Estimation of genetic diversity in a collection of the Garden Beet Group

In the present study diversity in a collection of the Garden Beet Group, consisting of 40 accessions from the BAZ Gene Bank and Polish cultivars, was evaluated in a two-year field trial. Thirteen morphological and yield traits were evaluated as well as content of betanin, vulgaxanthine, sugars, and nitrates in root tissue. The study revealed that accessions characterised by circular root shape and dark red skin, flesh and ring colour were the most common. It was also possible to identify several highly distinct accessions. The results allowed to assess genetic diversity and to make suggestions on rearranging of the Garden Beet Group core collection, which was previously set up a priori. Accessions showing a high nutritional value, potentially useful for quality breeding, were indicated.