Conservation and Access to Sugarbeet Germplasm

Abstract

Conservation of the genetic resources of sugar beet has been considered a task of genebanks which collect, reproduce and preserve seed samples under cold storage conditions ex situ. Arguments are provided why the ex situ conservation of beet germplasm may not be fully sufficient to maintain the genetic diversity of beet genetic resources on the long run. Conservation techniques complementing the ex situ approach are outlined. Conservation and use of genetic resources of any crop is to be based on knowledge of the taxonomy, the distribution of species, the genetic relationship between species and the intraspecific diversity. The geographic structure of genetic diversity within the sugar beet genepool is determined by the reproductive system of a species as well as the environmental factors acting as selective forces upon the species within its natural distribution area. An update of the current knowledge on the taxonomy, distribution, habitat, species relationships, and intraspecific diversity is given. How users can access germplasm held in genebanks and the descriptive data linked with the accessions is described. Finally deficits in germplasm conservation and information management are addressed and suggestions for the improvement of the sugar beet genetic resources management are made.