Use of RAPD markers to analyze the genetic variability of a collection of Brassica oleracea L.

In order to preserve the wide genetic diversity of Brassica oleracea L., various French local landraces have been collected by MRA (Rennes). The organisation of the genetic variability of the populations was studied with different kind of markers to constitute a core collection. A first analysis was performed with 50 RAPD markers on a representative sample of 45 populations. Different genetic distances were compared. The Jaccard and Dice similitude-based distance was chosen for which the best fit between a priori and a posteriori grouping was found using UPGMA. In this preliminary classification the three main crops of the collection (winter cauliflower, cabbage and kale) were clearly separated and subgroups corresponding to biological cycle length for cauliflowers and to different morphological and geographical types for cabbages were resolved. The kale group was the most difficult to structure.