Abstract
The present study analysed the molecular and agro-morphological diversity in a set of 92 diverse cauliflower genotypes and two each of cabbage and broccoli. Field evaluation of the genotypes was done in randomized block design (RBD) at two locations (i.e. IARI, New Delhi and ICAR-RC-NEH Region, Barapani) during Rabi2019-20. Genotypes showed variation for all the eight observed traits at both locations and, the differences in early and snowball groups were distinct. Pusa Meghna, DC-33-8, Pusa Kartiki and CC-14 were earliest for curd initiation. Genotypes showed higher values for curd traits at Delhi. Molecular diversity was detected with 90 polymorphic simple sequence repeats (SSR). Number of alleles ranged from 1 to 9 with mean value of 2.16 and the highest polymorphic information content (PIC) value was observed for primer BoGMS0742 (0.68) with a mean value of 0.18. Cluster analysis using agro-morphological traits substantiated classification of the genotypes for maturity groups. However, SSR analysis revealed four clusters and with a composite pattern of genotype distribution. STRUCTURE analysis also supported the admixture and four subpopulations. The studyindicates for introgression of genetic fragments across the maturity groups, thereby, potential for use in further genetic improvement and heterosis breeding.
Highlights
Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L., 2n = 2X = 18) is one of the most important vegetable crops grown worldwide
Genotypes of different maturity groups had variation for phenological traits namely curd initiation, curd maturity and curd size at two locations which proved the influence of temperature on expression of these traits
Accurate identification and characterization of germplasm is important for cultivar development and breeder’s rights protection [36]
Summary
Botrytis L., 2n = 2X = 18) is one of the most important vegetable crops grown worldwide. The genus Brassica comprises of around 40 different species including Brassica oleracea. The B. oleracea represents the popular group of ‘Cole’ crops or ‘Cole’ vegetables. Cauliflower is one of the important crops of this group and being grown across the world on 1.42 million ha area having the annual production of 26.90 million tonnes. China (40.5%) and India (33.2%) holds major share [1]. Cauliflower contains glucosinolates which are responsible for its health protective properties and sensory attributes such as pungency, aroma and flavour
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