Examination of genetic diversity in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) using SCoT molecular markers

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) genetic resources are of critical importance for preserving genetic diversity, ensuring the sustainability of biodiversity and establishing resilient agricultural systems against environmental challenges such as climate change and disease pressure. In this context, genetic characterization studies at the molecular level are highly significant for both the conservation of varieties and the transfer of genetic material to future generations. This study aims to determine the genetic diversity among 13 sugar beet genotypes obtained from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) gene bank and 5 commercial sugar beet cultivars (Serenada, Varias, Evelina, Jaguar, Balaban). This diversity was assessed using SCoT (Start Codon Targeted) primers. A total of 152 bands were obtained from 15 markers, of which 102 were identified as polymorphic, with an average of 10.13 bands per primer. The polymorphism rate was determined to be 67.11%. To interpret the genetic distance among Beta vulgaris L. genotypes, a UPGMA dendrogram was constructed using MVSP 3.22 software. According to the dendrogram, the lowest similarity (0.485) was observed between samples NSL 28026 and Varias, while the highest similarity (0.925) was observed between NSL 28026 and PI 175597. In addition, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed using MVSP 3.22. The PCA results revealed a homogeneous distribution and wide variation. The UPGMA dendrogram and PCA analysis were consistent with each other. Based on our findings and in line with several similar studies, it was concluded that SCoT markers are highly useful tools for assessing genetic diversity and investigating population structure.