Measurement and Classification of Genetic Variability in Horseradish1

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Abstract
The genetic variability of 20 cultivars of horseradish, Armoracia rusticana Gaertn., Mey., & Scherb., was measured and classified. These cultivars were chosen from a gene pool containing over 400 cultivars, and collectively they appeared to represent the extreme and intermediate forms of variability found in horseradish. Two methods of classification were compared. One classification was based on 2 highly diagnostic characters that showed the extreme and intermediate limits of the germplasm in the form of a scatter diagram. The other classification was based on 40 characters. For this classification methods of numerical taxonomy were used to show the germplasm complex by scatter diagrams and phenograms. The two classifications appeared to be equal in defining the extreme limits of the genetic variability. The main area of disagreement was found among the relative positions of the intermediate forms or genotypes. The use of scatter diagrams as an aid to the selection and conservation of genetic variability for future use is discussed.

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