Sugarbeet germplasm lines selected from crosses between cultivated sugarbeet and wild Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima from the United Kingdom

Authors: Campbell, Larry; Fugate, Karen

Submitted to: Journal of Sugar Beet Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/13/2017
Publication Date: 10/10/2017
Citation: Campbell, L.G., Fugate, K.K. 2017. Sugarbeet germplasm lines selected from crosses between cultivated sugarbeet and wild Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima from the United Kingdom. Journal of Sugar Beet Research. 54(1-2):20-34.

Interpretive Summary: It is generally acknowledged that sugarbeet has a narrow genetic base and that genetic diversity is necessary for continued improvement. However, introgression of wild beet germplasm into sugarbeet requires considerable time and resources to recover the root shape, yield, and sucrose concentration of current adapted cultivars. This report describes nine sugarbeet germplasm lines that were selected from crosses between a sugarbeet breeding line and nine wild relatives of sugarbeet originating from England, Wales, and the Channel Islands. The sucrose concentration of the nine germplasm lines ranged from 13.1% to 14.3%, compared to 14.8% for an adapted hybrid. The 4-year average recoverable sucrose concentration of the nine germplasm lines was 89% of the recoverable sucrose concentration of an adapted hybrid. The average root yield of the nine germplasm lines was approximately 75% of the root yield of two adapted hybrids. When used in the development of advanced breeding populations, these lines will contribute to a broadening of the genetic diversity within the commercial sugarbeet crop. The infusion of genes from these and other exotic sources into breeding populations may expand the limits of improvement through selection and produce parental lines with enhanced combining ability.

Technical Abstract: It is generally acknowledged that sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) has a narrow genetic base and that genetic diversity is necessary for continued improvement. However, introgression of wild beet germplasm into sugarbeet requires considerable time and resources to recover the root shape, yield, and sucrose concentration of current adapted cultivars. This report describes nine sugarbeet germplasm lines that were selected from crosses between a sugarbeet breeding line and nine Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima accessions originating from England, Wales, and the Channel Islands. The sucrose concentration of the nine germplasm lines ranged from 131 g kg-1 to 143 g kg-1, compared to 148 g kg-1 for an adapted hybrid. The 4-year average recoverable sucrose concentration of the nine germplasm lines was 89% of the recoverable sucrose concentration of an adapted hybrid. The average root yield of the nine germplasm lines was approximately 75% of the root yield of two adapted hybrids. When used in the development of advanced breeding populations, these lines will contribute to a broadening of the genetic diversity within the commercial sugarbeet crop. The infusion of genes from these and other exotic sources into breeding populations may expand the limits of improvement through selection and produce parental lines with enhanced combining ability.