Morphological characterization of local radish (Raphanus sativus L.) geneti̇c resources and the promising genotypes selection for fresh consumpti̇on by pedigri selection method

Radish which is among the winter vegetable species and belongs Brassicaceae family has an important share in our Türkiye. In this study, 59 radish genotypes collected from different locations of many regions, which are rich in radish genetic resources and widely cultivated in Türkiye, were formed as the initial population. The variations that reveal the phenotypic diversity in the radish population are mostly due to features such as tuber shape, tuber skin colour, tuber flesh colour, tuber weight, etc. It was aimed to determine the morphological characterization of local radish genetic resources according to UPOV (International Union for Conservation of New Plant Varieties) criteria and to determine the level of variation in terms of phenotypic diversity. In addition, it is aimed to bring promising radish genotypes suitable for fresh consumption to the economy of our country with selection breeding. In the thesis study, it was determined that radish genetic sources showed a high level of phenotypic variation in terms of morphological variation according to product segment groups. Classifications were made by applying Cluster and Principal Component Analysis to the obtained data. Dendrograms showing the relations were obtained as a result of Cluster analysis in radish genotypes according to product segments. In addition, as a result of Principal Component Analysis, the range of total variation according to radish segment groups was determined to be between 79.67-96.35%. As a result of selection breeding program in radish genetic resources, 9 promising radish genotypes were selected in different product segment groups. Three of these radish genotypes were determined as red colour type (KT2, KT9, KT22), one small red type (KT29), three white colour type (BT1, BT5, BT7) and two black colour type (ST8, ST11) radish. It will be aimed to develop local hybrid radish varieties by continuing the variety breeding program in promising radish genotypes after the thesis study.