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Assessing the Diversity of Beta vulgaris L. ssp. maritima (Sea Beet) Populations in Egypt

Authors :
Asmaa A. Abdelhameed
Wafaa M. Amer
Najla A. Al Shaye
Mahmoud O. Hassan
Walaa A. Hassan
Source :
Plants, Vol 13, Iss 22, p 3152 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

Sea beet (Beta vulgaris L. subsp. maritima (L.) Arcang.) is a wild member of the Amaranthaceae family and a progenitor for all the cultivated beets (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris). It is a source of stress-resistant genes, contributing 21 valuable traits to sugar beet through multiple breeding approaches. Despite its importance, the core morphological diversity of sea beet within the Egyptian Mediterranean coastal region has not yet been thoroughly explored. The field observations indicated notable morphological diversity among sea beet populations. This study investigated the morphological diversity of six sea beet populations along with their associated soil and climatic conditions in their primary habitats. Our morphometric investigations identified two varieties: Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima var. glabra, characterized by glabrous, erect, larger basal leaves, and Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima var. pilosa, distinguished by its hairy, prostrate form with smaller basal leaves. These varieties exhibited differences in their spatial distribution, showing high variations at the inter- and intra-population levels as well as the variety level. Soil parameters significantly influenced population morphological variability, which demonstrated a strong positive correlation with soil organic carbon. Our results highlight the need for precise survey and molecular characterization to secure these potential genetic resources from alteration and loss, especially in coastal habitats that are particularly sensitive to future climate change.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
22237747
Volume :
13
Issue :
22
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Plants
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.50e2c8234a134b8eb22b19f0a6f4f7a2
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13223152