Using high frequency oligonucleotides-targeting active gene (HFO-TAG) markers for genetic evaluation among genotypes (Cucurbita pepo L. and C. maxima L.)

Background Cucurbita spp . is a main source of crypto-xanthine, zeaxanthin lutein folates, and natural poly-phenolic flavonoid compounds. Collection and conservation of genetic variability are helpful in genetic advancement programs. Twenty-two pumpkin genotypes (21genotypes of Cucurbita pepo L. and one genotype of C. maxima L.) were collected from different regions of Saudi Arabia. Fifteen HFO-TAGhigh frequency oligonucleotide–targeting active gene markers were used to analyze genetic variability among 22 pumpkin genotypes. Results A total of 107 alleles were detected by the 15 HFO-TAG markers, an average of 7.133 alleles per primer. Polymorphisms were found in 102 alleles, an average of 6.866 alleles per primer. The PIC values measured from all of the HFO-TAG markers were high, and ranged from 0.8940 to 0.7225, with an average 0.8212 per marker. Conclusions The results of the cluster analysis of pumpkin genotypes were separated into seven groups according to the collection region.