IDENTIFICATION OF CICHORIUM INTYBUS L. AND THEIR PHENETIC RELATIONSHIP REVEALED BY RAPDS

Abstract

Hydroponic forcing is commonly used to produce F1 hybrids of chicory (Cichorium intybus L. var. foliosum Hegi). A reliable method for cultivar identification in chicory is necessary at the seed and root level (protection of the chicory grower) as well as on the head tissue (protection for consumer and export). Cultivars cannot be distinguished from each other using morphological characteristics. Genetic polymorphism, generated by the use of RAPD markers, was tested in its efficiency for cultivar identification. RAPD analysis was performed on 24 commercial F1 hybrids used in hydroponic forcing (Cichorium intybus L. var. foliosum Hegi), 10 chicory cultivars for traditional forcing in soil, 2 red chicory cultivars (Cichorium intybus L. var. endivia), 4 industrial chicory cultivars used for inulin production (Cichorium intybus L. var. sativum) and 7 green-hearted chicory cultivars (Cichorium intybus L. var. foliosum). Based on 23 primers, it is now possible to separate the different chicory varieties and cultivars. Although a high similarity between chicory cultivars and varieties does exist, clear grouping of the different Cichorium intybus L. varieties was observed. It was concluded that RAPD is a valuable technique for cultivar identification in chicory especially for positive identification.