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Title: Genetic structure and gene flow in Beta vulgaris subspecies maritima along the Atlantic coast of France

Author
item Richards, Christopher
item Reeves, Patrick
item FENWICK, A. - Beet Sugar Development Foundation
item Panella, Leonard

Submitted to: Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/3/2013
Publication Date: 3/1/2014
Publication URL: http://Link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10722-013-0066-1
Citation: Richards, C.M., Reeves, P.A., Fenwick, A.L., Panella, L.W. 2014. Genetic structure and gene flow in Beta vulgaris subspecies maritima along the Atlantic coast of France. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution. 61(3):651-662. DOI 10.1007/s10722-013-0066-1.

Interpretive Summary: Locating and measuring genetic variation within crop wild relatives is an ongoing activity of gene banks tasked with conservation of seed. Without detailed information about the genetic constitution of a species, geography often serves as a reasonable representation of differentiation. With this in mind, this paper examines the genetic diversity and differences between sea beet populations collected along the Atlantic coast of France with those on Corsica, which was used as representative of sea beet types from the Mediterranean basin. The aim of this work is to identify the differentiation and diversity in this set of populations, using both molecular and botanical traits. We measured genetic variation and genetic mixture within populations along this coastal area. Results from this study revealed a complex pattern of recent gene flow and immigration from the Mediterranean basin.

Technical Abstract: Locating and quantifying genetic variation within crop wild relatives is an ongoing activity of gene banks tasked with ex situ conservation. Without detailed information about the population genetics of a species geography often serves as a reasonable proxy for differentiation. With this in mind, this paper examines the genetic diversity and differentiation Beta maritima collected along a well-studied latitudinal gradient along the Atlantic coast of France as well as Corsica, for use as representative genotypes from the Mediterranean basin. The aim of this work is to identify the scale and magnitude of differentiation and diversity in this set of accessions, using both molecular and quantitative traits. We assessed clinal variation and admixture in genetic and morphometric data along this latitudinal gradient. Results from this study revealed a complex pattern of recent gene flow and immigration on a historical biogeographic structure influence by glacial oscillations.