Biochemical systematic, population structure and genetic variability studies among Iranian Cucurbita (Cucurbita pepo L.) accessions, using genomic SSRs and implications for their breeding potential

Abstract In this study, SSR markers were used to detect genetic diversity among and within accessions of Cucurbita pepo L. 26 landraces, belonging to four groups, were studied using 14 primers SSR, to investigate the genetic structure between accessions for different part of regions in Iran. Percentage of polymorphic loci, estimated using Nei's genetic diversity index and Shannon's information index revealed moderate or high levels of genetic variations within each landraces. Biochemical characters, including seed oil, protein, sitosterol, β-sitosterol, potassium and zinc content were evaluated among accessions. Results showed a great genetic variation for biochemical traits. Seed oil and protein content were from 26.5 to 45.8% and 21.0 to 28.6% respectively. β-Sitosterol content had a high positive correlation ( r  = 0.97) with oil content. It ranged from 15.1 to 26.5 mg/100 g oil. There was no significant difference for biochemical traits between naked seed pumpkin and vegetable marrow morphotypes.