Gene Flow in Sugar Beet

Gene flow is the introduction of genetic material from one population of a plant species to another, thereby changing the composition of the gene pool in receiving plant population. Interacting populations in the Genus Beta are within the species B. vulgaris, B. macrocarpa, B. atripicifolia and potentially also B. trigyna. Genetic material from sugar beet to wild or weed beet populations can be introduced via pollen, seeds or feralization of the cultivar. Human activities like seed production and seed trade contribute substantially over long distances to the amount of naturally occurring gene flow. Best management options to decrease unintended gene flow are bolter control in root production fields, and isolation distances in seed production areas.