Published in Scientific Papers. Series B, Horticulture, Vol. LXVIV, Issue 2
Written by Mirela Irina CORDEA, Mihaiela CORNEA-CIPCIGAN, Doina CLAPA, Ioana MOLDOVAN, Lehel LUKACS, Rodica SIMA, Alexandru-Ioan APAHIDEAN, Rodica POP, Ioana POP, Costel VÎNĂTORU, Bianca MUŞAT, Camelia BRATU, Monica HÂRŢA
This study evaluates the genetic diversity of nine tomato genotypes using SCoT (Start Codon Targeted polymorphism) molecular markers and assesses their acidity and Vitamin C levels to determine nutritional properties. Among the primers analyzed, 11 generated 118 bands, of which 78 were polymorphic, with polymorphic band percentages ranging from 60% to 80%. The average polymorphic information content (PIC) was 0.29, with the highest value for SCoT 10, while the mean diversity index (H) and marker index (MI) were 0.360 and 3.40, respectively. Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) divided the genotypes into two main groups and revealed a moderate-high level of similarity between the analysed varieties clustered in the same group. Acidity levels ranged from 0.21% in Kumato Nero cv. to 0.73% in Claudia cv., while Vitamin C content varied between 11.03 mg/100 g (Kumato Nero cv.) and 17.11 mg/100 g (Matilda cv.). Kumato Nero exhibited the lowest Vitamin C and acidity levels, suggesting high consumer acceptance. This research highlights the importance of assessing genetic diversity and also nutritional value, providing valuable insights for future breeding programs to improve tomato traits.
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