Assessment of genetic diversity of selected tartary and common buckwheat accessions

Abstract

Genetic diversity of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture is a unique and irreplaceable source for further crop genetic improvement. The aim of this paper was the field evaluation of buckwheat genetic resources in the Czech Republic. In the case of the 77 common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.) genotypes, most had reddishgreen stems (80%), cordate leaves (82%), white flowers (87%), and grey ovate achenes (44% and 57%, respectively). Vegetative growth duration ranged from 104 to 131 days. The 1000 seed weight (TSW) varied from 18.6 to 33.2 g. In the 15 tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.) genotypes, there were no remarkable differences in morphological traits. Vegetative growth duration was 101 to 148 days, and the TSW varied from 8.10 to 20.0 g. Similarity/dissimilarity dendograms were calculated using the results of the field evaluation. Principal component analysis was also performed. The dendrograms showed high diversity in the morphological and phenological characteristics evaluated. Performance of the buckwheat varieties, particularly, their developmental stages, depended highly on the weather conditions of the year. Only days to flowering seemed to be affected by variety. Because the evaluation was made according to the IPGRI buckwheat descriptors the characteristics are compatible with data from other gene banks.