics. Morphological analyses revealed the nearest genotypes as ERU 3006 - ERU 3007. The polymorphism ratio was identified as 77.36% and 73.72% with ISSR and SRAP markers, respectively. The 25 differenet characters selected from the UPOV description list were used for the morphological characterization of the accessions. While no variation was observed in “intensity of anthocyanin coloration in calyx”, the highest variation coefficient was calculated for “leaf color” and “leaf blade margin shape” (89.60% and 86.15%, respectively). When all plant parts were divided into groups, the highest variation belonged to leaf characteristics (Variation coefficient: 59.39%), followed by the plant stem and fruit characteristics (48.14% and 43.20%, respectively). Results showed that variations exist within Yamula and between Yamula and control genotypes. Present variations could be used in eggplant breeding programs. It was also concluded that regional genetic populations inhabit a wide eggplant genetic diversity which can be a good source for further breeding programs.