Genetic diversity of Beta-complex assessed by RAPD markers

The genetic diversity and the relationship among Beta-complex, including a collection of 40 sugar beet varieties, 85 weed beets (coming from 4 populations) and 10 individuals of sea beet were evaluated using random amplified polymorphic DNA markers. Different metrics were used to access genetic diversity. A total of 221 different polymorphic amplification products were obtained using 30 selected decamer primers. Cluster analysis based on similarity matrix divided the studied accessions into three main clusters according to their origin - sugar beet, weed beet and sea beet. There was no significant genetic variation between Beta species (2.8%, P < 0.065, AMOVA). On the other hand, the significant differences were found among populations within group (29.4%, P < 0.0001, AMOVA) and within populations (67.8%, P < 0.0001, AMOVA). The pattern of genetic variation in the Beta - complex is apparently related to its ability to cross pollinate on species level.