Characterisation of novel simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for melon (Cucumis melo L.) and their use for genotype identification

The objectives of this study were to provide a set of useful simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, to characterise them, and to demonstrate their ability to detect polymorphisms across diverse genotypes of melon. A total of 183 SSR markers were developed in melon from libraries enriched for (CA)(n), (CT)(n), (AAG)(n), and (ATG)(n) repeats. The efficiency of marker development was highest in the CT library. The efficiencies of the CA, AAG, and ATG libraries were similar, and approx. 60% of that of the CT library Dinucleotide motifs were observed more frequently than trinucleotide motifs. Approx. 50% of CA/TG motifs and approx. 30% of CT/AG motifs exhibited a repeat number greater than ten, while most other motifs showed a repeat number of less than ten. Fifty primer pairs were selected at random and used to evaluate polymorphisms among 19 melon accessions representing seven varieties. All 50 markers were amplified successfully in the majority of accessions, and 42 rnarkers were polymorphic among the 19 melon accessions. All polymorphic markers could detect variation between at least two accessions belonging to the same variety, with polymorphic information content values ranging from 0.10 - 0.96. The SSR markers developed were variable and transferable and will be valuable molecular tools in melon breeding programmes.