Abstract:

Simple sequence repeat (SSR) is a popular tool in genetic studies. Currently, only a few SSR markers are available in summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L.), whereas plenty of SSR markers have been developed in its close relative Cucumis melo. In this study, 25 SSR primer pairs from Cucumis melo were tested in summer squash. Approximately 24% of them generated repeatable and clear products in summer squash, indicating a relative high homology between genomes of the two species. Of the transferable SSR markers, 6 primer pairs generated polymorphic products in 34 summer squash genotypes with a total of 16 alleles. Based on the SSR fingerprints, a relative low level of polymorphism was detected within the materials originated from F1 hybrid commonly seen in market while a high level of polymorphism was detected in those introduced from National Vegetable Ggermplasms Resource Center（NVGRC）