Assessing the Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of a Tunisian Melon (Cucumis melo L.) Collection Using Phenotypic Traits and SSR Molecular Markers

The assessment of genetic diversity and structure a gene pool is prerequisite for efficient organization, conservation, utilization crop improvement. This study evaluated the population 24 Tunisian melon accessions, by using phenotypic traits eight microsatellite (SSR) markers. A considerable among accessions was observed many characters including those related to agronomical performance. All microsatellites were polymorphic detected 30 distinct alleles with moderate (0.43) information content. Shannon’s index (0.82) showed high degree polymorphism between genotypes. heterozygosity (0.10) less than expected (0.12), displaying deficit in because selection pressure. Molecular clustering analyses based on SSRs separated into five groups an intermixed landraces breeding lines belonging different botanical groups. Phenotypic two main clusters sweet non-sweet melon; however, more precise inodorus, cantalupensis, reticulatus subgroups obtained combined phenotypic–molecular data. discordance molecular data confirmed negative correlation (r = ?0.16, p 0.06) as revealed Mantel test. Despite these differences, both markers provided important about germplasm, allowing correct use future programs. Together they provide powerful tool agricultural conservation tasks.