Molecular characterization of leafy kale genetic resources (Brassica oleracea var. acephala L.)

Leafy kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala L.) is one of the most important Brassicaceae species with health-promoting properties and high diversity. To investigate variability within and between accessions, 12 accessions (each accession comprised four individuals/genotypes) from the Balkan area was genotyped at 12 SSR (Simple Sequence Repeats) loci. DNA was extracted from seeds, cotyledons, shoots, or young leaves, depending on the germination energy of each seed, using the MagMax (Applied Biosystems) magnetic extraction method with the BioSprint Plant Kit (Qiagen).